What exactly does East-West Consulting do?

I help small and mid-size indie brands manufacture garments and homewares ethically in India. With 20+ years of experience on both the factory and brand side, I provide roadmaps, supplier introductions, and insider guidance — not factory management. My focus is on strategy and setting you up for success.

Do you work with all types of products?

I specialize in garments, homewares, and artisan fabrics (block printing, hand weaving, hand embroidery, and cut-and-sew production). If you’re an indie brand looking to create ethical, small-to-mid scale collections in India, I can help you find the right suppliers and navigate the process. Please note I do not source mill-made fabrics or work with large-scale factories.

What’s the difference between your consulting and working with a sourcing agent?

A sourcing agent often represents factories. I don’t. At East-West Consulting, I represent you, the founder. My role is to give you an unbiased production roadmap, vetted supplier leads, and practical advice — so you can avoid costly mistakes and choose the right partners.

Do I still need a fashion designer or tech pack?

Yes. While I guide you through the manufacturing process in India and connect you with suppliers, you’ll still need a designer who can create tech packs or patterns. Clear documentation ensures factories can deliver your vision accurately. If you need recommendations, I can point you toward trusted resources.

How much does it cost to manufacture in India?

Costs vary widely depending on product type, order size, fabric, and supplier. My consulting helps you budget realistically and avoid hidden costs in sampling, shipping, and production timelines.

What are typical MOQs (Minimum Order Quantities) in India?

• Garments: ~25-100 pcs per style.

• Homewares: ~500 pcs per order.

• Fabrics: 300m per color/print.

If you’re a small brand, I’ll help you strategize workarounds, like combining colors or partnering with artisan workshops that offer lower MOQs.

What are common challenges with manufacturing in India?

• Seasonal delays (monsoon + Diwali).

• Sampling costs higher than expected.

• MOQ requirements that don’t fit small brands.

• Communication gaps across time zones and cultures.

My role is to prepare you for these realities with a seasonal production calendar and templates for supplier communication, so you can plan ahead.

Can you guarantee ethical production?

I can’t “guarantee” every supplier’s practices, but I provide vetted introductions to trusted factories and artisan groups I know through 20+ years of work in India. I also guide you on what questions to ask, certifications to look for (WFTO, Fair Trade, GOTS, SEDEX), and red flags to avoid.

Do you oversee production in India?

No — I don’t act as a production manager or middleman. I provide the roadmap and supplier introductions, then it’s up to you to manage the relationship. This keeps my role independent and ensures you own your supply chain directly.

What packages do you offer?

• Free 15-min Discovery Call → to see if we’re a fit.

• Strategy Call → 90 minutes + supplier leads + call summary.

• Supplier Roadmap → 2 calls + personalized roadmap + curated supplier shortlist.

• Premium Mentorship → 4 calls, comprehensive supplier portfolio, production plan, templates, and email support for 3–6 months.

Why should I choose East-West Consulting?

Because I’ve lived this work. I founded and grew a WFTO-certified, award-winning fair trade factory in Jaipur, India, and later ran a U.S. artisan brand. I know the challenges from both sides — and I can help you avoid the missteps I’ve seen too many indie founders make.

How do I get started?

Book a free 15-minute Discovery Call [insert link]. If we’re a fit, we’ll move into a Strategy Call or Roadmap package so you can start your production journey with clarity and confidence.