Maker University

Learn how to design, source, and launch your product idea.

Hi, I'm Liz, Founder of Maker U. For the past 15 years, I've been helping makers, inventors, and entrepreneurs share their physical product ideas with the world. I’ve been through the process hundreds of times, launching everything from apparel to wearable devices to cosmetics and beyond.

Nothing frustrates me more than watching creative & motivated people waste time and money as they try to bring a product to life! Most often it’s because they lack industry knowledge, access to the best contacts, or the creative direction required to launch a successful brand. My mission with Maker U is to create a place where anyone can learn how to design, source, and sell a physical product.

When I first started out, manufacturing was harder to break into than it is now. (And before that, it was something almost exclusively done by larger companies!) But thanks to an increase in small-batch factories, easy-to-use e-commerce solutions, and a host of other tools and apps, there is less friction than ever when bringing a product to market.

There are also many different ways to succeed as a product entrepreneur in today’s world. Some people want to turn their brand into a household name. Others are trying to create a niche product for a very specific customer, or to only sell via a single sales channel (think instagram Shopping or Corporate Gifting). And some people just want to generate another income stream a la Etsy or Amazon. All of these are great goals! Whatever your vision is, I hope Maker U can help you reach it.

We've helped hundreds of founders launch products.

Inner Guide Journals for Inspiration and Motivation

Pittie Clothing Company Client Product Dog PJs

Lund Leather Client Product Messenger Bag

A Newborn Nest Baby Essentials for Newborns

What will your launch look like?

GET STARTED

Maker’s Digest

A monthly email with tips, resources, and opportunities to launch a product.
Great first step for beginners to understand the process.
No investment required.

Resource Library

Easy-to-access factory lists, tutorials, templates and more.
Specific, actionable information, at your fingertips.
Learn about sourcing, quality control, ecommerce and more.
Budget-friendly.

Accelerator Program

Expert mentoring as you to bring your product to market.
Get all resources and contact lists in our library - for free!
24/7 access to ask questions and get direction as you launch.
Direct intros to trusted factories, vendors, and resources.

Success Stories

"Hands down the best investment for my business! I'm new to product manufacturing and it's been tremendously helpful to have these resources. I’ve saved so much time and money navigating this complex process" - Xi, Sonderlier

"This is our first time launching a product and we had no idea where to even begin. It's been so beneficial to have Liz to lean on when we have questions or situations we aren't sure how to handle... We'd recommend her to anyone!" - Nate, Arbor Made

"I was able to locate the two manufacturers! I’m extremely
happy and haven’t felt this much control over my supply chain in years." - Tiffini, Latched and Hooked

"Without having Liz guide me through starting this business, I would be lost. Very grateful to have found this service!!!" - Erin, Pittie Clothing Co

"If it weren’t for Maker U, the dream of starting my own business would have never happened! The knowledge and advice I've gotten are priceless. There is no way I could have come this far without it!" - Shari, Joey James The Label

"Liz has been a great help and I have very much enjoyed working with Maker U!" - Will, Ballbot

"It has been invaluable to have Liz's support and expertise as we embark on leveling-up our brand and product." - Ben, GOE Spray

Starting a business with no experience or resources can be overwhelming. Liz alleviated
my experience by providing resources that were tailored to my niche and helped me with insightful and intuitive business tips. Very happy with my choice." - Jennifer, Cecile De Fleur

"As a start-up we had so many questions and were completely overwhelmed. Liz was recommended to us and we are so grateful. She is the real deal in terms of her knowledge!" - Craig, ThumbPro

"I have been in business since 2018 and have made so many mistakes along the way. Discovering this platform was the best thing that happened to me this year." - Khoula, Dignitii

"I highly recommend this platform for any founder looking
to be guided in the right direction in the shortest amount of time." - Lauren, Doodle Couture

"Having access to this
knowledge is like having my very own production department. I feel like someone is looking out for my best interest every step of the way!" - Elyse, Elyse Maguire

"Liz has an incredible eye for detail and I never put anything into motion without running it by her first. She catches a lot of important things that would be otherwise missed.
She is also super easy to work with and has incredibly fast response times!" - Kathryn, Kiki and Lulu

"We found our manufacturer partner through this platform as well as a brand designer. Both turned out to be just the right fit!" - Svetlana, Plumthyme

"This knowledge and expertise saved me so much time and
money!! I’m so grateful!!" - Heidi, Newborn Nest

"This advice has been priceless." - Bruce, Lund Leather

"I can 100% say that I would not have made it as far and as fast as I did with my product if it wasn't for Liz. She helped me with everything: vendor vetting, hiring vendors, comparing quotes, reviewing fabric, teaching me about quality control and so much more. I consider Liz to be a part of my team. She is valuable to my startup and me. Liz is also SUPER easy to work with, and she makes a strong effort to understand my business model and me as a Founder." - Suzanne, Private Packs

"As a new entrepreneur in a field I know nothing about, I felt so lost and exposed with my lack of knowledge in the apparel manufacturing industry. Liz and her team helped me so much, gave me a feeling of security that I was doing the right thing and gave me real, practical advice specific to what I'm doing. I have a very small budget and I so glad I invested in this! I think I would have quit had it not been for Liz’s guidance. She tells it like it is, but in a gentle, kind, professional way. She's prompt and quick to respond. A great resource, with lots of knowledge and connections. Highly recommend!" - Natalie, Pants for Peanuts

Launching a physical product can be a big step.

Get answers to common questions and concerns.

There are three main ways to get help as you launch your product.

1. Get access to The Maker's Digest, a free monthly tip list for product entrepreneurs.

2. Shop the Resource Library for access to templates, checklists, factory and vendor lists, and other action-oriented resources to help you launch your line.

3. Learn about our Mentoring Program to help you execute your product launch like a pro. Get expert guidance around product design, sourcing and manufacturing, product testing and labeling, quality control, shipping, branding, photography, e-commerce, marketing, wholesale and more.

Our resources can be applied to almost any product type, including apparel, home goods, pet items, children's items, supplements, beauty & cosmetics, wearable devices, medical products, leather goods, bags & accessories, books & journals and more.

We do not specialize in food items, heavy machinery, or highly technical goods.

Search by product category here. If you need help figuring out which resources to use for your launch, email us at hi@makeruniversity.com.

Browse our Factory & Vendors lists here. We have a variety of factory lists for many different product categories. If you don't see a factory list for your particular product, email us at hi@makeruniversity.com.

If you have an existing product line and want to improve your sales and operations, the Accelerator Program will help. We'll take a deep dive into your business to identify areas of opportunity as well as the weak spots that are limiting your success.

We'll look at your costs, pricing, branding, messaging, product offering, website, photography and more, and deliver an actionable list of to-do's to correct problems and supercharge your growth.

You'll also be connected to suggested vendors - including factories, marketers, and other experts - to help you take your brand to the next level.

Life is better when you make things happen.

Don't risk expensive mistakes, poor vendor choices, or the overwhelm of trying to figure it out on your own. Get the information and connections you need to turn your ideas into successful products.

Get Started

Maker University

Take your idea
from maybe to made.

You're in the right place for everything you need to know to bring a physical product to market.

Learn how to design, source, and launch your product idea.

MANUFACTURING

COSTING

FACTORY LISTS

QUALITY CONTROL

PACKAGING

SHIPPING

PHOTOGRAPHY

E-COMMERCE

Take it from me -

You shouldn’t rely on trial and error.

We've helped hundreds of founders launch products.

What will your launch look like?