Behind the Scenes at Tumella
Every great product has a story, and Tumella umbrellas are no exception. Before you could hold one in your hands—before it became your go-to travel companion on rainy and sunny days—Tumella was just an idea, a vision born out of necessity.
This blog will take you behind the scenes, unveiling the journey from concept to creation, and exploring the passion, innovation, and dedication that shaped Tumella into the best quality compact umbrella available today. Plus, you'll get to meet the people who worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life.
The Inspiration Behind Tumella: Annelies’ Epiphany
It all started with a moment of frustration. Annelies, Tumella’s founder, was navigating the rainy streets of Amsterdam when yet another flimsy umbrella collapsed in the wind, leaving her soaked. Looking around, she noticed she wasn’t the only one—broken umbrellas littered the streets, a testament to yet another storm these weak umbrellas couldn’t withstand.
"It was a waste! I knew there had to be a better way. Why couldn’t an umbrella be both sturdy and stylish? Something you could rely on, no matter the weather,” Annelies recalls.
Determined to create the best compact umbrella, she envisioned one that was lightweight, durable, and environmentally friendly—a travel umbrella designed for modern needs. And so, the journey began.
From Idea to Sample: Crafting the Perfect Umbrella
With a clear vision in mind, Annelies and her team crafted a wishlist of essential features:
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Strongest wind resistance to shield users from any storm.
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Stylish and fashionable designs to complement any look.
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Compact size for easy portability.
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A durable, rust-resistant frame built to last.
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Sustainably crafted with care for the planet.
The Search for the Right Materials
Finding materials that balanced durability with lightweight convenience was no small feat. The team scoured global suppliers for high-quality fabrics, reinforced frames, and eco-friendly coatings. After months of research, they boiled this down to a list of features and specifications.
The next challenge? Finding a manufacturer who could combine all of these into one umbrella.
From Sample to Production: Bringing Tumella to the World
Manufacturing Partnership
“We needed a partner who shared our obsession with quality,” says Arjan, Tumella’s Head of Product Development. “We ‘destroyed’ 120 samples before we finally reached an umbrella that was up to standards.”
It was a process of trial and error—each iteration improving upon the last until they had an umbrella that met their high expectations.
With the final design perfected, the next step was finding a manufacturer that could bring Tumella to life. The team partnered with a trusted manufacturer and placed the first order featuring incredible designs that set Tumella apart.
Logistics: How Tumella Reaches You
Once production began, logistics became the next challenge. Products were shipped to the USA and UK by vessel or plane, stored at a 3PL (third-party logistics) warehouse, and then fulfilled and delivered to customers.
“As the Supply Chain Manager at Tumella, I oversee the entire journey of our travel umbrellas—from development to delivery,” shares Natalie. “I work closely with our manufacturing partners, manage purchase orders, ensure quality control, and coordinate shipments to our U.S. warehouses. With over 23 years of experience, I love the dynamic nature of my role, the multicultural collaboration, and the challenges that keep me learning every day. Being part of a passionate team of specialists makes this job truly rewarding, and together, we bring incredible products to life.”
From Production Into Your Hands: The Tumella Launch
The launch was a moment of both excitement and nerves. Months of hard work finally culminated in Tumella’s debut, and as the first orders rolled in, the team eagerly awaited customer feedback.
They didn’t have to wait long.
"Seeing Annelies' dream come to life was amazing when the first sales happened," says Pieterjan from Sales. “And when the first reviews came in? It was overwhelming. Customers weren’t just buying Tumella—they were becoming true fans.”
Positive testimonials flooded in, praising Tumella’s durability, stylish designs, and ability to withstand heavy rain and wind. After months of hard work, Tumella had earned a solid spot in the top 5 best-selling travel umbrellas on Amazon—a testament to its quality and the team’s dedication.
Why We Never Want to Stop Amazing Our Customers
Tumella started with a simple goal: to create a high-quality umbrella that truly lasts. But the journey didn’t stop there. Over time, the brand added more variety of designs and solid-colored classics for timeless style.
The Game-Changer: Tumella’s Innovative Inverted Umbrella
One of the biggest innovations Tumella introduced was the inverted umbrella—a design directly inspired by customer feedback. Traditional umbrellas often cause frustration when closing, dripping water everywhere, and making a mess indoors. Tumella’s inverted umbrella solves this problem by folding in reverse, keeping the wet surface inside and preventing unwanted drips.
Aside from this, because of its upgraded frame tension and the construction of the frame, it is less prone to flipping and won't let you down in the next downpour.
Customers quickly embraced the inverted umbrella, calling it a game-changer for rainy days. The Tumella team continues to refine and improve the design, ensuring it remains a top choice for those seeking innovation, durability, and convenience.
Continuous innovation is at the heart of Tumella. The team listens to customer feedback, constantly refining the product to improve durability, functionality, and style. Looking ahead, Tumella’s mission is to remain one of the most trusted best-quality compact umbrellas, while exploring new ways to combine innovation and sustainability in future designs.
"We’re always looking ahead, exploring new ways to innovate while staying true to our mission of sustainability and quality,” says Annelies. “We want Tumella to be the best quality compact umbrella for years to come.”
A Journey That’s Just Beginning
From a simple idea on a rainy day in Amsterdam to a beloved brand in thousands of hands worldwide, Tumella has come a long way. If you’re already holding a Tumella umbrella, you now know the story behind it. And if you don’t have one yet—what are you waiting for?
Order your best compact umbrella today and experience the difference for yourself.