If you called me a nerd, you’d be right. After eight years in business, this is my continuing mission.
The block that I live on is full of old trees. This block must have looked quite different 87 years ago when these houses were first built and the trees were newly planted. Growing trees like this is slow business. In many ways, this is what I want my business to be – a slow business.
Even though I am a business in the fashion space and work with start-up brands, I’m not going to convince you to make this year the year you finally launch your fashion brand. Like it or not, there are reasons why starting your own line may not be the right thing to do this year.
Many fashion entrepreneurs start their brands to solve a problem that they personally experience. They’re frustrated with the lack of options available and decide to create the product they wish existed. Being a designer in your own target market has unique advantages, but it also has some drawbacks. Let’s look at the pros and cons.
The fashion industry gets stereotyped as being secretive, exclusive, and competitive about their resources. But, I think the benefits of collaborating and sharing resources far outweigh any downsides. Referrals are a win-win. Asking for referrals benefits your brand, benefits the person giving the referral, and benefits the person or company being referred.
The goal with a fit model is to get the garment to fit your average customer, not to make a bespoke garment just for the model. I think that makes a difference. Here are things to keep in mind during fittings to make sure you are fitting your customers and not just your fit model.
Fashion entrepreneurship looks so glamorous on the outside, but anyone who has their own fashion business knows that it can feel overwhelming and lonely. Here are 10 How Fitting podcast episodes featuring the relatable and inspiring stories of fashion entrepreneurs to support your mindset and sustain your mental health as a fashion business owner.
These last five years has taught me so much about business. And, specifically, about fashion business. Today I’m reflecting on the top five things I’ve learned that have made a difference in my business (and the businesses of my clients, colleagues, and podcast guests) that I think can make a difference in yours as well.
Many business owners fund their startups with their time and passion in the beginning – and sometimes this is necessary, but I want to make the case for why paying yourself as the business owner will benefit your business in the long run.
Finding the right factory for your fashion brand is kind of like dating. There are a lot of good ones out there – and a fair share of bad ones – and it takes time to find someone that is the perfect fit for you. So, how do you know when you’ve found “the one”?