How a Solo Entrepreneur Leveraged Technology to Fuel Growth and Save on Hiring

DigitBridge

Download the Case Study

Amelia Hart had always dreamed of creating her own cosmetics brand, combining high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients with bold, modern packaging. In 2022, she launched A Hart Beauty with a curated line of lipsticks, blushes, and skincare products, sourcing products from an international manufacturer, Amelia’s mission was to create cosmetics that celebrated diversity and individuality. She initially sold through her Shopify website, supported by a growing social media following on Instagram and TikTok. Early success came from influencer partnerships and word-of-mouth buzz, but she quickly realized that operational efficiency was going to make or break her business.

The Challenge

While her creative vision was strong, Amelia faced significant operational challenges that limited her growth:

  • Manual Order Fulfillment -
    Every order required her to personally process, pack, and ship. As sales increased, she found herself spending hours a day on logistics instead of growing the brand.
  • Inventory Tracking Issues –
    With multiple shades and SKUs being tracked against countless Excel spreadsheets, she struggled to keep accurate stock levels, sometimes overselling popular products and disappointing customers.
  • Limited Sales Channels –
    While her DTC site was performing, she lacked the bandwidth, systems, and personnel to expand into online marketplaces or retail partnerships.
  • Product Data Management –
    Creating and maintaining product listings with consistent descriptions, imagery, and compliance information was slow and time consuming.

The Solution

Amelia implemented DigitBridge as the backbone of her operations. The platform gave her the tools to automate time-consuming tasks, scale to new channels, and maintain tight control over her growing inventory. It also allowed her to hire some freelance contractors from remote workplaces, specifically for the ecommerce listings and digital content management, to grow her operations in a more cost-effective way.

  • Orders from her Shopify store and new marketplace partners flow directly into the system, which she is now able to easily fulfill herself.
  • Inventory automatic updates in real-time across all channels, preventing stockouts and overselling.
  • Product data is managed centrally and published seamlessly to multiple sales channels, with images and descriptions optimized for each platform. Freelancers and contractors can also easily use the system to help her with digital content creations and channel catalog management when needed.
  • Fulfillment is optimatic, with packing slips, shipping labels, and carrier rate optimization all handled automatically by the system.

Key Features & Benefits

  • Optimized Fulfillment & Shipping:
    So easy for an individual to do with many built-in automation features, she did not have to hire additional help.
  • AI-Enhanced Product Content Management:
    Optimized product descriptions and images tailored to each channel for maximum impact.
  • National Retailer-Ready:
    Equipped with the technology needed to partner with all major retailers and to sell seamlessly with centralized order and inventory management.
  • Real-Time Inventory Tracking:
    Accurate stock levels across all SKUs and sales channels, reducing customer disappointment.
  • Scalable Operations for Growth:
    A foundation that supports expansion without adding headcount or operational bottlenecks.
  • Demand Forecasting and Replenishment Planning:
    Forecasts inventory needs based on sales trends, lead times, and needed stock levels.

The Results

Within six months of implementing DigitBridge, A Hart Beauty expanded from a single Shopify store to selling on Amazon, Etsy, TikTok, and several boutique beauty retailers. Order processing time dropped by over 70%, allowing Amelia to dedicate more time to influencer collaborations, new product launches, and marketing campaigns. Stockouts were eliminated, customer satisfaction improved, and sales doubled year-over-year. And she had a tool that allowed her to grow at the pace that worked best for her business, whether it be solo, with contractors, or with additional full-time staff.

Amelia credits DigitBridge with giving her the confidence and capability to scale: “DigitBridge made me feel like I had a full operations team working behind the scenes. It lets me be the creative force of my brand without drowning in admin work.”

Download the Case Study

Amelia Hart had always dreamed of creating her own cosmetics brand, combining high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients with bold, modern packaging. In 2022, she launched A Hart Beauty with a curated line of lipsticks, blushes, and skincare products, sourcing products from an international manufacturer, Amelia’s mission was to create cosmetics that celebrated diversity and individuality. She initially sold through her Shopify website, supported by a growing social media following on Instagram and TikTok. Early success came from influencer partnerships and word-of-mouth buzz, but she quickly realized that operational efficiency was going to make or break her business.

Download the Case Study

Amelia Hart had always dreamed of creating her own cosmetics brand, combining high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients with bold, modern packaging. In 2022, she launched A Hart Beauty with a curated line of lipsticks, blushes, and skincare products, sourcing products from an international manufacturer, Amelia’s mission was to create cosmetics that celebrated diversity and individuality. She initially sold through her Shopify website, supported by a growing social media following on Instagram and TikTok. Early success came from influencer partnerships and word-of-mouth buzz, but she quickly realized that operational efficiency was going to make or break her business.

The Challenge

While her creative vision was strong, Amelia faced significant operational challenges that limited her growth:

  • Optimized Fulfillment & Shipping:
    So easy for an individual to do with many built-in automation features, she did not have to hire additional help.
  • AI-Enhanced Product Content Management:
    Optimized product descriptions and images tailored to each channel for maximum impact.
  • National Retailer-Ready:
    Equipped with the technology needed to partner with all major retailers and to sell seamlessly with centralized order and inventory management.
  • Real-Time Inventory Tracking:
    Accurate stock levels across all SKUs and sales channels, reducing customer disappointment.
  • Scalable Operations for Growth:
    A foundation that supports expansion without adding headcount or operational bottlenecks.
  • Demand Forecasting and Replenishment Planning:
    Forecasts inventory needs based on sales trends, lead times, and needed stock levels.

The Solution

Rather than replacing QuickBooks Enterprise, BrightPlay chose to integrate DigitBridge as a complementary system to handle their multichannel e-commerce needs. DigitBridge connected directly to all of BrightPlay’s online sales channels, pulling orders into a single centralized hub. From there, DigitBridge’s integration pushed the order information and invoices directly into BrightPlay’s existing QuickBooks Enterprises software for accounting purposes, DigitBridge’s WMS will manage the whole fulfillment processes, eliminating the need for manual re-entry and reducing fulfillment errors. Real-time inventory updates flowed back to each marketplace automatically by schedule, ensuring stock levels were always accurate. The integration also allowed BrightPlay to take the product information from QBE and create digital product content and customize product listings in DigitBridge PIM for each channel, ensuring their brand presentation and product details were optimized for every marketplace’s unique requirements.

Key Features & Benefits

  • Seamless Integration With Existing System so as to not Disrupt Operations:
    Added a complementary piece to maintain successful business practices while introducing new, needed functionality.
  • White-Glove Onboarding:
    DigitBridge’s Customer Service and Onboarding teams took on the heavy lifting to ensure the addition was seamless, not only integrating the new sales channels but ensuring the team was properly trained and equipped for success moving forward.
  • Real-Time Inventory Synchronizations Across All Channels:
    For both their B2B and DTC operations, overselling was completely eliminated, including during peak holiday demand.
  • AI-Enabled Digital Content Management:
    Marketplace-specific content management allowed BrightPlay to present their products in the best possible light across Amazon, Walmart, Target.com, and beyond.
  • Settlement File to Reconcile Large Order Volume:
    Optimizes the A/R reconciliation process and saves a lot of time, especially for companies with high volume e-commerce.

The Results

With DigitBridge integrated into their workflow, BrightPlay was able to scale their e-commerce operations without overburdening their team or disrupting their existing processes. Order processing time dropped by 60%, fulfillment accuracy improved to 99.9%, and customer satisfaction ratings across marketplaces rose significantly. By maintaining their familiar accounting system while adding DigitBridge’s specialized multichannel tools, BrightPlay created an efficient, scalable model for growth that positioned them for continued success in the competitive toy industry.

The Challenge

While her creative vision was strong, Amelia faced significant operational challenges that limited her growth:

  • Manual Order Fulfillment -
    Every order required her to personally process, pack, and ship. As sales increased, she found herself spending hours a day on logistics instead of growing the brand.
  • Inventory Tracking Issues –
    With multiple shades and SKUs being tracked against countless Excel spreadsheets, she struggled to keep accurate stock levels, sometimes overselling popular products and disappointing customers.
  • Limited Sales Channels –
    While her DTC site was performing, she lacked the bandwidth, systems, and personnel to expand into online marketplaces or retail partnerships.
  • Product Data Management –
    Creating and maintaining product listings with consistent descriptions, imagery, and compliance information was slow and time consuming.

The Solution

Amelia implemented DigitBridge as the backbone of her operations. The platform gave her the tools to automate time-consuming tasks, scale to new channels, and maintain tight control over her growing inventory. It also allowed her to hire some freelance contractors from remote workplaces, specifically for the ecommerce listings and digital content management, to grow her operations in a more cost-effective way. By consolidating her sales, inventory, and fulfillment processes into one system, Amelia was able to focus on product development, marketing, and brand partnerships. With DigitBridge:

  • Orders from her Shopify store and new marketplace partners flow directly into the system, which she is now able to easily fulfill herself.
  • Inventory automatic updates in real-time across all channels, preventing stockouts and overselling.
  • Product data is managed centrally and published seamlessly to multiple sales channels, with images and descriptions optimized for each platform. Freelancers and contractors can also easily use the system to help her with digital content creations and channel catalog management when needed.
  • Fulfillment is optimatic, with packing slips, shipping labels, and carrier rate optimization all handled automatically by the system.

Key Features & Benefits

  • Optimized Fulfillment & Shipping:
    So easy for an individual to do with many built-in automation features, she did not have to hire additional help.
  • AI-Enhanced Product Content Management:
    Optimized product descriptions and images tailored to each channel for maximum impact.
  • National Retailer-Ready:
    Equipped with the technology needed to partner with all major retailers and to sell seamlessly with centralized order and inventory management.
  • Real-Time Inventory Tracking:
    Accurate stock levels across all SKUs and sales channels, reducing customer disappointment.
  • Scalable Operations for Growth:
    A foundation that supports expansion without adding headcount or operational bottlenecks.
  • Demand Forecasting and Replenishment Planning:
    Forecasts inventory needs based on sales trends, lead times, and needed stock levels.

The Results

Within six months of implementing DigitBridge, A Hart Beauty expanded from a single Shopify store to selling on Amazon, Etsy, TikTok, and several boutique beauty retailers. Order processing time dropped by over 70%, allowing Amelia to dedicate more time to influencer collaborations, new product launches, and marketing campaigns. Stockouts were eliminated, customer satisfaction improved, and sales doubled year-over-year. And she had a tool that allowed her to grow at the pace that worked best for her business, whether it be solo, with contractors, or with additional full-time staff.

Amelia credits DigitBridge with giving her the confidence and capability to scale: “DigitBridge made me feel like I had a full operations team working behind the scenes. It lets me be the creative force of my brand without drowning in admin work.”

Download the Case Study

Amelia Hart had always dreamed of creating her own cosmetics brand, combining high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients with bold, modern packaging. In 2022, she launched A Hart Beauty with a curated line of lipsticks, blushes, and skincare products, sourcing products from an international manufacturer, Amelia’s mission was to create cosmetics that celebrated diversity and individuality. She initially sold through her Shopify website, supported by a growing social media following on Instagram and TikTok. Early success came from influencer partnerships and word-of-mouth buzz, but she quickly realized that operational efficiency was going to make or break her business.

The Challenge

While her creative vision was strong, Amelia faced significant operational challenges that limited her growth:

  • Manual Order Fulfillment -
    Every order required her to personally process, pack, and ship. As sales increased, she found herself spending hours a day on logistics instead of growing the brand.
  • Inventory Tracking Issues –
    With multiple shades and SKUs being tracked against countless Excel spreadsheets, she struggled to keep accurate stock levels, sometimes overselling popular products and disappointing customers.
  • Limited Sales Channels –
    While her DTC site was performing, she lacked the bandwidth, systems, and personnel to expand into online marketplaces or retail partnerships.
  • Product Data Management –
    Creating and maintaining product listings with consistent descriptions, imagery, and compliance information was slow and time consuming.

The Solution

Amelia implemented DigitBridge as the backbone of her operations. The platform gave her the tools to automate time-consuming tasks, scale to new channels, and maintain tight control over her growing inventory. It also allowed her to hire some freelance contractors from remote workplaces, specifically for the ecommerce listings and digital content management, to grow her operations in a more cost-effective way.

  • Orders from her Shopify store and new marketplace partners flow directly into the system, which she is now able to easily fulfill herself.
  • Inventory automatic updates in real-time across all channels, preventing stockouts and overselling.
  • Product data is managed centrally and published seamlessly to multiple sales channels, with images and descriptions optimized for each platform. Freelancers and contractors can also easily use the system to help her with digital content creations and channel catalog management when needed.
  • Fulfillment is optimatic, with packing slips, shipping labels, and carrier rate optimization all handled automatically by the system.

Key Features & Benefits

  • Optimized Fulfillment & Shipping:
    So easy for an individual to do with many built-in automation features, she did not have to hire additional help.
  • AI-Enhanced Product Content Management:
    Optimized product descriptions and images tailored to each channel for maximum impact.
  • National Retailer-Ready:
    Equipped with the technology needed to partner with all major retailers and to sell seamlessly with centralized order and inventory management.
  • Real-Time Inventory Tracking:
    Accurate stock levels across all SKUs and sales channels, reducing customer disappointment.
  • Scalable Operations for Growth:
    A foundation that supports expansion without adding headcount or operational bottlenecks.
  • Demand Forecasting and Replenishment Planning:
    Forecasts inventory needs based on sales trends, lead times, and needed stock levels.

The Results

Within six months of implementing DigitBridge, A Hart Beauty expanded from a single Shopify store to selling on Amazon, Etsy, TikTok, and several boutique beauty retailers. Order processing time dropped by over 70%, allowing Amelia to dedicate more time to influencer collaborations, new product launches, and marketing campaigns. Stockouts were eliminated, customer satisfaction improved, and sales doubled year-over-year. And she had a tool that allowed her to grow at the pace that worked best for her business, whether it be solo, with contractors, or with additional full-time staff.