Tosin Ige
Atlanta, GA (USA)
Role(s):
Founder/Owner/Principal
Merry Blvd
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Startup
Location:
Atlanta
Industry:
Design
Year Founded:
2011
Number Employees:
1-10 people
Business Stage:
Growth (not profitable)
Entity Type:
Not Incorporated
Description:
Merry Blvd is a start-up company that makes custom lampshades and other home goods from hand-printed fabrics as well as commercially available fabrics. Our goal is to make quality and unique products that people are happy to have in their homes. This inspired our company name which is our twist on "happy street." Every home has a lamp and most lamps come with a shade. However, while the options of materials available to make lampshades are virtually limitless, the store choices are quite shabby. We can also wire lampshades to hang as ceiling/pendant lighting. Our target customer will be interior designers, fabric store shoppers with mid- to upper level income homes. We will also appeal to customers interested in unique, local and handmade products. We have the ability to make custom prints using either the screen-printing or block-printing process. This gives us a rollover into the commercial sector. We will be able to provide shops and businesses such as restaurants and retail stores with lamps bearing their logos or other custom designs. We have sources for wholesale quality ground fabric such as premium linen, cotton and hemp materials. Printing our own textiles allows us to make other finished products such as pillow cases, kitchen towels, dog beds etc. The possibilities are endearing but we believe in a reverse funnel method of starting with a limited number of product options and expanding to others with growth.
Funding will go mostly towards continued studio rent, tools, materials and supplies. The initial goal is to produce a good amount of samples for showings and store placements. Further marketing strategies will be discussed with potential investors. A "controlled release funding" strategy is suggested. Investor only provides funding as justified needed with up to $10,000 accessible. Local Atlanta investors are preferred but others are welcome too.