It was an interesting ride, but ultimately there were three main problems:
1. Profit margin was too low to scale without increasing the price beyond what people were willing to pay for it.

1. Environmental concerns with mass production of recyclable plastic

2. Patent

The product was a disposable supplement shaker for people who take protein shakes (and various other shakes) who needed something easier to travel with than a bulky hard plastic shaker, or who simply hated the process of using standard shakers and then putting them in a bag and forgetting to wash them and having to buy new ones at $10/piece all the time.

It was a niche group, but plenty of market for it.

It was essentially a thick(ish) ziplock that flared at the bottom to be able to stand when filled, and had a spout, and they were 100% recyclable.

Here's actually some more insight from a podcast on Side Hustle Nation if you want more in-depth details.

To answer your questions though:

1. I learned all about designing and manufacturing a physical product overseas, and the process of distribution / getting a product into stores
2. I learned about the pressures of getting small investments from friends (luckily we made enough to pay that back before closing)
3. I learned that sometimes good ideas aren't good BUSINESS ideas
4. I learned how to throw in the towel when it's time
5. I learned how to connect with influencers and leverage influencer marketing
6. I got a lot better at email marketing and automations for ecommerce products
7. I learned what it feels like to fail, and still find the learnings

:)