Camply Store - I launched an online store using Shopify to fill a market gap for car camping specific items at competitive prices.
About
Launched in 2025, Camply is a passion project turned Shopify store, created to fill a clear market gap for affordable car camping specific gear. Born from my love for design, marketing, and the outdoors, Camply combines function and aesthetic to deliver curated essentials for car campers who want practical, budget-friendly solutions to camping with ease.
From weekend warriors to full-time vanlifers, Camply supports the growing community of adventurers who find freedom in the open road. Every product, layout, and marketing decision reflects both my personal experience in nature and my professional background in UX, branding, and e-commerce.
Starting a brand
Camply began with identifying a clear gap in the market: affordable, thoughtfully designed products specifically for car camping. I wanted the brand to feel modern, approachable, and rooted in nature. From naming to logo design, I focused on creating a visual identity that blended rugged outdoor adventure with clean, user-friendly aesthetics. Something that spoke to both weekend campers and road trip enthusiasts.
Product sourcing
I researched and sourced a range of car camping essentials, prioritizing quality, affordability, and real-world practicality. This included everything from storage and organization solutions to sleep systems and lighting. I worked with suppliers that aligned with Camply's mission to offer value without overcomplicating the gear.
Shopify Design & Build
Using my background in UX and web design, I created a custom Shopify storefront optimized for both mobile and desktop. I focused on a clean, intuitive layout that made it easy to browse by category, discover product benefits, and quickly check out. I incorporated earthy tones and organic shapes to reflect the brand’s connection to nature, while ensuring the site stayed fast and conversion-focused.
Content Creation & Messaging
I crafted all the product descriptions, homepage messaging, and support content with a tone that felt friendly, helpful, and adventurous. Each touchpoint reinforced Camply’s value proposition—making car camping easier, more accessible, and more enjoyable.
Store Launch
The store officially launched in 2025 with a lean but curated product lineup. I tested site functionality, checkout flow, and email notifications thoroughly before going live. Early customer feedback was instrumental in quickly iterating and fine-tuning the experience post-launch.
Marketing & Ad Campaigns
To generate awareness, I am working on launching a series of targeted ad campaigns through Meta and Google Ads, aimed at outdoor enthusiasts, vanlife communities, and budget-conscious travelers. I am also developping organic social content including tips, product features, and reels showcasing real-world use.
Reflections
Launching Camply was a turning point in my growth as both a designer and a marketer. As a designer, it pushed me to think beyond aesthetics and focus on the full customer experience—from the first impression on an ad, to product page layout, to checkout flow. I learned how to balance brand personality with performance, designing a store that not only looked great but converted effectively.
On the marketing side, I continue to gain hands-on experience running ad campaigns, building audiences, and analyzing performance metrics in real time. It has taught me how to craft messaging that resonates, how to iterate quickly based on data, and how to think strategically across channels.
Wearing both hats gave me a deeper understanding of how design and marketing support one another—and how powerful they can be when aligned with a clear vision. Camply wasn't just a store; it was a crash course in brand building, and a project that sharpened both my creative and strategic skills in meaningful ways.