elephant.md

Arlem The Label: March 2026 Relaunch Strategy

@NickBrooks-ks3lspecs
arlem

From Handmade to Scaled - The Complete Playbook

Document Version: 3.0 (Supplier-Integrated Edition) Created: December 12, 2025 Updated: January 8, 2026 Relaunch Target: March 15, 2026 Prepared for: Nick & Emily Brooks


Document Navigation

SectionPriorityWhat’s New in v3.0
Executive SummaryRead FirstUpdated with supplier strategy
The Big PictureStrategicNew production model
Supplier StrategyCriticalNEW - Ollko & Julie Zhu
Competitor IntelligenceStrategicNEW - Stealth strategy
Product StrategyCoreStatement cushion launch
Financial ProjectionsPlanningUpdated COGS & margins
90-Day Relaunch PlanExecutionUpdated with supplier timeline
Channel StrategyTacticalSEO, Instagram, Email
Risk AssessmentCriticalUpdated risks
Quick ReferenceDaily UseAction checklists

Executive Summary

The Transformation

MetricBefore (2024)After (2026)Change
ProductionEmily handmadeOllko/Julie manufacturedScaled
COGS per unit$140 AUD$93-118 AUD-17 to 34%
Gross margin63%69-76%+6-13pp
Capacity~180 units/year5,000+ units/year27x
Revenue target$35K/year$125K/year3.5x
Competitor threatUnknownLow (niche owned)Validated

The Strategic Breakthrough

Discovery: Ollko Textiles (Shenzhen) is ilovelinen.com.au’s supplier.

This changes everything:

  • Access to identical fabric quality as established competitor
  • Proven manufacturing for Australian premium market
  • Can match or exceed competitor quality at lower COGS
  • Neither ilovelinen nor selah+stone sell bedhead cushions - you own an uncontested niche

Key Decisions Made

DecisionChoiceRationale
Primary supplierOllko (Michelle Li)ilovelinen quality, bedding expansion possible
Insert supplierJulie Zhu (high volume)30% cheaper than Ollko at scale
Production modelManufacturer-madeEmily designs, Ollko produces
New productStatement cushion (ruffled edge)Unique differentiator competitors can’t copy
Competitor strategyStealth modeBuild niche dominance before they notice

The Numbers at a Glance

MetricCurrent2026 TargetPath to Get There
Monthly revenue$0$8,000-10,00020-25 units/month
Annual revenueDormant$100,000-125,000Supplier-enabled scale
Gross margin63%72% (blended)New COGS structure
Profit per unit$239$275 (blended)Supplier + price optimisation
Email list01,500+Lead capture
SEO position#7.8#1-3Content velocity

Immediate Actions (This Week)

PriorityActionOwnerWhy Now
1Approve Julie insert sample when arrivesEmilyQuality gate before bulk order
2Approve Ollko cover sample when arrivesEmilyQuality gate before bulk order
3Place Julie insert order (100 pcs, sea freight)Nick50-60 day lead time for March
4Finalise statement cushion colourwaysEmilyOrder with cover batch
5Begin Instagram reactivation (post “we’re back”)EmilyAlgorithm recovery takes 4-6 weeks

The Big Picture

What Arlem Was (2022-2024)

A handmade bedhead cushion business:

  • Emily made every cushion by hand in Adelaide
  • COGS: $140-150 per unit
  • Capacity: ~15 units/month maximum
  • Revenue: ~$12,500 total over 2 years
  • Paused: August 2024 due to pregnancy

What Arlem Becomes (2026+)

A designer-led bedroom styling brand:

  • Emily designs, Ollko manufactures
  • COGS: $93-118 per unit
  • Capacity: 500+ units/month possible
  • Revenue target: $100-125K Year 1
  • Launch: Statement cushion with ruffled edge (unique to market)

The Production Transition

2024 MODEL (HANDMADE)
├── Emily sources fabric locally ($50)
├── Emily sources fill locally ($40)
├── Emily sews cover (~2 hours)
├── Emily assembles insert (~1 hour)
├── Emily packs and ships
└── COGS: $140/unit, Capacity: 180/year

2026 MODEL (MANUFACTURED)
├── Ollko produces covers ($32-36 USD)
├── Julie produces inserts ($10.76 USD)
├── Air/sea freight to Australia
├── Emily QCs, packs, ships
└── COGS: $93-118/unit, Capacity: 5,000+/year

Why This Works

FactorEvidence
Quality maintainedOllko supplies ilovelinen.com.au (established brand)
Customers don’t ask0 of 145 DM conversations mentioned “handmade” specifically
Brand is EmilyInterior designer credentials, design eye, curation
Competitors absentNeither ilovelinen nor selah+stone sell bedhead cushions
Margin improves63% → 72% gross margin on average
Scale enables growthCan pursue $125K+ revenue without burnout

Supplier Strategy

The Supplier Landscape

Ollko Textiles (Primary - Covers)

AttributeDetail
ContactMichelle Li
LocationShenzhen, China
Notable clientilovelinen.com.au (confirmed)
ProductsLinen covers, bedding, cushions
Response timeExcellent (same-day)

Pricing (USD):

Product30 pcs100 pcs
Linen cover (195x65)$36.00$32.40
Statement cover (ruffled)~$40.00TBC
Insert-$15.00 (MOQ 100)

Shipping (USD):

Method30 pcs100 pcs
Air (7-10 days)$170$525
Sea (30-40 days)$55$104

Why Ollko:

  • Proven quality (supplies established Australian brand)
  • Can do statement cushion with ruffled edge
  • Path to bedding expansion (duvet covers, sheets)
  • Excellent communication

Julie Zhu / Hefei Charming (Secondary - Inserts)

AttributeDetail
ContactJulie Zhu
LocationAnhui Province, China
ProductsCushion inserts, microfiber products
Response timeGood (several hours)

Pricing (USD):

Product100 pcs
Insert (195x65, 4kg, 300TC)$10.76
Shipping (sea, DDP)$1,628 total

Why Julie:

  • 30% cheaper than Ollko for inserts
  • High quality (original microfiber, not recycled)
  • Bulk stock (100 units = 6+ months supply)

For March 2026 Relaunch:

ComponentSupplierQtyReason
CoversOllko40Quality proven, air freight for speed
Statement coversOllko10-15Unique product
InsertsJulie100Cheaper, sea freight (order NOW)

Initial Order Plan

Phase 1: Samples (Complete)

SupplierOrderStatusCost
Ollko3x cover samples, 1x statementWaiting for shipping$102 USD
Julie1x insert sampleWaiting for shipping$72 USD

Phase 2: Production Order (After Sample Approval)

Order 1: Julie Inserts (Place by Jan 15)

ItemQtyUnitTotal USDTotal AUD
Inserts (195x65, 4kg, 300TC)100$10.76$1,076$1,679
Sea freight (DDP)1$1,628$1,628$2,540
TOTAL$2,704$4,218

Arrival: Late March/Early April (50-60 days)

Order 2: Ollko Covers (Place by Jan 20)

ItemQtyUnitTotal USDTotal AUD
Linen covers (175gsm, mixed colours)30$36$1,080$1,685
Statement covers (2-3 combos)15$40$600$936
Air freight1$200$200$312
TOTAL$1,880$2,933

Arrival: Early-Mid February (15 days production + 10 days shipping)

Total Initial Investment

CategoryAUD
Inserts (100 pcs)$4,218
Covers (45 pcs)$2,933
TOTAL$7,151

Inventory outcome: 45 complete cushions for launch + 55 spare inserts for restocking.


Competitor Intelligence

The Strategic Revelation

Neither ilovelinen.com.au nor selah+stone sell bedhead cushions.

This is your unfair advantage:

CompetitorBedhead CushionsWhat They Sell
ilovelinen.com.auZEROSheets, duvet covers, pillowcases, clothing
selah+stoneZEROQuilted blankets, sheets, duvet covers
ARLEM100% focusBedhead cushions, statement cushions

Why This Matters

  1. No direct competition - You own the niche
  2. Same supplier - You can match ilovelinen quality
  3. Different products - No price comparison pressure
  4. SEO dominance - They’re not targeting your keywords
  5. Stealth entry possible - Build quietly before they notice

Competitor Profiles

ilovelinen.com.au

AttributeDetail
Founded2012
Scale1M+ parcels shipped globally
SupplierOllko Textiles (confirmed)
ProductsFull bedding range (100+ SKUs)
Bedhead cushionsNone
Threat levelLow (different products)

What they do well:

  • Massive product range
  • Bundle builder tool
  • Strong brand recognition
  • International shipping

What they don’t do:

  • Bedhead cushions
  • Interior design content
  • Custom sizing
  • Statement products

selah+stone

AttributeDetail
Positioning“Pure luxury linen” + emotional story
Price pointPremium ($300-620)
ProductsQuilted blankets, sheets, duvet covers
Bedhead cushionsNone
Threat levelLow (different positioning)

Stealth Strategy

Phase 1: Build Quietly (Q1-Q2 2026)

  • Focus 100% on bedhead cushions
  • Don’t follow competitors on social media
  • Use different colourways than ilovelinen
  • Build SEO moat for “bedhead cushion” keywords

Phase 2: Differentiate (Q3-Q4 2026)

  • Launch statement cushion (unique product)
  • Position as “bedroom styling” not “linen brand”
  • Target B2B (stylists, designers)
  • Expand colour range they don’t stock

Phase 3: Consider Expansion (2027+)

  • Adjacent products (throws, Euro cushions)
  • Bedding only when bedhead cushions at scale
  • Lead with Emily’s design expertise

Key Principle: Let ilovelinen and selah+stone fight over bedding. You dominate the niche they’ve ignored.


Product Strategy

Product Portfolio (2026)

Hero Product: Linen Bedhead Cushion

AttributeDetail
StatusProven (60% of historical sales)
ColoursNatural, Stone
SizesDouble, Queen, King
Price$379-399
COGS (new)$93-118
Gross margin69-76%

Growth Product: Boucle Bedhead Cushion

AttributeDetail
StatusUnderperforming (SEO gap)
ColoursEcru, Ivory
Opportunity678 impressions/month for “boucle bed head”
ActionCreate dedicated boucle content

NEW: Statement Bedhead Cushion

AttributeDetail
StatusNEW product launch Q2 2026
Unique featureContrasting 5cm ruffled edge
Why uniqueNo competitor offers this
Target launchApril 2026

Colourway Options (from Ollko):

ComboMain BodyRuffleVibe
Coastal ClassicNatural Gingham (#59)Solid Natural (#62)Hamptons
Modern EarthStoneCharcoalMinimal
Garden RoomNaturalSageOrganic

Pricing:

SizeStandardStatementPremium
Double$379$399+$20
Queen$389$429+$40
King$399$479+$80

Archive: Velvet Bedhead Cushion

MetricValueDecision
Sales0 in 19 monthsArchive
Google clicks66Not converting
ActionRemove from navigationFocus energy elsewhere

Size Performance

SizeHistorical Orders%Strategy
Queen1550%Default recommendation
King1033%Feature for AOV lift
Double517%Entry point

Pricing Strategy

PositionCompetitorPriceYour Position
BudgetPillow Talk$89-129Below you
Mid-marketTemple & Webster$199-279Below you
Premium-accessibleARLEM$379-399You are here
PremiumGlamSwag$410-450Above you
LuxuryZenn Design$549-599Above you

Recommendation: Maintain current pricing. Strong gross margin, competitive position. Consider $20-30 increase after statement cushion proves premium positioning.


Financial Projections

COGS Transformation

Current vs New COGS

ComponentHandmade (2024)Ollko ModelJulie+Ollko Model
Insert$52.00$23.40$16.78
Cover$50.00$56.16$50.54
Shipping (allocated)-$8.84$27.02
Shipping box$8.00$8.00$8.00
Prepaid AU shipping$30.00$30.00$30.00
TOTAL COGS$140.00$126.40$132.34

Note: At 100+ volume with sea freight for both, COGS drops to ~$93 AUD

Margin Analysis

ModelCOGSPriceGross ProfitMargin
Old (Handmade)$140$379$23963.1%
Ollko Only$126$379$25366.8%
Split (Julie+Ollko)$132$379$24765.2%
Optimised (Sea Both)$93$379$28675.5%
Statement Cushion$144$429$28566.4%

Revenue Projections

2026 Targets (Moderate Scenario):

QuarterUnitsRevenueGross ProfitNotes
Q1 (Mar)15$5,685$3,700Soft launch
Q245$17,055$11,100Statement launch
Q375$28,425$18,500Growth
Q4100$37,900$24,600Scale
YEAR 1235$89,065$57,90065% margin

2026 Targets (Optimistic Scenario):

MetricValue
Year 1 Units320
Year 1 Revenue$121,280
Year 1 Gross Profit$85,700
Average margin71%

Break-Even Analysis

Cost TypeMonthlyAnnual
Shopify$29$348
Domain/hosting$5$60
Email (Klaviyo)$30$360
Misc supplies$50$600
Fixed costs$114$1,368

Break-even: At $247 gross profit per unit, need <1 sale/month to cover fixed costs.

P&L Forecast (2026)

2026 PROJECTED P&L
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

REVENUE
  Standard Cushions (180 × $379)           $68,220
  Statement Cushions (55 × $429)           $23,595
                                          ──────────
  TOTAL REVENUE                            $91,815

COST OF GOODS SOLD
  Standard (180 × $115 avg)                $20,700
  Statement (55 × $144)                     $7,920
                                          ──────────
  TOTAL COGS                               $28,620

                                          ──────────
GROSS PROFIT                               $63,195    68.8%

OPERATING EXPENSES
  Payment Processing (3%)                   $2,754
  Shopify Subscription                        $348
  Email Marketing (Klaviyo)                   $360
  Packaging/Labels                            $600
  Shipping Supplies                           $400
  Photography/Content                         $500
  Misc                                        $500
                                          ──────────
  TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES                  $5,462

                                          ──────────
OPERATING PROFIT                           $57,733    62.9%

Emily's Effective Hourly Rate:
  If 10 hrs/week × 52 weeks = 520 hours
  $57,733 ÷ 520 = $111/hour
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

90-Day Relaunch Plan

Overview Timeline

JANUARY 2026 (PRE-LAUNCH)
├── Week 1 (Jan 6-12)
│   ├── Receive/approve samples from Julie and Ollko
│   ├── Finalise statement cushion colourways
│   └── Begin Instagram reactivation
│
├── Week 2 (Jan 13-19)
│   ├── ORDER: Julie inserts (100 pcs, sea freight)
│   ├── Negotiate Ollko cover pricing/timeline
│   └── Set up email capture on website
│
├── Week 3 (Jan 20-26)
│   ├── ORDER: Ollko covers (45 pcs, air freight)
│   ├── Create "What is a Bedhead Cushion" guide
│   └── Continue Instagram recovery
│
└── Week 4 (Jan 27-31)
    ├── Rewrite all meta descriptions
    ├── Request Google re-indexing
    └── Film content with S5II

FEBRUARY 2026 (PREPARATION)
├── Week 1 (Feb 3-9)
│   ├── Ollko covers production completes
│   ├── Create boucle SEO content
│   └── Set up email welcome sequence
│
├── Week 2 (Feb 10-16)
│   ├── RECEIVE: Ollko covers (air freight)
│   ├── QC covers, photograph products
│   └── Build email list (target: 100 subscribers)
│
├── Week 3 (Feb 17-23)
│   ├── Assemble first batch with existing AU inserts
│   ├── Create launch content
│   └── Prepare launch email
│
└── Week 4 (Feb 24-28)
    ├── Soft launch prep complete
    ├── Enable cart (quiet)
    └── Final website checks

MARCH 2026 (LAUNCH)
├── Week 1 (Mar 3-9)
│   ├── SOFT LAUNCH to email list
│   ├── First orders ship
│   └── Monitor/fix any issues
│
├── Week 2 (Mar 10-16)
│   ├── PUBLIC LAUNCH (March 15)
│   ├── Instagram launch announcement
│   └── Google Shopping verification
│
├── Week 3 (Mar 17-23)
│   ├── RECEIVE: Julie inserts (sea freight)
│   ├── Full inventory available
│   └── Monitor sales/feedback
│
└── Week 4 (Mar 24-31)
    ├── First month review
    ├── Adjust if needed
    └── Plan statement cushion launch

Week-by-Week Detail

January Week 1 (Jan 6-12)

DayPriorityActionOwner
Mon1Review samples when arrive (Julie + Ollko)Emily
Mon2Post Instagram “thinking of you” storyEmily
Tue1Approve/reject sample qualityEmily
Tue2Finalise statement cushion colourwaysEmily
Wed1Post Instagram reel (behind-the-scenes)Emily
Thu1Set up email capture popup on websiteNick
Fri1Post Instagram (Arlo content)Emily
Sat-Rest-
Sun1Plan next week’s contentEmily

January Week 2 (Jan 13-19)

DayPriorityActionOwner
Mon1ORDER: Julie inserts (100 pcs)Nick
Mon2Post InstagramEmily
Tue1Confirm Julie order detailsNick
Wed1Negotiate Ollko bulk pricingNick
Wed2Post InstagramEmily
Thu1Start writing “What is a Bedhead Cushion” guideNick
Fri1Post InstagramEmily
Fri2Create email signup incentive (10% off)Nick

Critical: Chinese New Year may affect suppliers late Jan. Order by Jan 15 to avoid delays.

January Week 3 (Jan 20-26)

DayPriorityActionOwner
Mon1ORDER: Ollko covers (45 pcs)Nick
Mon2Post InstagramEmily
Tue1Confirm Ollko production timelineNick
Wed1Complete bedhead cushion guideNick
Wed2Post InstagramEmily
Thu1Rewrite homepage meta descriptionNick
Fri1Post InstagramEmily
Fri2Rewrite product page meta descriptionsNick

February Week 1-2 (Covers Arrive)

DateMilestoneAction
Feb 3-7Ollko production completesMonitor shipping
Feb 10-14Covers arrive (air freight)QC every cover
Feb 10-14Product photographyShoot all colours
Feb 14Email list target100 subscribers

February Week 3-4 (Pre-Launch)

DateMilestoneAction
Feb 17-21Assemble first batchUse existing AU inserts
Feb 21-28Launch content readyPhotos, copy, emails
Feb 28Cart enabled (quiet)No announcement yet

March Week 1 (Soft Launch)

DayPriorityActionOwner
Mon1SOFT LAUNCH - Email list onlyBoth
Mon2Monitor orders, respond quicklyEmily
Tue1Ship first ordersEmily
Wed1Follow up with first customersEmily
Thu1Fix any issues foundNick
Fri1Prepare public launchBoth

March Week 2 (Public Launch)

DayPriorityActionOwner
Mon1Prepare Instagram launch postEmily
Tue1Final website checkNick
Wed1PUBLIC LAUNCH (March 15)Both
Wed2Instagram launch announcementEmily
Wed3Google Shopping verificationNick
Thu1Monitor traffic/ordersBoth
Fri1Respond to inquiriesEmily

March Week 3-4 (Post-Launch)

DateMilestoneAction
Mar 17-21Julie inserts arrive (sea)Full inventory
Mar 21-31First month reviewAnalyse results
Mar 31Statement cushion planningPrepare Q2 launch

Channel Strategy

Google Search (Primary Channel)

Current Position

KeywordPositionClicks/moAction
bedhead cushion7.851Defend/improve
headboard cushion12.727Optimise
bedhead pillow9.126Optimise
boucle bed head521Create content

SEO Action Plan

PriorityActionImpactTimeline
1Rewrite all meta descriptions+2% CTRWeek 3 Jan
2Create “What is a Bedhead Cushion” guide+50 clicks/moWeek 3-4 Jan
3Create Boucle content+30 clicks/moWeek 1 Feb
4Add FAQ schemaFeatured snippetsWeek 2 Feb
5Internal linking structureAuthority flowWeek 3 Feb

Target Keywords

Own (Defend):

  • bedhead cushion
  • linen bedhead cushion
  • bedhead cushion australia

Capture (Attack):

  • boucle bedhead
  • statement bedhead cushion
  • bedroom styling tips

Avoid (Competitor Territory):

  • french linen bedding
  • linen duvet cover
  • linen sheets australia

Instagram (Secondary Channel)

Recovery Plan

WeekExpected ReachTarget Actions
1100-200Post daily, stories 2x
2200-400Engage 15 accounts/day
3400-800Post 4x/week, Reels focus
4800-1,500Approaching normal
61,500-2,500Recovered

Content Strategy

TypeFrequencyPurpose
Reels2/weekReach, algorithm
Carousels1/weekEducation, saves
StoriesDailyEngagement, connection
Behind-scenes1/weekTrust, personality

Hashtag Strategy

Use:

#bedheadcushion #bedroomstyling #bedroomdesign
#bedroominspo #interiordesigntips #australianhomes
#linenlove #coastalbedroom #bedroomgoals

Avoid:

#linenbedding #linensheets #frenchlinen
(Competitor territory)

Email Marketing (Build)

Setup Checklist

  • Choose platform (Klaviyo)
  • Create signup popup (10% off)
  • Design welcome sequence
  • Set up abandoned cart
  • Create post-purchase flow

Welcome Sequence

EmailTimingContent
1ImmediateWelcome + 10% code + brand story
2Day 3“What is a bedhead cushion?” education
3Day 7Social proof + bestseller

Abandoned Cart

EmailTimingContent
11 hour“Did you forget something?”
224 hoursProduct benefits
372 hoursFinal reminder

Growth Targets

MonthSubscribersHow
Feb100Website popup
Mar300Launch campaign
Jun600Content upgrades
Dec1,500Consistent growth

Risk Assessment

Critical Risks

Risk 1: Supplier Quality Issues

Probability: 20% Impact: High

Mitigation:

  1. Sample approval before bulk order
  2. QC checklist for every shipment
  3. Build relationship (repeat orders)
  4. Backup supplier (Aureta - no MOQ)

Response if occurs:

  • Immediately pull affected stock
  • Contact supplier for resolution
  • Use backup supplier for urgent orders
  • Maintain some Emily-made stock for emergencies

Risk 2: Shipping Delays (Chinese New Year)

Probability: 40% Impact: Medium

Mitigation:

  1. Order inserts by Jan 15 (before CNY)
  2. Air freight covers for speed
  3. Use existing AU inserts for launch
  4. Buffer stock planning

Risk 3: Instagram Doesn’t Recover

Probability: 20% Impact: Medium

Mitigation:

  1. Diversify to Pinterest, SEO, email
  2. Consider paid promotion ($50-100)
  3. Focus on Reels (highest reach)
  4. Engage heavily (15 comments/day)

Contingency: Shift to Pinterest + SEO content if no recovery by Month 3.

Risk 4: Competitors Notice and Copy

Probability: 10% (Year 1) Impact: Low-Medium

Mitigation:

  1. Build SEO moat (6-12 months to replicate)
  2. Statement cushion is unique product
  3. Emily’s credentials can’t be copied
  4. Customer relationships + reviews

Response if occurs:

  • Double down on statement cushions
  • Launch new colourways
  • Emphasise designer positioning
  • Compete on expertise, not product

Risk 5: Capacity Overwhelm

Probability: 30% Impact: High

Mitigation:

  1. Set hard boundaries (X hours/week)
  2. Batch content creation
  3. Supplier handles production
  4. Nick handles tech/admin

Contingency: Maintenance mode - minimum posting, respond to orders only.

Risk Summary

RiskProbabilityImpactMitigation Quality
Supplier quality20%HighStrong
Shipping delays40%MediumStrong
Instagram recovery20%MediumMedium
Competitor response10%Low-MedStrong
Capacity overwhelm30%HighMedium

Quick Reference

Key Contacts

SupplierContactPlatformFor
OllkoMichelle LiAlibabaCovers, bedding
Julie ZhuJulie ZhuAlibabaInserts
AuretaNovaWhatsAppEmergency/samples

Key Numbers

MetricValue
COGS (blended)$115 AUD
Price (standard)$379 AUD
Price (statement)$429 AUD
Gross margin69-72%
Break-even<1 sale/month
Target Y1235 units, $89K revenue

Order Deadlines

OrderDeadlineWhy
Julie insertsJan 1560-day lead time, CNY risk
Ollko coversJan 2025-day lead time
Statement samplesFeb 1Q2 launch planning

Weekly Checklist

Every Week:

  • Post Instagram 4x
  • Post stories daily
  • Engage 15 accounts/day
  • Check email signups
  • Monitor Search Console
  • Respond to inquiries <24hrs

Every Month:

  • Review sales vs target
  • Check inventory levels
  • Plan next month’s content
  • Restock if needed
  • Competitor check (quiet)

Success Metrics

MetricMarJunSepDec
Monthly orders5152530
Revenue$1,900$5,700$9,500$11,400
Email list1506001,0001,500
SEO position#6#4#2#1-2
Instagram reach1,5003,0005,0008,000

Appendix A: SWOT Analysis

Strengths

StrengthEvidenceStrategic Value
Proven product-market fit49 orders, $12,500 revenueFoundation exists
Strong SEO foundationPosition 7.8, 40+ monthly clicksFree traffic
Qualified Instagram audience87% AU, 76% female, 25-54Perfect demographic
Interior designer founderEmily’s credentialsExpertise positioning
NEW: Supplier relationshipOllko (ilovelinen’s supplier)Quality + scale
NEW: Uncontested nicheCompetitors don’t sell bedhead cushionsMarket ownership
NEW: Improved margins63% → 72% gross marginProfitability

Weaknesses

WeaknessRisk LevelMitigation
16-month dormancyHigh90-day relaunch plan
Instagram algorithm penaltyHigh4-6 week recovery
Velvet product failureMediumArchive
No email listMediumBuild during launch
NEW: Supplier dependencyMediumBackup suppliers
NEW: Sea freight lead timesMediumOrder ahead

Opportunities

OpportunityPotentialEffort
Boucle trend 2025-2026+30% boucle salesMedium
NEW: Statement cushionUnique productMedium
NEW: Bedding expansion (2027+)+$50K revenueHigh
Email marketingRepeat purchasesMedium
B2B/trade programBulk ordersHigh
Pinterest channelNew trafficLow

Threats

ThreatLikelihoodMitigation
Competitor content improvementMediumContent velocity
Google algorithm changesMediumDiversify channels
NEW: ilovelinen noticesLowStealth strategy
Supply chain disruptionLowBackup suppliers
BurnoutHighRealistic targets

Appendix B: Supplier Comparison

CriteriaOllkoJulie ZhuAureta
ProductsCovers, beddingInsertsFull cushion
Cover price (USD)$32-36$24Included
Insert price (USD)$15$10.76Included
MOQ covers30TBC1
MOQ inserts1001001
Air freight (30 pc)$170$62$297
Sea freight (100 pc)$104$1,628Unknown
Quality proofilovelinen clientVideosNone yet
CommunicationExcellentGoodSlower
Best forCovers, expansionBulk insertsEmergencies

Appendix C: Product Specifications

Linen Bedhead Cushion

SpecificationDetail
Dimensions140×65 (D), 155×65 (Q), 195×65 (K)
Cover fabric175gsm or 245gsm French flax linen
Insert fill3.5-4kg polyester hollow fibre
Insert casing300TC cotton
ZipperYKK invisible, bottom placement
FinishFrench seam or overlocked

Statement Bedhead Cushion

SpecificationDetail
DimensionsSame as standard
Unique feature5cm contrasting ruffled edge
Main fabric175gsm linen (body)
Ruffle fabric175gsm linen (contrast colour)
ConstructionRuffled edge sewn into seam

Document Control:

VersionDateAuthorChanges
1.0Dec 12, 2025Nick + ClaudeInitial analysis
2.0Dec 15, 2025Nick + ClaudeComprehensive edition
3.0Jan 8, 2026Nick + ClaudeSupplier integration, competitor stealth strategy, updated financials

“Same quality as ilovelinen. Products they don’t make. A niche they’ve ignored. This is how you win.”