Now that the designing and validation phase of our side hustle for Leadership and Innovation are complete, Sunishka and I are ready to begin production. This production phase involved figuring out costs, purchasing material, and creating a methodical system to create.

Costs

At the beginning of this project, each of us received $50.

To calculate the costs that we will face with continuing this business, we decided the best method was to find multiple versions of the materials we need, record them on an excel spreadsheet, then choose the best materials fitting our price range. Once making a list of the amount of each type of material we would need, we began searching online at stores within Perth. This was specifically so we could cut further costs such as shipping if we ordered from somewhere outside of Perth. Shops including Spotlight seemed quite expensive for the materials we were thinking of, so we decided to see what other options there are online. On Amazon, there were a variety of materials including those shown below that might have been ideal, but we really weren’t sure without first seeing them in person.

The main issue we found was looking for zips. Since our measurements were 44cm per zip, there aren’t many that come in that size. The only options were to purchase more expensive zips that are a little longer but we can physically check out in a store or online zips where you cut to the size you want but they don’t look as reliable, sturdy or aesthetic. I wasn’t sure what the best option was, so decided to go to Spotlight and see what they have to offer and if it meets our requirements. Luckily, multiple of our needed items were on sale so we could adjust our prices, allowing for more money to go towards getting better quality zips. I would have preferred if both myself and my partner could have gone to Spotlight to collectively decide on our best choices, but since only I could go, I decided to make an agreement with a third party. My Mum would personally by all potential materials that we could use, and once being able to decide with Sunishka, we buy off the parts that we decide we do want to use. This agreement provides further possibilities including that I didn’t have to make up my mind on my own, we can visualise the colours and materials first before using our money and that we can purchase the material at a lower cost without having to worry about the sale ending. Below shows the current costs list, but due to our new found flexibility, if we find cheaper options for some materials, we can choose to purchase that instead.

Purchasing Material

As mentioned above, since a third party was first purchasing the materials and then we pay them what we use, I was able to get a couple possible options to be able to discuss with Sunishka. This involved getting two different coloured zips and thread to get her opinion. So far, we have decided to go with the white zips and thread. Also, it was by chance that we were accidently not charged for the 2 metres of mesh that was purchased, as shown by the blank space for cost in the list above. Since I was making decisions on what to initially purchase by myself, I only got half the zips and fabric we need to make our products. This is so that we can then get the other half at a later date and can put more thought into other potential colours. Apart from these two materials, we have everything else that is needed for the manufacturing of our product. Below shows a couple images of what we have.

Manufacturing

We are now at the stage of actually creating our products. We have decided that accuracy is key in this step, so will be taking it slow and steady. So far, we have only lined up, traced and numbered all the parts that need to be cut out from the fabric we have. Below shows an image of this. We decided to add sticky notes labelling each part of the fabric. All number 1’s will make one pouch, 2’s will make a second pouch and so on. This system is designed to ensure we don’t forget any pieces, use the wrong piece or loose any. Although this is the only step we are currently up to, both Sunishka and I plan on continuing to form systems designed to keep us organised and prepared. Since we have so many parts to consider and watch out on, it is crucial that we can keep on track with what we need to do to make our product.

Next Steps

From here, we need to continue on manufacturing our product. We will also need to make advertising and posters for when market days start to approach. We will need to email the people who filled in our survey to provide first choice to them. I would like for us to also make our stall look aesthetically pleasing to gain customers in future markets. Our long term plan is if we do not sell all the products we make, we could put them in Runway, a location where anyone can buy it any time. This provides less pressure of trying to only sell at school markets during lunchtime. Our side hustle still has a long journey ahead, but I am excited to see where it leads to.