Chapter 8: Knocking on Closed Doors NYC wasn’t going the way we’d imagined. Meeting after meeting, rejection after rejection—the city seemed to echo a resounding “no.” Each closed door felt like a personal blow. Mariela and I would retreat to our friends’ couches, our confidence shaken, wondering if our dream was slipping through our fingers. We had arrived in New York City with our hopes high and our sleepwear samples in tow. After our success with Laina Jane and a few other specialty boutiques, we knew it was time to find a wholesale rep who could help us scale. But finding someone who believed in our vision proved far more difficult than we anticipated. Most showrooms were crowded with ready-to-wear lines; few specialized in sleepwear or lingerie. The standout reps we approached—those who represented esteemed European labels—were hesitant. Some questioned our lack of experience, others were reluctant to take on an unknown brand, and a few simply didn’t see the potential in our products. But amidst the heartache, a quiet fire lit within us. We refused to let the setbacks define our story. If the showrooms wouldn’t open their doors, we’d find another way in. We kept showing up—attending trade shows, connecting directly with buyers, and letting our passion speak for itself. And slowly, it began to work. One connection led to another. Buyers started to see the love and dedication stitched into every piece. The path wasn’t easy, but each obstacle made us stronger, more determined. We weren’t giving up—we were just getting started.