If you’ve ever had a product idea swirling in your head (or half-built in your garage), but you’ve no clue how to take it from dream to shelf—this is for you. Featuring Millie Richards, Product Developer Extraordinaire
Let’s be real for a sec…
Ever had a product idea pop into your brain at 2am and thought, “This could be HUGE”… only to realise you’ve got no idea how to actually make it happen?
Yep. You’re not alone.
In this episode of thelotco Business Podcast, I chat with the incredible Millie Richards—a product developer and industrial designer who helps brands turn dreamy ideas into high-performing, beautiful, functional products (that don’t fall apart after two uses or kill your profit margin).
We’re talking product development from the inside out:
👉 What most people get wrong
👉 What to think about before you spend a cent
👉 And how to avoid costly mistakes that could tank your business
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve got a product that’s underperforming, this is the real talk you need.
Why beautiful products alone won’t cut it
We all love a pretty product, right? But here’s the truth Millie spills:
✨ Functionality + margin + manufacturability = sustainability and long-term success
Just because it looks good doesn’t mean it’s ready to hit shelves. Or that it’ll scale profitably. Or that your manufacturer won’t ghost you after sample round #3 (yep, we’ve seen it all).
Millie breaks down exactly what it takes to get a product from idea to shelf without bleeding cash—or sacrificing your values.
5 mistakes product-based brands make (that cost them big)
If you’re nodding along thinking, “Ugh, I’ve done that”, know that you’re not alone. Here are just a few things we covered in the ep:
🔹 Not knowing your why before you start
🔹 Overcomplicating your design and spec sheets (hello, factory confusion)
🔹 Thinking sustainability = $$$ (spoiler: it doesn’t have to)
🔹 Ignoring the power of transparency in your manufacturing process
🔹 Designing a product without understanding each component’s cost or impact
One of the biggest takeaways?
👉 “Every product has a lifecycle—and most founders only think about the middle.” – Millie
Think about that.
You might be obsessed with the product photography or launch day vibes… but what about the materials, tooling, manufacturing methods, packaging, end-of-life cycle, or how it’ll be stored, shipped, and scaled?
Yep. There’s a lot to consider—and that’s why working with a pro like Millie (or getting support inside programs like my Roadmap to Profit) can save you serious $$ and years of trial and error.
Scaling doesn’t start with sales. It starts with smart design.
Millie and I dive into the manufacturing side of things—MOQ myths, why a well-crafted spec sheet can instantly earn you respect from your factory, and why having control over your product is a power move most founders skip.
We also talk about what makes a product stand the test of time.
Spoiler: it’s not just being the first to market. It’s building a brand, a story, and a product that’s worth buying (again and again).
Thinking of launching a product?
Listen the full podcast here 👇🏼.
Start here. 👇
📌 Do your research (Millie says Pinterest and Etsy are goldmines—yes, really)
📌 Know your WHY before you start prototyping
📌 Be open to feedback and change—it’s rarely version A that goes to market
📌 Get support before you make costly decisions you can’t reverse
Ready to take your idea from meh to market-leading?
Millie’s your girl for product development magic—and I’m your girl for building a profitable product business with strategy, marketing and the right sales channels to back it up.
🛠️ Connect with Millie at sagepd.com.au
📱 Follow her on IG: @sage.product.design
🎯 Ready to build a thriving, profitable business with your product?
Come join me inside Roadmap to Profit—because cute products are great, but profitable ones? Even better.
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