Tag Archives: start a fashion company with very little money

9 Tips About Getting Your Line Produced With a Sewing Contractor (Fashion Product)

Posted on May 26, 2012 by jane

A designer asked me for a few quick tips for his first experience working with a sewing contractor. While there’s a ton more to say (and I cover it in the New Designer Program) I think this is pretty good …

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Chicago Manufacturing Tour: Helping clothing designers find sewing contractors

Posted on April 20, 2012 by jane

5 Hours. 11 Designers. 4 Factories. 2 Consultants. 40 Tacos Wednesday was the debut of a new chapter of my consulting life – helping fashion designers find specific sewing contractors for their apparel and (sewn products) accessories. I was the …

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Your Sewing Contractor and Your Pattern Maker – a Match Made in Fashion Design Heaven?

Posted on April 3, 2012 by jane

Q: Should my pattern maker and sewing contractor be in the same company? A: When you launch a fashion product, it’s hard to know where to start. This video gives you some tips about working with your pattern maker and …

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When your sales rep is not getting orders for your fashion line (VIDEO)

Posted on March 13, 2012 by jane

Q: “What should I do when my Showroom rep has shown my line at 4 shows and not taken a single order? Meanwhile, I’m pitching it to retailers myself and taking orders. What’s wrong?” A: Watch the video.   While …

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3 Ways to Increase Sales of Your Fashion Product

Posted on February 3, 2012 by jane

The first way is the get new customers. Pop Quiz:  What are the other 2 main ways to grow your business? Check out the video where Jane answers a question from a designer. Click the picture below or use this …

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7 ways to improve your costing and pricing for a fashion product

Posted on January 30, 2012 by jane

Calculate your costs as of TODAY, not 3 years from now where you think you’re going to be. If you start your business selling direct to consumer, keep in mind how you’ll determine your retail prices. You may want the …

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10 Marketing Truths for Fashion Design Entrepreneurs

Posted on January 24, 2012 by jane

My friend and marketing expert, Ellen Malloy, from the Restaurant Intelligence Agency, recently sent an email to her list about Truths for Chefs. I took one look at it and my jaw dropped! Becasue I completely agree with Ellen I …

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Do you have old inventory from last season?

Posted on January 11, 2012 by jane

If you have styles that you didn’t sell for Fall/Winter and you’re reluctant to part with them, my question is WHY? Do you think they will somehow become best-sellers next season if they weren’t last season? You know they won’t …

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A good excuse to NOT start a fashion business

Posted on January 6, 2012 by jane

Here’s a huge myth about running a fashion business… “What you need to succeed is a FANTASTIC creative idea”. It certainly HELPS to have a great creative idea.  But it only helps, it’s no guarantee.  Great ideas in and of …

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Passion is Overrated – Fashion Designers Listen Up

Posted on December 22, 2011 by jane

I know I’m going to get some heat for this, but here goes. Passion is Overrated Everybody starting out in business has enormous passion. It’s so exciting to start a new project – all the creative ideas are flowing. Everything …

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