The eco changing robe

Interview with Anna, founder of Smoc Smoc.

Meet founder of ‘Smoc Smoc’, Anna, who used Bridge & Stitch for expertise to source fabrics and UK factories and create tech packs for sampling and production. Back in 2020, Anna recognised the need to streamline her business and increase capacity of production. Bridge & Stitch helped Anna from design to production, improving quality and finish of product, and implementing a supply chain to handle increased quantities for her growing business.

What were the challenges?

Smoc Smoc is a made in the UK eco-conscious brand selling bamboo changing robes, great for wild swimmers and paddle boarders with eco values to help reduce micro waste. 3 years ago, In lockdown, everyone was outside in nature trying new things and enjoying local areas. Paddleboards and stand-up boards had sold out and we knew it was time to develop my brand which at the time was a side-line to my full-time job.

I could only make robes in tiny quantities back then, 5 every 2 weeks, and was always out of stock. People won’t wait. I needed to go to the next level. We were looking for a UK manufacturer. UK Manufacturers are a closed network. Ringing around, and getting info wasn’t easy. They said we needed samples and used terminology, I was out of my depth. I took to trawling the Net and found Bridge & Stitch who ticked all the boxes. We chatted with founder Rachael who talked us through our needs. It was very daunting up to this point, but Rachael set us at ease with her expertise, it was just what we needed.

The solution

Initially, we needed tech packs and I didn’t know what that was. I handed the task to Rachael and the project management in April 2020 to take it to the next level. Rachael gathered my brand requirements and categorised our garments for manufacturers. She met with factory owners and machinists and created a ‘tech pack’. Rachael made sure we shortlisted the right fit for our collection. Robust and waterproof material machinists. She whittled requirements down and created a shortlist.

I got samples back and chose my manufacturer. Rachael helped me build a relationship with them while remaining close by for questions. My manufacturer made another sample to gauge how quickly they could make each garment to cost for production.

After costings and production, I continued to project manage things on my end and used Bridge & Stitch as my trusted advisor for sourcing materials like fabrics and zips and tweaking tech packs. Bridge & Stitch also helped with local suppliers. I had a bamboo supplier in Asia but then found a better supplier in Europe on quality, supply issues, delivery times, and carbon footprint.

There was a stumbling block in lockdown sourcing Velcro, but since then we’ve kept up with demand and are rarely out of stock. I sell online to the UK and overseas to Australia and the US. Sales in other continents are growing steadily. We sell online and in 4 independent shops tagged on to water activity centres, one in Scotland that sells gifts.

Bridge & Stitch benefits?

The biggest benefit of Bridge & Stitch is their expertise. Without them launching a clothing line was far too big to handle alone. Their extensive supplier network and lovely rapport are other big plus points.

Rachael is a pro, she’s super-efficient and wholly transparent. Bridge & Stitch keeps me informed with regular updates, progress meetings, and aftercare. Their door is always open if I need to chat about a change to a tech pack or discuss fabrics.