Lessons From My First Drop
After introducing LEI Vintage to the public, there are so many things I wish I had known beforehand. While this process has been incredibly exciting, it has also come with obstacles and to be completely honest, I have thought of walking away. I am sure anyone who has done something similar will relate, but with all of this being said, the most important part at this stage is to learn.
The first lesson I learned was about timing. I got ahead of myself and assumed that having a website and inventory meant I was ready to launch my first drop. While it’s often better to put something out into the world rather than let inventory sit, I should have waited a few more weeks, or even months, before moving forward.
Missing details early on is common, but in my case, it was the bigger things you don’t always think through. Photos need to be taken in good lighting and you can not always rely on your sibling to be the model. Content needs to be engaging enough to generate views. Website traffic matters if you want to collect emails and build momentum for future campaigns.
This is just a small portion of the never-ending list of things that quickly became overwhelming. Building a business takes time. Ensuring everything is in place internally before your first launch can make all the difference.
Another major lesson was the importance of having marketing strategies in place well before using them. While it may sound obvious, strategies and aesthetics tend to shift constantly when you’re building a new brand. Because of this, creating Instagram posts and deciding what to film for TikTok often felt daunting. I assumed I could come up with ideas on the fly, and while some content performed well, much of it didn’t. On days when I lacked direction, I wouldn’t post at all, and engagement would drop as a result.
Moving forward, I’m creating a clear posting schedule to ensure consistency and maintain a cohesive aesthetic across platforms.
Lastly, I learned an important lesson about sourcing. When looking for pieces, it’s easy to get carried away by a good deal or how much you personally love an item. There were times when I purchased pieces I would never wear simply because the price was great, or items I loved that weren’t in the best condition. This led to a buildup of inventory I didn’t truly need. While some items were returned, others weren’t, and even with extra care, they ultimately weren’t right for the brand. Staying true to the style and aesthetic you want to curate is essential, and it’s important to remember that it’s okay to walk away from something.
Overall, I’ve learned so much from this first drop, and I know there will be many more lessons to share after the second. This has been an incredible experience, and I’m so excited to continue this journey. Just remember: it won’t be smooth sailing from the start. You have to believe in yourself and trust the process.
