While selling our own products to stores, from our art collective The Whiteout, we found some products did great while some never got reordered. The buyers never told us why. They were either too busy or we didn't feel it was their place to give advice. And we felt too awkward to ask. Our goods had entered the product void.
A nudge towards retail readiness could have quadrupled everyone's business. We designed wholesale platform designed to bring this conversation upfront, so sourcing ceases to be a mystery and instead the fun it's intended to be.
Co-Founder, CEO
Vinit worked with retail brands Nike, Xbox Target and recently startup Box. He believes their secrets of feedback, data, and retail strategy can be applied to drive up the fortunes of makers. While selling his own products to stores, he realized the relationship between indie designers and retailers is, what's the word, dysfunctional. It's time to fix this.
vinit@skue.coCo-Founder, CEO
Vinit is artist partner at junk rescue collective The Whiteout. His collections rotate at boutique galleries and stores in San Francisco and LA. It's during these interactions where he realized the relationship between indie designers and retailers is frankly, what's the word, dysfunctional. It's time to communicate.
vinit@skue.coCo-Founder, Design Chief
Spencer's art, inspired by travels to South East Asia, has been featured at galleries in the Bay Area. He's also worked as an art director on creating interactive experiences for NIKE, Xbox, Gap. While setting up an art collective in Seattle, he saw the struggles of artists on their path to getting their work noticed.
spencer@skue.coCo-Founder, design chief
Spencer's art, inspired by travels to South East Asia, has been featured at galleries in the Bay Area. He's also worked as an art director on creating interactive experiences for NIKE, Xbox, Gap. While setting up an art collective in Seattle, he saw the struggles of artists on their path to getting their work noticed.
spencer@skue.coCTO
Wei is a computer scientist with 11 patents (suck it trolls). His discoveries span data analysis and software architecture. While gaining a deep mastery of code, he trained his artistic side, learning new dance forms that use technology to dynamically inspire new dance movements.
wei@skue.coCTO
Wei is a computer scientist with 11 patents. Yes, suck it trolls. His discoveries span data analysis and software architecture. While gaining a deep mastery of code, he trained his artistic side, learning new dance forms that use technology to dynamically inspire new dance movements.
spencer@skue.coadvisor, retail strategy
Before she opened her own home decor and gifts store 'Whistle' in Inner Richmond, Katie worked for 12 years as a buyer at the Gardener learning from the best in the business. The maker movement is lucky to have Katie on its side, her expertise in buying and indie retail is a secret weapon for competing against mass market sameness.
ADVISOR, RETAIL STRATEGY
Wei is a computer scientist with 11 patents. Yes, suck it trolls. His discoveries span data analysis and software architecture. While gaining a deep mastery of code, he trained his artistic side, learning new dance forms that use technology to dynamically inspire new dance movements.
spencer@skue.coproduct / software engineer
Sean is coder of all languages and master of all. Well, React and Nodejs are the top of the list. He is also trained under the storied guidance of Wei and although works from his home city of Shanghai, feels very much like he's next to us, sharing Wai Lam Pau from across the table.
github: lixuanxianPRODUCT / SOFTWARE ENGINEER
Wei is a computer scientist with 11 patents. Yes, suck it trolls. His discoveries span data analysis and software architecture. While gaining a deep mastery of code, he trained his artistic side, learning new dance forms that use technology to dynamically inspire new dance movements.
spencer@skue.coThe maker movement is no longer part of some fringe economy. Great talent on our side counts as a win in our uphill battle against commoditization and mass market retail. To join this fight, get in touch with us at info@skue.co
Through our wholesale platform, we aim to create meaningful ways for designers to not only sell but experiment, design and tweak products that create joyful experiences. Here are few things we're doing and some we have planned:
Feedback from seasoned retailers
One-on-one meetings with buyers
Wholesale workshops
Special grants for emerging designers
Design contests judged by industry leaders
Brand audit camps
The focus on improving design will create more demand for better, more desirable and sustainable goods.
For questions and inquiries:
VINIT PATIL
vinit@skue.co
Direct
5105176630
Office
404 Bryant Street
San Francisco, CA