Category Archives: Personal Stories About Running a Fashion Business

I’d still be struggling… without this

Posted on January 7, 2013 by jane

It’s 2013. Now what?? I’ve been thinking about how you can make this year better than 2012. How you can build the business that measures up to your dream, supports you the way you want, and brings you the satisfaction …

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If You Do Everything Yourself in Your Fashion Business, What Happens?

Posted on January 4, 2013 by jane

I am thrilled to be able to share this article today from Vianza’s Mita Patnaik. I absolutely flipped when I first read it because I think it hits home on some issues that really hold designers back. Things like – are …

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Behind the scenes of the Chicago Fashion Incubator runway show at Fashion Focus

Posted on October 23, 2012 by jane

Last week was a pretty spectacular event. What’s not to like about a fashion show in tent in Millennium Park? Since a picture’s worth a thousand words, I’ll tell you this story with the visuals… I got excited when I …

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My manufacturing nightmare: why a good sample is so important for a fashion product

Posted on October 17, 2012 by jane

I knew I was missing business. My shop was really booming, the holidays were fast approaching, and my boutique was low on inventory. I always hated it when I KNEW I could sell more if I just had the right …

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What NOT to say to a retail buyer

Posted on October 2, 2012 by jane

The other day I did a Webinar about how to talk to a retail buyer – including the script you can use (want them? check it out below). I got a bunch of great responses (thanks, guys) and also a …

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How will you make money with your fashion business?

Posted on July 28, 2012 by jane

At first sight, the title of this article seems silly. Duh, I’m going to sell my product and collect the money. Last Tuesday Let me tell you a little story about a designer I know and, believe me, this is …

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Announcement: Jane + Chicago Fashion Incubator

Posted on June 12, 2012 by jane

I’m thrilled to announce my new collaboration with the Chicago Fashion Incubator at Macy’s on State Street. I have been chosen to be the Director of Education for the Incubator, starting right away. I’ll still be doing my consulting work …

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How to Handle Criticism – tips for entrepreneurs

Posted on May 3, 2012 by jane

“Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain – and most fools do.” -Dale Carnegie You’re angry. You’re hurt. You’re embarrassed, even humiliated. Someone has done you wrong – by criticizing you in a hurtful way. There’s a difference between someone …

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Happy Birthday, Barbie!

Posted on March 9, 2012 by jane

I couldn’t let Barbie’s birthday go without a mention. For reasons that aren’t the obvious ones, I dig Barbie. I even wrote an essay on it for National Public Radio’s This I Believe series. You can listen to it here. http://thisibelieve.org/essay/21259/ This …

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How Kristen did it: Approaching a retailer with your jewelry line

Posted on January 26, 2012 by jane

Have you heard of Kristen Amato? Kristen is a Chicago jewelry designer who has definitely “made it”, and by that I mean: Vogue, Us Weekly, People, and Lucky have featured her designs Celebrity clients like Rachel Ray and Eva Longoria …

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