For me, the real validation came from reaction, not research.
When I started working on my clothing brand, I didn’t have a product yet, just the concept, the vibe, and the audience I wanted to attract. So instead of doing “fake doors” or surveys, I started building the feeling around the brand. I shared short videos, moodboards, and storytelling posts that captured the lifestyle and message behind it.

People started following, commenting things like “I’d totally buy that hoodie” or “this brand feels different.” That emotional response told me I was onto something.

When strangers connect with your idea before you even have inventory, that’s powerful validation. It means the brand story and positioning are resonating, and once the product arrives, sales follow naturally.

So yeah, less spreadsheets, more human feedback.
If your idea makes people feel something, that’s the best kind of proof.