In this episode we’re going through Claire’s journey on creating the beautiful world of Moodelier, how she launched and got her first true fans and her top pieces of advice.

 Let’s get straight into this episode, this is Claire for Female Startup Club.

A Fashion and Marketing Background

Claire started her career in fashion and marketing, wearing many creative hats as a photographer and stylist. Throughout her experiences, she noticed a recurring challenge: a lack of beautiful, accessible shapes for product photography and events. It became clear to her that the industry needed something fresh and unique, so she decided to take the plunge and create her own line of products.

Imagine this: Claire in her cozy San Francisco apartment, brainstorming ways to tackle this issue. The thought of manufacturing these pieces herself began to take shape. Not only did she want to create tools for other creators, but she also envisioned them as beautiful home decor. The pieces were born from this vision, combining utility and aesthetic appeal.

The Pandemic Push

When the pandemic hit, it threw everyone for a loop, and freelancing became particularly challenging for Claire. It was during this tough time that she realized she needed to act on her dream. She couldn’t just provide the tools; she had to back them up with knowledge. This led her to create a platform that offered a holistic approach to creativity—a space where creators could connect, share experiences, and learn from each other. It’s such a unique concept that there’s really nothing else like it on the internet!

Navigating Manufacturing Challenges

One of the biggest hurdles Claire faced was figuring out manufacturing. She had to communicate with different factories, trusting her gut along the way. The reality of manufacturing is that many factories tend to overpromise, so Claire learned to build a buffer into her plans. Developing a new product takes time, but for her, it was worth the effort to create something original rather than sourcing from places like Alibaba.

Creating a unique product and brand identity is essential for longevity in business. However, she’s found that running a sustainable business involves constant reinvestment. To avoid putting all her eggs in one basket, Claire developed various revenue streams. She emphasizes that operating a business is often much more challenging than launching one, but with determination and strategic planning, it’s entirely possible.

The Launch and Marketing Strategies

When it was time to launch Moodelier, Claire relied heavily on her network, knocking on doors and reaching out for support. This strategy helped her gain exposure and marketing traction. She’s learned that adapting her marketing approach based on feedback is crucial for staying motivated and moving forward.

As Claire continues to grow her brand, she’s exploring TikTok as part of her marketing strategy. After years of relying on certain methods, she realized that what worked in the past might not serve her now. She’s experimenting with new tactics like reels and video content while also getting involved in more in-person events. Having distributors to carry her products has also become a key part of her marketing mix.

Embracing Norby

Claire discovered Norby through Bulletin, and she was immediately impressed by its aesthetic appeal for creating a link-in-bio page. Initially, she thought it would be just another tool, but as she explored more, she realized Norby is much more than that. It’s a comprehensive marketing platform that includes SMS, sign-up forms, and email marketing—all in one place!

This year, Claire is excited to implement a "Hype Girl hotline," where followers can sign up for motivational texts and casual chats. It’s a fantastic way to engage her audience while embracing the text-side of marketing.

Claire’s Top Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

If you’re bootstrapping a brand today, Claire has some solid advice: figure out a strategy for TikTok. It’s a fantastic way to market your brand without incurring any costs.

When it comes to building a brand story and messaging, Claire recommends diving into the many resources available today—especially on platforms like TikTok.

Claire’s journey is a reminder that with creativity, resilience, and a willingness to adapt, you can build something beautiful and meaningful. If you’re looking to launch your own brand, take notes from Claire's experiences and don’t be afraid to reach out for support along the way.

You can catch the full conversation with Claire on the latest episode of Female Startup Club, where she shares even more insights and tips for aspiring creators.