Imagine starting something because you needed it, and then it turns out, so did thousands of others. That's the story of gc2b, a spark of necessity that ignited a revolution in comfort and identity for countless people, all begun by Marli.
In a world where being yourself can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, gc2b emerged not just as a company but as a beacon of hope and empowerment. Marli, a visionary who saw beyond the one-size-fits-all solutions, founded gc2b to break new ground. They didn't just make another product; they created a key to self-expression and confidence for many.
This isn't just a tale of a business kicking off; it's about recognizing a gap,and filling it with passion, innovation, and a deep understanding of the community's needs. Join us as we dive into the journey of gc2b and Marli, from a personal quest for comfort to becoming a pioneering force in gender-affirming wear, reshaping the landscape one binder at a time.
Marli Washington: Absolutely, Chris. My journey began from a personal need for a chest binder that I couldn't find in the market. Despite trying various methods, including taping and multiple sports bras, nothing worked for me. Leveraging my experience and that of others, I was determined to create a chest binder that was not only effective but also comfortable and safe. This led to the founding of my company, catering to thousands who shared the same need.
Marli Washington: Sure. After graduating at 22, I dove into creating my company, initially seeing it as a side project. However, it quickly evolved into something much larger. The main challenge at the start was keeping up with demand; we would often run into backorder issues because we just didn't have enough inventory. Our growth was erratic, not the steady climb I anticipated. It was influenced heavily by media exposure or when influencers discovered us, causing our order numbers to jump significantly overnight.
During the first seven years, we were constantly trying to scale up to meet this unpredictable demand. Then, COVID hit, presenting a whole new set of challenges. We saw a massive spike in orders, and at the same time, we had to ensure our team's safety and adapt to the changing landscape. It was a tough period, but it also allowed us to pause and reflect. Now, for the first time, we're in a position where we can plan for the future more effectively. We've weathered the storm, learned a great deal, and are now poised for strategic growth.
Marli Washington: Chris, back when we started in 2014, Instagram was the go-to platform. The trans community wasn't as visible, and influencers, though not widely termed as such, were pivotal. I established our business page and began teasing our product since there were no significantly visible binder companies at that time. My approach was hands-on; I personally reached out to people in the community, sending hundreds of messages at night, after my day's work. I’d tell them about our launch, ask them to follow us, and even sent product samples to those with a considerable following.
The response was overwhelming. People loved how the product addressed a real, pressing issue for them. It wasn't just about creating another product; it was about solving a life-altering problem for many in the trans community. Gender dysphoria is a serious matter, and having a product that can alleviate that, even slightly, meant we were offering something beyond a mere commodity. This direct impact on improving individuals’ lives helped us gain recognition and build a following early on.
Furthermore, my education in product design and human-centered design was integral. We introduced a unique product equipped with new, effective technology tailored for genuine needs. This starkly contrasted the landscape now, filled with drop-shipped items and existing products, making originality harder to achieve. Initially, our distinct approach and solving a specific community problem helped us stand out, laying the foundation for our early success.
Marli Washington: Absolutely, Chris. Our first major breakthrough came from an article on Autostraddle, a platform catering to the queer community, including trans men, nonbinary folks, and lesbians. They published a piece titled something along the lines of "a gushing review of this magical binder," which propelled us forward and significantly boosted our momentum. I'm not entirely sure if Autostraddle is still around, as they faced some financial challenges, but that exposure was pivotal for us.
Marli Washington: My motivation has evolved over time. Initially, it was about defying the odds as a trans person of color without a business background, hoping to inspire others in my community. That drive remains, but now, having children has deeply influenced my perspective. The birth of my son last July, and my daughter the previous year, has added a new layer of determination. Despite the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship and personal challenges, my focus is on growing the business and laying a foundation for the next decade. It’s about creating a lasting legacy for my family, something that reignites my passion and guides my vision forward.
Marli Washington: 2023 presented its set of challenges, Chris. It was a tough year, especially coming off the back of our banner year in 2021. We had scaled up significantly to meet demand, and then to see the pace slow down was something entirely new for us. Additionally, I took some time off for paternity leave, prioritizing my family's well-being and my own mental health. But I've returned with a renewed focus, aiming to broaden our product range, including launching a patented product and initiating a rebrand. This year, we're zeroing in on our strengths in design and innovation, aiming to pivot back to what initially fueled our success, rather than just keeping up with operational demands.
Marli Washington: The most crucial piece of advice I can offer is to maintain balance. There's a natural inclination in entrepreneurship to push hard all the time, but it's essential to pace yourself for the marathon, not just the sprint. Prioritize your health and well-being, ensure you have a robust support network both inside and outside of your business, because the success and health of your business are directly tied to your personal health. If you neglect this balance, it will inevitably reflect on your business's performance and sustainability.
