ABOUT US

LETS CONNECT

You've built a real apparel business.
Now let's grow it — properly.

Decades of hands-on apparel industry experience — focused entirely on helping established brands grow with less chaos

Most established apparel brands aren't struggling because of awareness. They're struggling because their product, channel, and operations strategy hasn't kept pace with their ambition. Revenue is inconsistent, margins are under pressure, and the product line has grown faster than the plan behind it.

Guided Makers works with founder-led apparel companies — manufacturers, workwear brands, and lifestyle labels — that have proven products and loyal customers but have hit a ceiling. We go deep on product development, merchandising, and supply chain to build a strategy you can actually execute.

We work with businesses that have earned the right to scale — and need a partner with the experience to help them do it.

Personalized. One-on-one. No generic playbooks.

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HOW WE STARTED

Connect with Rachel

FOUNDER, RACHEL BATTARBEE

Having worked in global corporate functions and settings with brands such as LL Bean, Marks & Spencer, and Timberland, Rachel took a leap into consulting when friends, and friends of friends were seeking her out for help in bringing their ideas to market. Rachel was quickly learning that for many new to the industry, it's a challenging space to navigate and connections and knowledge are key. In addition, Rachel realized she loved to teach and share her expertise with others to allow them to be successful.

Rachel's mission soon became one to guide and teach through the development cycle of product - from concept through to production while at the same time, bringing the product to market through collaboration with clients. In turn, preparing new entrepreneurs to be confident and empowered in product development as they launched their brands.

Fast forward a few years and Guided Makers has grown to become a more holistic approach for entrepreneurs and existing brands from Maine and beyond. Guided Makers can take your idea and work with you to drive success, beginning with leadership in business planning through to efficient and organized execution. At every step, driving empowerment to make thoughtful, strategic decisions. We make it possible for brands of all sizes to bring their visions to market successfully and responsibly.

With over 30 brands to date supported with a wide range of services such as defining brand identity, product design, product development and manufacturing, Rachel is excited to work with many more and share in their success.

Learn more about Rachel here.

Hear from industry partners that work with us to serve our clients

We work with the finest talent nationwide to create specialized teams for your brand

Client Highlights

  • The best decision I ever made was to reach out to Guided Makers.

    Joan K, Founder & CEO Running Peas

  • The support and expertise at Guided Makers has made the impossible seem possible!

    Joan Kaijala, Founder & CEO Running Pea

  • They often know what you need before you do! Guided Makers helped me navigate everything... They have been easy to work with, available and professional in a personal way.

    Nancy Gordon, Founder, Pillowinks

  • Highly Recommend! We had a great experience with Guided Makers. The team is extremely knowledgeable and great to work with. They helped us perfect our product and get us to the right manufacturer. Highly recommend!

    Joanne DiCamillo, Co-Founder, BeFree Company

  • Incredible Industry Coaches The team at Guided Makers are incredible industry coaches and people! They're very understanding and flexible.

    Zac Will, Founder, The Kona Brand

  • I have had a very positive experience working with Guided Makers. The team has led me through my product development process and helped me develop a very thorough business plan for my company. The team at Guided Makers is experienced, knowledgeable, and very easy to work with. I highly recommend Guided Makers services to anyone who would benefit from guidance with their business venture.

    Sally Stebbins, Founder Enya & Vespera

  • Rachel consulted for my company and was an asset to our team. She managed sourcing, advised in product development, and supply chain management. Rachel is knowledgeable, extremely attentive to all details and production scheduling. My company was in need of finding a new factory that was up to our social and environmental standards. Rachel found the ideal factory and facilitated the transition for us. We could not have done it without her.

    Kristianna P, President

  • I am an entrepreneur and business owner, but I had no experience in the apparel industry. I knew I needed expert guidance to achieve success with my brand. On the other end of the process, I can happily report that my business and brand feel true to my vision.

    Melissa Roberts, Founder Cinder Lifestyle

  • I was very impressed at how each aspect of our business was thoroughly analyzed. Guided Makers helped us take a step back and figure out our priorities and look at our long term goals. This was essential to figuring out next steps as a company and where to spend our time.

    Sarah Piasecki, Izzy Lee’s

  • I had been looking for years for the right team to help me take my product based business to the next level. Business coaches and consultants are a dime a dozen, but a product based business consultancy with expertise in sourcing, costing, and manufacturing soft goods? Extremely rare. Guided Makers is the team you need to grow, scale, and brand. Thank you!"

    Sara Bryant, Founder/Owner Bees Knees Knee Pads

Business Achievements and Associations

  • Maine Domestic Trade Grant

    Recognized by the State of Maine as a leading contributor to Maine’s economy, Guided Makers was awarded a grant to develop new market opportunities across the United States. The Jobs Plan initiative is modeled on a key recommendation of Maine’s 10-Year Economic Development Strategy to promote economic growth and strengthen Maine’s business climate for startups.

  • SBA T.H.R.I.V.E Emerging Leaders

    Selected to participate in the SBA T.H.R.I.V.E. program offering entrepreneurship education and training for executives of high-performing small businesses

  • Maine Entrepreneurial Resource Corps (MERC)

    The MERC database is filled with vetted, Maine-based consultants who are committed to offering support and guidance to Maine businesses. Guided Makers is proud to be able to offer their services through the MERC program

  • Maine Outdoor Brands

    We're pleased to support Maine Outdoor Brands which is an alliance of outdoor product makers, experience providers, retailers and organizations invested in strengthening Maine’s $3 billion outdoor recreation economy.

  • S.B.A Women Owned Small Business Certified

    Member of Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract program.

  • Nearshore

    Nearshore recommended service provider.

    Online platform data base with recommended USA and nearshore service providers. Register via the link for access to verified resources.

  • Association for Consulting Expertise

    Approved membership to ACE. The Association for Consulting Expertise promotes its diverse membership's professional development through education, resources, and collaborative relationships.

Our Clients