A Detroit manufacturer tries retailing. But sometimes the hardest part about growing your business isn't collapsing ceilings or managing inventory. It's learning to let go.
Bethany Shorb is the founder of Cyberoptix. Her fashionable and subversive ties have been a cult favorite for fans like retired Apollo astronauts and celebrities like Chris Hardwick and Talking Heads frontman David Byrne. And she just launched a retail store in Detroit called Well Done Goods.
I was curious about the challenges of expanding into retail, and what she's learning now that she's on the other side of the table. She has a few pointers for growing brands and aspiring artisans. We also get a virtual tour around the east side of Detroit, and hear about the city's crazy ride since she moved there two decades ago. She shares some tales about opening a store amidst Detroit's ageing infrastructure, including steam explosions, people dying, and ceilings caving in. But the hardest part about growing her business? Learning to let go. It's hard when you have high standards, and Bethany shares her journey and some approaches she's learned along the way.
For more information, photos, and links about this episode, check out:
Show notes http://makeitinla.org/bethanyshorb
Cyberoptix https://www.cyberoptix.com/
Well Done Goods https://welldonegoods.com/
Tom Sachs' 10 Bullets video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49p1JVLHUos
The views expressed on The Art of Manufacturing podcast are those of the guests, and not our sponsors or partners.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Are You A Charlotte?
In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.