Figuring Out Product-Market Fit

When I set out to bring Isabella to the U.S., I thought product-market fit was something you worked toward and then—boom—you hit it. Like turning a key in a lock. Turns out, it’s more like putting together a puzzle, one piece at a time, often without knowing what the final picture looks like. And let me tell you, I’m still figuring it out.
But here’s what I am learning:

1. Pay Attention to What’s Already Working - One of the biggest insights so far? Campers using T@B trailers have taken notice of our dedication to quality and durability. I’ve come across many forum discussions on the T@B Forum where users highlight how our awnings stand up better than our competitors' in rain and wind. That kind of real-world feedback is invaluable—it tells me we’re on the right track.
   This is one of the most valuable lessons I’ve picked up: sometimes, the market knows better than you do. You can spend months on research, but nothing beats seeing real people actually buying and using your product.
2. Stand Out by Actually Helping People - Having an incredibly great product is a good starting point, but now I realize it’s not just about quality—it’s about making people’s outdoor experiences better. The real magic happens when a product solves a genuine problem or enhances an experience in a way people didn’t even know they needed.
   For Isabella, that means making camping easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable. The goal isn’t to sell just another awning—it’s to create something that makes road trips and outdoor adventures even better.
3. Take Advantage of Organic Reach While It Lasts - I’m not an expert at social media (yet), but I do know this: right now, platforms like Instagram and TikTok still allow businesses to reach audiences organically without throwing piles of cash at ads. But that won’t last forever.
   That’s why I’m focusing on storytelling—documenting this journey, sharing behind-the-scenes moments, and creating content that connects with people. It’s a learning process, and I’m experimenting as I go. The goal? To build an authentic audience before the algorithms shift and paid ads become the only way to be seen.
4. Be Ready to Pivot (A Lot) - If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that not everything I try is going to work. And that’s okay. The trick is to stay open, adapt quickly, and not get too attached to my own ideas. Because at the end of the day, the market decides what works.
   Some bets will pay off, others won’t. The key is to keep testing, listening, and iterating—without taking failures too personally.
   

I don’t have all the answers yet, but I’m excited to keep figuring things out. If you’re in the process of launching something new, my best advice (from the trenches) is this: Start, listen, and be ready to learn.