Today we’d like to introduce you to Leigh Goodwyn.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I founded LeighDeux in 2012 when my daughter and I had difficulty sourcing beautiful bedding in the XL twin size. We wanted to have a headboard made but couldn’t decide exactly how to do that with a lofted bed. So we designed a pilllow shaped like a headboard, monogrammed it and suddenly everyone in her dorm wanted one.
Then we began designing matching duvets and shams in colorful prints. We added long bed skirts and accessory pillows all designed and made in North Carolina. In 2014 we launched LeighDeux.com. Now our collections are sold all over the world for both college and home.
Our company is mission-driven too. A percentage of every sale supports scholarships for women in entrepreneurship.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Early on the struggle was simply this… how do we get it made and how do we find American made manufacturers who will work with us? Sourcing was the most challenging obstacle. Finding mills to take on your work is next to impossible when you are a start up. Manufacturers don’t want small runs. They want large orders
Navigating the ever-changing world of e-commerce was another challenge. Keeping up with the algorhythm updates, digital marketing and advertising standards and social media strategies were frustrating. Ideally you hire an amazing digital media company to support you but that takes a significant monthly retainer.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Initially we feared our business could potentially close during Covid, because if colleges shut down or became virtual no one would need dorm decor. But it was the opposite. Our business actually soared during Covid. We were able to pivot. We began making face masks in all of our signature prints and were one of the earliest to market. We could hardly meet demand. Then with everyone spending all this time at home they began redecorating. We blew through most of inventory. The only issue was staffing shortages at the mfg level. Production began to take much longer. Lead times grew.
Pricing:
- Most items under $250
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Www.LeighDeux.com
- Instagram: @leighdeux
- Facebook: @leighdeux
- Twitter: @leighdeuxdorm
- Youtube: @leighdeux
Image Credits
LeighDeux
