The Business of Apparel

What Does it Cost to Build an Apparel Line? In this episode, Rachel delves into the nitty gritty of launching a custom apparel line. Inspired by last week's episode with Kelly Roach, we touch on initial funding, gauged customer preferences with merchandising methods like drop shipping, and learned the importance of unique designs. We then dive deep into the realities of the fashion industry, offer...

Building and Scaling an Apparel Brand With a Purpose, featuring Kelly Roach In this episode, Rachel sits down with the Founder & CEO of Kelly Roach International, Kelly Roach!  Kelly is also the co-founder of the Give Her Courage movement and The Courageous Brand. Together, we unwrap the essence of what it takes to empower young girls through fashion and leadership development. Listen in as Kelly...

The Business of Apparel Podcast Series: Timelines for Success! In this last episode of the Business of Apparel Series, Rachel wraps up our enlightening journey into the secrets of billion-dollar apparel brands. In this grand finale, we pull back the curtain on the project management side of fashion, exploring the often misunderstood yet crucial world of timelines and calendars. I debunk the myth o...

The Business of Apparel Podcast Series: The Forecasting Process In this episode of the Business of Apparel Series, Rachel takes us through the intricate art of forecasting in the apparel industry, a task that's as challenging as it is vital for the balance of inventory and customer satisfaction. From the complexities that arise during unforeseen events, like the COVID-19 pandemic, to the essential...

Beyond the Size Tag: Exploring Self-Confidence Through Apparel and Hypnosis with Leslie Thornton In this episode, Rachel chats with Leslie Thornton, to discuss the transformative journey of self-love and emotional mastery in not just shedding pounds but also cultivating a lasting appreciation for our bodies..  Discovering that perfect outfit in your closet that makes you feel unstoppable can be a...

The Business of Apparel Podcast Series: Numbers Don't Lie! In this episode of the Business of Apparel Series, Rachel explores the crucial numbers that will drive your apparel brand towards success. Listen in as I break down the importance of understanding margin percentages, a vital indicator of product health and profitability. I'll share why a margin of 35% or lower could spell trouble for your...

Tailoring Success Outside of the 9 to 5 with Debra Boulanger In this episode, Rachel sits down with the remarkable Deb Boulanger, founder of the Launch Lab for Women Entrepreneurs and the Great Do-Over, for a candid conversation about the leap from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. Deb shares invaluable insights on harnessing the spirit of an intrapreneur to fuel your own business venture,...

The Business of Apparel Podcast Series: All About Sourcing In this episode of the Business of Apparel Series, Rachel pulls back the curtain on apparel sourcing. This episode packs a punch with firsthand experiences and expert insights on navigating the complex web of manufacturer partnerships, cost negotiations, and the crucial dance with minimum order quantities (MOQs). Whether it's weighing the...

The Business of Apparel Podcast Series: The Importance of Brand Standards In this episode of the Business of Apparel Series, Rachel continues to unlock the mystery behind the success of billion-dollar apparel brands. Now that we've identified your target audience, we can focus on brand standards and how resources such as WGSN can help you stay ahead of the curve. Let's delve into the intriguing wo...

The Business of Apparel Podcast Series: Your Target Customer In this episode of the series, Rachel unlocks the secret to thriving in the apparel industry as she walks us through the crucial role of identifying and understanding your target customer. She shares a memorable fitting experience that triggered a profound question - who exactly is our target customer? Recollecting this insightful moment...

Introduction to the New Business of Apparel Podcast Series! Exciting news! We are launching a brand-new podcast series where we unlock the secrets of the billion-dollar apparel industry! Rachel Erickson, owner and CEO of Unmarked Street and seasoned industry expert, is eager to share her 17 years of experience with you, and reveal how understanding your target customer can immensely impact your de...

Streamlining the Future of Fashion with Apparelmark Co-founder, Andrew Drigola, Part 2 In the final part of this discussion, Rachel continues the conversation with entrepreneur Andrew Drigola, co-founder of Apparelmark and throw the spotlight on the critical aspect of running a successful apparel brand: the courage to hire experts to guide your journey, and avoid the pitfall of trying to go solo....

Streamlining the Future of Fashion with Apparelmark Co-founder, Andrew Drigola, Part 1 In part one of this discussion, Rachel sits down with entrepreneur Andrew Drigola, co-founder of Apparelmark, and journey through his unconventional entry into the world of fashion entrepreneurship and his mission to deconstruct the industry's barriers. Andrew's unique perspective, fuelled by a passion sparked b...

What I Would've Done Differently, A Journey of Gratitude and Growth In this episode, Rachel tells us about a time when she found herself stretched thinly between her growing business, Unmarked Street, and her ambitions in the real estate industry. It was a chaotic period of juggling responsibilities, but it was also a time of tremendous growth and learning. This episode unpacks that journey, explo...

Harnessing the Power of Mindset with Mentor and Coach, Brigette Sobus In this episode, Rachel engages in a transformative conversation with the dynamic Brigette Sobus, owner of the Power & Joy Coaching Academy. Brigette shares her enthralling journey from hair colorist to flourishing entrepreneur, underlining the vital role of mindset in both personal and professional realms. As we probe into the...

All About Tech Packs, The Ultimate Guide In this episode, Rachel is geeking out and spilling the secrets of creating a professional tech pack that successfully communicates your apparel design vision. With a tech pack, you can ensure your product meets the quality and production standards that you and your customers demand. Throughout the episode, Rachel offers insights into what details are criti...

Mastering Supply Chain Management with Industry Expert, Brittney Tupa In this episode, Rachel sits down with the extraordinary Brittney Tupa, a seasoned supply chain expert in the apparel industry. Her diverse career, spanning from the sparkling world of jewelry to the intricate world of product development, quality assurance, and supply chain management, is a fascinating narrative that demands at...

Elevating Your Apparel Brand with Evergreen Products In this episode, Rachel is flying solo to talk about evergreen products for your apparel brand. We'll dive into how evergreen apparel product lines can boost your brand's market relevance, customer loyalty, and steady revenue. Our discussion unveils the secrets of keeping your products vibrant with new colors each season and the significant role...

The Power of Perseverance with Lume Six Founder, Margaux Elliott In this episode, Rachel goes on an adventure with Margaux Elliott, a powerhouse in the apparel industry and the visionary behind the innovative brand, Lume Six. A story that begins in the hallways of the Fashion Institute of Technology and meanders through the thrilling realms of snow, cycling, and skate industries, Margot's journey...

Blueprint For Successful Apparel Product Development In this episode, Rachel shares the details of a unique blueprint for creating a successful apparel brand, which is now being offered as a free gift! Rachel's special approach emphasizes the importance of understanding your numbers before diving into the creative process. That's a game-changer! She will be guiding you through the ins and outs of...

Tailoring a Greener Future with Contingenci by Good Human Founder, Linda Tang In this episode, Rachel chats with Contingenci by Good Human founder, Linda Tang about her mission regarding sustainability in the apparel industry. Linda recalls her family's generational practice of sustainability and how it greatly influenced her life ethos. She gracefully navigated the apparel industry, working with...

From Student to Scaling with StartUp FASHION Founder, Nicole Giordano In this episode, Rachel welcomes Nicole Giordano, the mastermind behind Startup Fashion, to the podcast! Nicole's impressive journey from a textile design student to a successful entrepreneur in the apparel industry is nothing short of inspiring. We dive into a variety of subjects, from the nitty-gritty of business operations an...

Mentorship vs. Management: Mastering the Dynamics In this episode, Rachel unlocks the secrets of personal and professional growth through a unique exploration of mentorship and management in the corporate world. Rachel shares valuable insights from her two-decade-long corporate journey and recent consulting experiences. We will be delving into the distinctive roles of a manager and a mentor, and h...

Shifting From Corporate to Independent with Developer and Designer, Jessica Kuczek In this episode, Rachel chats with seasoned pro, Jessica Kuczek, who has navigated the fashion industry through various corporate roles, and now is thriving as an independent contractor. She shares her unique journey, from her earlier roles in sports-licensed apparel to her transformative role at Isaco International...

Negotiating Your Way to Success in the Apparel Business In this episode, Rachel steps into the fascinating world of apparel costing and negotiation in the apparel business. Get ready to gain valuable insights and practical strategies to navigate the complex apparel industry successfully. We will guide you through the essentials of apparel costing, revealing the hidden elements that constitute the...