In The {Fashion} District

Frances Harder takes Anna on a remarkable journey through her life and career. Traveling around the world, being an expert witness for the FBI, to drinking wine on the roof of the Versace mansion.

Being a new designer you question your cost, your retail price, and the brands you compete with. Trying to price your product to sell rather than emphasizing the value of your product won't make you money. It's your role as the designer to educate the consumers as to why your product is worth the investment. Focusing on the quality, craftsmanship, and small details of your product adds value to your product and to your brand.

You probably think you have everything under control and you're on track to production. You might be! However there's a possibility that you're not actually ready. The trick is to consult with a coach on three major topics: budget, timeline, and strategic launch plan. This is so you're sure that you have all your "t's" crossed and "i's" dotted before going to your manufacturer. All the manufacture wants to do is cut and sew, they don't want to come back to you with questions. Listen here to understand the relationship between you, the coach, and the manufacturer.

Let's review the basics of operating your business! Maybe you don't even realize that the impression you give is disinterest in your business. Anna Livermore and Laura Dotolo speak to how you can be more professional, how your actions speak for your brand, who is an entrepreneur and who is a wantrepreneur.

In conversation with Laura Dotolo, founder of Clutch Made. Anna and Laura discuss why domestic costing is higher than overseas costing. How we can educate the consumer who expects U.S.A made products to cost the same as China made products. Can the United States be the domestic next manufacturing kingdom?