CLAIRE

For the next two hours, we worked together. Julian helped me create spreadsheets for production capacity, profit margins, growth projections.

He asked smart questions about suppliers, manufacturing, and distribution. "You need to hire someone," he said finally. "A production manager who can handle scaling."

"I can't afford that yet," I said.

"Yes you can," Julian countered, showing me the numbers. "With the Nordstrom deal and these boutique orders, you'll be profitable enough to support one full-time employee."

I looked at the projections he'd built, he was right.

"Okay," I agreed. "I'll start looking for someone."

"I can help with that too," Julian offered. "I know people who specialize in...