Today you’re going to meet San Francisco clothing designer, Sarah Liller. What I love about Sarah is that she’s SO HONEST and willing to share her struggles, her wins, and the behind-the-scenes reality of running a fashion business. Sarah is one of my “Sell More Products Online” students and someone who takes ACTION on what she learns.
In this interview, Sarah breaks down the exact steps she took in the last 9 months to make her online shop actually convert to money in the bank.
Sarah always had confidence in her product and she knew it sold well in retail stores. But getting online sales was proving to be a big challenge for her.
SO… she started doing things differently in her business. She switched from Squarespace to Shopify (huge win), she did an “expensive” NYC Trade Show, she got a rep, opened new wholesale accounts (and is getting re-orders) and she went from “I have no idea who my customer is and no idea what I’m doing online” to “it’s working!” and getting consistent sales.
And she’s just so darn transparent about things! In fact, here are some awesome quotes from this interview…
“I had to pick somebody to sell to, because when you’re trying to sell to everyone, you’ll go crazy. There’s just no way to do that without going crazy, logistically.”
“I knew that I had no idea what the hell I was doing (when it came to selling online). I knew enough to know that I didn’t know what I was doing.”
“The wholesale business, while I don’t make as much per unit, it drives the online business and they push each other in tandem.”
“Within the last 9 months my site is getting 1 – 2 sales a week, I’m selling to new stores in NYC and I’m getting re-orders, and I now have a national showroom repping my line.”
“I was really scared to put myself out there and of the rejection, and people saying no…”
You can watch this interview as a video or listen to it as a podcast…
Listen to this episode as a podcast on iTunes or Stitcher Radio.
Sarah’s best-seller! The jumpsuit she’s wearing in the episode…
The easy fit, soft & cozy dress that does NOT fit like a tent…
Show Notes and Links:
- Great video from Sarah: How to Tie a Scarf The French Way
- Sarah’s website
- The course Sarah took, Sell More Products Online
- Jane and Sarah’s #1 choice for e-commerce: Shopify
- The Later app
- Fiverr
- Upwork
- Designers and Agent Trade Show
- Capsule Trade Show
- San Francisco Fashion Incubator
- Canva
- Instagram Course – Instagram with Intention
Your Feedback??
What do you think of this interview? LMK in the comments below and please SHARE IT with other designers if you think it will help them!
-Jane
P.S. If you like this podcast and want more tips, episodes, and real-life strategies to grow your creative business, get on our VIP list now.
OMG…. these types of videos/podcasts are so inspiring!!!!
Jane, I took the New Designer Program and I plan on taking some marketing courses in the future once my product is developed. However, I wanted to THANK YOU in advance for putting this type of event together. I get so inspired when I see or listen to your podcast. You are a real business woman and I admired you!!! One day my clothing line will be successful thanks to your inspiration and influence.
Hi Susan! I’m so glad the podcast is useful for you and that the New Designer Program help you. I love what I do and will try to book more great interviews like this one with Sarah. 🙂
– Jane
Omg I totally needed this this morning. Such a great interview! Felt like I could relate and learned so much. Definitely going to start making some changes to my site and start outsourcing. Thank you both!! Truly made my day.
Great to hear, Vanessa! OUTSOURCING is everything so kudos to you. I’m rooting for you and your business!
-Jane
I also love your podcasts! They are always informative and inspiring ways to get me thinking about marketing differently. Plus just practical information yo use right now. Thank you for what you do.
Heather, it’s my pleasure! Thanks a ton for your comment.
-Jane
Hello there Jane – what a super interview (yes I know better late than never to watch it) so worthwhile to know other entrepreneurs have the same trials, tribulations & of course successes – thank you to both you & Sarah!
Thanks, Sophie! So glad you liked it.