The Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast

In this episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast, we cover a specific set of questions to better prepare yourself and your family & friends for what it will take to get your brand going. Working through these questions before you start your brand will make you better prepared to run your business in a successful way. Enjoy episode 61! Show notes Course: How To Start A Profitable Clothing Brand Course: How To Grow Your Fashion Brand Online The Apparel Entrepreneurship Members' Club

In this episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast, we talk about what the reality of the apparel industry looks like today, and common mistakes you definitely want to avoid. Put on your headset and enjoy episode 60. Show notes Sign up for the waitlist to the: 6-Week Sustainable Clothing Brand Launch Accelerator

The fashion industry has grown with 21% over the past 3 years. It's a 3 trillion dollar industry. So there are huge opportunities for brands to succeed. Unfortunately, most startups fail and the most common reason is cash-flow problems. In this episode, we want to help you improve your chances of succeeding by preparing you for what to expect. We give you a list of things you need to know before launching your fashion brand. When you are prepared you can make a better plan and more easily handle challenges that arise. Bring out your notebook, turn up the volume and listen to episode 59 of the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast. Show notes Sign up for the waitlist to the: 6-Week Sustainable Clothing Brand Launch Accelerator Sell more products online: How To Grow Your Fashion Brand Online Run and scale a successful and profitable brand with tools, resources, supplier & manufacturer databases, and supported community: Join the Members' Club

The Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast is finally back. In today’s podcast episode, we are talking about how you can sell more products during the upcoming holiday season. We give you 5 actionable tips for making the best of the period from Halloween to New Year. 2019 was the first holiday season to surpass the trillion-dollar mark in the US. Certain fashion, packaged goods, and luxury items businesses do up to 80%-90% of their revenue during the holiday. These numbers make you want to pay some extra attention to this period of the year, and see how you can maximize your revenue. Put on your headphones or turn up that car stereo, and enjoy AEP058! Show notes Sign up for the waitlist to the: 6-Week Sustainable Clothing Brand Launch Accelerator Sell more products online: How To Grow Your Fashion Brand Online Run and scale a successful and profitable brand with tools, resources, supplier & manufacturer databases, and supported community: Join the Members' Club

Today we are extremely excited to share an in-depth conversation with our friend Brian Hill - the executive Director of Phoenix Fashion Week. Brian is also the host of the Fashion Rewired Podcast that Ana was a guest on a while ago and in today's podcast episode we chat about so many great, inspiring things. First, we go way back to when Brian launched his own fashion brand and the most important lessons learned from running his own brand. The conversation later moves to how he got working for Phoenix Fashion Week, how he later became the executive director, and the incredible job they are doing to help emerging fashion talent to succeed with launching and growing their brand. We also chat about the fashion industry today, and Brian shares a lot of tips for emerging and established fashion designers on how to succeed in this industry, in today's challenging environment. Brian also gives us some tips on how to stay motivated, inspired, and always pushing forward, learning, and growing. This is a fantastic episode, with so many tangible tips. Enjoy! Show notes Visit Phoenix Fashion Week here. Listen to the Fashion Rewired Podcast. Books that we talked about: Purple Cow Blue Ocean Strategy Good To Great

In this incredibly inspiring episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship podcast, Sofia Demirtas shares her story of starting and running the beautiful luxury and sustainable womenswear brand Fanm Mon. Fanm Mon is a luxury womenswear brand that launched in 2013. The label takes a bold approach to embroidery, offering feminine styles and vibrant color combinations. Sophia takes us all the way back to the start of her brand, the biggest struggles they’ve had so far, and how important respect, love, and kindness is to keep a strong and motivated team. She also talks about the importance of staying true to your vision and your beliefs and how transparency and honesty can grow a more connected and loyal customer fan base. Sophia shares so much wisdom in this episode, and the biggest takeaway for us is that yes, listening to and following your intuition is more powerful than experts advice. Nobody knows you, your brand, and your brand mission as you do. Enjoy this episode! Show notes Visit Fanm Mon here! Fanm Mon's Instagram page: Take a look! Sign up for the AE Summer School: Register Here!

Today we have the incredible honor of interviewing a design and brand building rockstar! Reinhard Pascher has 30 years of experience in product innovation and brand building. He is the co-founder of the brand agency Pascher + Heinz in Munich Germany. He works for both clients and agencies at an executive level and he has developed concepts and strategies for upcoming and leading sports brands like Nike, Odlo, Adidas, Volvo, Dynafit, Atomic, Head, Salewa, Toray, Red Bull and many many more. Reinhard is also a jury member in some of the world's best design and innovation awards like Ispo brand New, Volvo Sports Design Forum and Award, and the German Design Award. Listen to Reinhard's fascinating stories where we cover topics like what makes for great design, Innovation, design awards, inspiration, motivation, and what makes brands succeed (or not…) This interview is such a goldmine for everybody interested in outstanding design, innovation, and brand building. And if you really enjoy the interview, pls rate and review the podcast on the platform you are using, to help spread the word so more people can enjoy and learn from it! We appreciate you! Happy listening! Show notes Pascher+Heinz Design Agency: Visit them here! Sign up for the AE Summer School: Register Here! ISPO Brandnew Awards: Visit the website. German Design Award: Visit the website.

In today’s podcast episode, we have the honor of talking to an apparel industry friend, Charles Ross. Charles is a specialist in performance sportswear design, and an expert in sustainable matters and a lecturer at the Royal College of Art in the UK. Ever since we started the podcast we have wanted to have Charles on the show, so today’s episode is a real treat. We cover a broad variety of topics from material innovation, to industry opportunities, projections for the future, industry resources, but during the conversation, we always circle back to two main topics - starting an apparel brand and sustainability. During our 1,5 hour long interview, we also touch on circularity in the apparel industry and ideas for how we can combat overconsumption. Charles mentions resources, books, companies, and organizations and you can find the links to them below. Turn up the volume and join us for AEP054! Show notes at https://www.apparelentrepreneurship.com/podcast/

In today’s podcast episode, we are talking about how you can sell more products by nailing your unique value proposition, and by figuring out your niche. What is a niche and why is it so important? We are also discussing what's not a niche, but instead a market segment, product area, product category, or trend? This episode is both for brands about to start that need help figuring out their niche, as well as established brands that are having issues attracting customers. Sit back and enjoy AEP053! Show notes Sign up for the brand new Course: How To Successfully Launch A Clothing Brand The membership program: Join here The connecting platform for brands and freelance designers: Desinder.com

In today’s podcast episode, we are answering questions from our community regarding how to run your brand in the current situation. We see new behaviors, people stay inside, they don't meet in workspaces, kids are at home, people are losing their jobs, online demand increases, and so on. In this episode, we have gathered all your questions that we have received from you, that are all centered around the Covid-19 situation, and we give you our input to guide you through these times. Here are some of the questions that we address in this episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast: I was really close to launching then Covid hit. I still haven’t launched it. Should I still go ahead and launch my brand or should I wait it out? What are the most important things to do right now for an apparel brand? I run an existing brand, what’s the best thing to do right now to sell my products? I only sell my products to retailers, I have not been able to sell. What tips do you have? So stay at home, keep your distance, turn up the volume and join us for the 1-year anniversary of the AE Podcast! Show notes Sign up for the brand new Course: How To Successfully Launch A Clothing Brand The membership program: Join here The connecting platform for brands and freelance designers: Desinder.com

In today’s podcast episode, we have the honor of interviewing Stefanie Sacherow. She is the Senior Project Manager at the greatest performance fabrics fair there is - Performance Days in Munich, Germany. We had the pleasure of chatting with Stefanie about the fair, their quick adjustment on moving online during these challenging times when people can’t physically be at a fair. We also talked about the upcoming innovative materials and sustainability. And we also covered Stephanie's trip around the world with a few pitstops at some fantastic places in Laos at a textile center where they do organic silk in small quantities that are organically dyed and Indonesia, where she collected ocean trash for recycling together with No-Trash Triangle. Put on your headphones and listen to this very inspiring conversation. Show notes Digital sourcing: Visit Performance Days here. The textile center in Laos: Ock Pop Tok No-Trash Triangel Initiative: Visit the website here.

This is the sixth part of a 6-part series covering the Apparel Entrepreneurship Success Path. This 6-step process covers all parts of starting, running, and growing a profitable apparel brand. The 6 steps are: Build Your Foundation Manage Your Business Build Your Brand Design Your Collection Make Your Garments Sell Your Products In this sixth part of the series, we are talking about Selling Your Products. Bring out your notebook and join us for AEP050. Show notes Sign up for the brand new Course: How To Successfully Launch A Clothing Brand The membership program: Join here The connecting platform for brands and freelance designers: Desinder.com

This is the fifth part of a 6-part series covering the Apparel Entrepreneurship Success Path. This 6-step process covers all parts of starting, running, and growing a profitable apparel brand. The 6 steps are: Build Your Foundation Manage Your Business Build Your Brand Design Your Collection Make Your Garments Sell Your Products In this fifth part of the series, we are talking about Making Your Garments. Turn up the volume and join us for AEP episode 49. Show notes Sign up for the brand new Course: How To Successfully Launch A Clothing Brand The membership program: Join here

This is the fourth part of a 6-part series covering the Apparel Entrepreneurship Success Path. This 6-step process covers all parts of starting, running, and growing a profitable apparel brand. The 6 steps are: Build Your Foundation Manage Your Business Build Your Brand Design Your Collection Make Your Garments Sell Your Products In this fourth part of the series, we are talking about Design Your Collection. Turn up the volume and join us for AEP episode 48. Show notes Sign up for the brand new Course: How To Successfully Launch A Clothing Brand The membership program: Join here

This is the third part of a 6-part series covering the Apparel Entrepreneurship Success Path. This 6-step process covers all parts of starting, running, and growing a profitable apparel brand. The 6 steps are: Build Your Foundation Manage Your Business Build Your Brand Design Your Collection Make Your Garments Sell Your Products In this third part of the series, we are talking about the third step; Build Your Brand. Put on your headphones and join us for AEP episode 47. Show notes Sign up for the brand new Course: How To Successfully Launch A Clothing Brand The membership program: Join here

This is the second part of a 6-part series covering the Apparel Entrepreneurship Success Path. This 6-step process covers all parts of starting, running, and growing a profitable apparel brand. The 6 steps are: Build Your Foundation Manage Your Business Build Your Brand Design Your Collection Make Your Garments Sell Your Products In this second part of the series, we are talking about the second step; Manage Your Business. Turn up the volume so everyone can hear and join us for AEP episode 45. Show notes Sign up for the brand new Course: How To Successfully Launch A Clothing Brand The membership program: Join here

This is the first part of a 6-part series covering the Apparel Entrepreneurship Success Path. This 6-step process covers all parts of starting, running, and growing a profitable apparel brand. The 6 steps are: Build Your Foundation Manage Your Business Build Your Brand Design Your Collection Make Your Garments Sell Your Products In this first part of the series, we are talking about the first step; Build Your Foundation. Turn up the volume so everyone can hear and join us for AEP episode 45. apparelentrepreneurship.com

In this special episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast, we talk about how to deal with the current coronavirus situation and still run your business. The coronavirus or covid-19 has changed the business landscape dramatically. The pandemic is out of our control, and we don’t know what the near future looks like. This topic has been brought up in our coaching calls and also with some of our members. Many of you are wondering what to do, how can you minimize the risk and stay ahead of the competition. In this episode, we are going to give you over 20 actionable tips on what you can work on and what you can do for your customers and communities. Business is not as usual but if you can, continue your business as usual without panicking! Most apparel business operations can be done virtually. Believe us, we did it when we ran our 2 apparel brands, and we are doing it today, with our brands in the design agency. Around the world there are lockdown measures, shops are closing, there are travel bans, people are taking social distancing measures, kids are home from school. In our lifetime, we haven’t seen anything like this. But, we have to keep moving, we have to keep going, to run our businesses and support our customers and our communities. We're all in this together! You move on, businesses move on, and the ones that adapt are the ones that are going to survive and even thrive. Show notes Sign up for the brand new Course: How To Successfully Launch A Clothing Brand How to build your online store yourself: Read the AE blog post.

4 actionable tips for how to get started and also improve your SEO. Did you know that some clothing brands that we work with are getting thousands of visitors to their website every month without paying a cent on advertising? This goes for us at Apparel Entrepreneurship as well. Actually we created our website with SEO in mind day one. Yes, SEO is what will give you free traffic to your website. When you search for a topic, that search engine gives you a number of suggestions for pages. SEO means that you optimize your website so that your pages will be one of those suggested results. SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization and in this episode, we give you 4 actionable tips for how to get started and also improve your SEO. Put on your headphones or turn up your car stereo, because you you want to get more online sales, don't you? Show notes The AE Membership Program: Join here! Shopify: Try 14 days for free. How to build your online store yourself: Read the AE blog post.

Many designers are afraid of this exact thing or they have some bad experiences with issues regarding this problem. In this episode, we are talking about plagiarism and copying. How to protect yourself and deal with plagiarism. Brands ripping off other designers' work is not a secret. In recent years it has been easier to out copying brands with all the social media and the blogs and the insta lives, and stories. For some designers, it is a big issue and we feel we have to talk about it now. After this episode, you will have more info to help you with your decision along the way. We are covering 2 main scenarios: Designers are afraid even before they begin. The manufacturers or suppliers are going to copy their design when they send away the tech packs and sketches Someone has already copied their design and they are angry, bitter and pissed off and don’t know what to do about it. Put on your headphones or turn on the volume in your car, and get some general tips on how you can protect your brand and designs. The AE Membership Program: Join here! The connecting platform for brands and freelance designers: Desinder.com

In this episode of the AE Podcast, we share with you 5 steps to develop your mindset. Mindset - what is that? It's a set of beliefs, assumptions, and notions that you have about your world. But your beliefs are shaped when you were little. The society and your parents and the culture you were brought up in have shaped who you are and what you believe. Depending on what beliefs you have, these can really limit you and eventually your business. Psychology is one of the biggest parts of running and excelling at business. 80% of the actions you take and the output you create depends on your mindset. - Good news, you can change that! And in this episode we are going to talk about how. You know the saying - if you change nothing, nothing will change? Well, it's the same with your mindset. One of the biggest reasons why entrepreneurs succeed or don’t get anywhere depends on this exact thing. Their mindset. We are covering 5 simple actions for how you can shift your mindset that can result in a successful apparel business.

In this fairly short episode, we talk about one simple, but yet very important differentiator, that can make or break your sales. It all has to do with this common advice that we get, that you should do what you love. Put on your headphones and listen to this easy shift that many brands overlook. Show notes at apparelentrepreneurship.com/podcast

In this episode, we are talking about the solution to the struggles of frustrated and overwhelmed emerging entrepreneurs. The struggle is real you guys! So many spend tons of money and time, getting nowhere or making very little progress, pumping in money in a business without a real plan for return on investment, meaning profit. We know these struggles and worries, because we have been in those shoes. We were you! From starting and running 2 own brands, working with hundreds of brands through Apparel Entrepreneurship, and running a technical design agency for 12 years, we have seen and made many mistakes, and had to figure stuff. Hopefully now you can learn from these mistakes instead of making them yourself. Put on your headphones and listen to how we have helped entrepreneurs through Apparel Entrepreneurship.

In this episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast, we talk about fashion trade shows and more specifically how to grow your brand by exhibiting at a trade show. So in this episode, we are dissecting the whole thing. What exactly are trade shows in case you haven’t been to one? Why you should or shouldn’t be at one and how it can be beneficial for your brand? We are also giving 3 key takeaways that you want to consider before attending the next trade show. Sit back and relax, put all other things aside, and listen to AEP038. Show notes at apparelentrepreneurship.com

In this episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast, we talk about sourcing or more specifically How to maximize your sourcing fair visit. We explain what they are, what you can expect from the sourcing fairs, and some dos and don'ts. We further discuss why it is a good idea to visit a sourcing fair, what you can get out of them, and how to get as much value for your time and money as possible. To find a sourcing fair near you, see the show notes. There you can also download the free PDF with 8 Questions To Ask At A Sourcing Fair. Put on your headphones and prepare to maximize your next sourcing fair visit. Show notes at apparelentrepreneurship.com/podcast

In this fairly short episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast we address a question that we receive all the time; How Do You Know When You Are Ready To Launch? Grab that cup of coffee, walk the dog, and listen to our take on when you are ready to launch. Show notes at apparelentrepreneurship.com

This is the episode many of you have been waiting for. It’s the first interview ever here on the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast, and it’s about how to best work with a manufacturer. We are talking to Kevin Van Lancker, founder and CEO of Sportwear of Tomorrow, a manufacturer of sublimated sportswear. They are the first and largest Print on Demand manufacturer in Europe for the cycling and triathlon industry and work with clients worldwide. Kevin gives us the inside view of what brands need to think about when looking for manufacturing, how to best prepare, and how to create a fruitful relationship with the manufacturer. He also gives you insights into how you can work with an on-demand manufacturer, mistakes to avoid, and how the industry is evolving. Sportswear of Tomorrow is the most technologically advanced private label, sports- and swimwear manufacturing plant in Europe, and Kevins shares with us how his background in IT has led to the introduction of Artificial Intelligence in their manufacturing process. Whether you are about to start or you have been running your brand for years, this episode will give you loads of tips of working with a manufacturer, and insights in what possibilities there are when working with a manufacturer at the forefront of technology. Find out more at apparelentrepreneurship.com

In this episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship podcast, we talk about planning a productive 2020. You'll get tangible advice and tips on how to plan your work and manage your time. First, we talk about how to plan your year on a high level. We will continue to discuss how you can plan your week and give you two different ways of doing this in a structured manner. Lastly, we talk about daily planning, what to think about, and actionable tips. 2020 is coming up quickly, Listen to this podcast, take a few hours, and plan for your best business year so far. Show notes at apparelentrepreneurship.com

In this episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship podcast, we talk about 7 predictions and apparel business trends for 2020. We have worked with hundreds of brands through the Apparel Entrepreneurship Membership Program, one-on-one coaching, the Ana Kristiansson Design Agency, helping entrepreneurs start, run, and scale successful, meaningful, and profitable clothing brands. So in this episode, we are going to look into the future. Here are our predictions for next year. So, sit down with pen and paper, and listen to what's going to happen in 2020 and how you can make a change for growth in your business. Show notes at apparelentrepreneurship.com/podcast

In this episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship podcast, we talk about how and where to find inspiration for your designs and collection. How do you turn design inspiration into fashion collections? Why is it a good idea to have an inspiration for your designs and collection? So how and where does it all start? How do designers know what to create? Inspiration is everywhere and we often hear this when designers are interviewed: where do you get your inspiration from? They most often answer from everywhere. But where is everywhere? In this episode, we give specific ideas for where to find inspiration and how to go about it. You might have a trend sensitive business, or you may run a timeless brand. But you, at all times, have to know what's going on in the world, and know the trends and why things are the way they are. Because your brand is evolving with time, whether you like it or not, because that’s the nature of the game. And if you do know the trends it will be easier for you to run a business that is relevant, to increase your chances for more sales. Inspiration isn’t only for the prints, or the details, it’s for everything. Starting with the products themselves, the silhouette and shapes, the materials choices, the colors and color story, the accessories chosen like buttons and trims and cords, all the way down to the finishing touches and styling of the garments. Put on your headphones and join us for Design Inspiration 101. Show notes The Apparel Entrepreneurship Membership Program: Join this week

Through working with clothing brands in the AE Membership Program, and through our consulting assignments, we see 5 major reasons why customers aren't buying from certain brands. Some of you have been running your brand for years and you now see a decline in sales. And many of you haven't launched your brands yet, and want to be better prepared for pitfalls that can be avoided before your launch. In this episode we are bringing attention to why you aren't selling and what you can do about it. Show notes at apparelentrepreneurship.com

This is a special episode about Black Friday and Cyber Monday. These are the two most significant online selling days of the year. 2018 the sales grew around 20% from the previous year in the US, taking the revenue to record levels. We had actually planned to do another episode today on design inspiration. We had planned to NOT do an episode about Black Friday, but you have sent us questions about it and asked when we are going to talk about it. You kind of decided for us, and we love you for that! So, here is a packed episode with everything you need to know about Black Friday, including the pros and cons. We are also giving you 9 marketing ideas for how you can increase your chances of selling your products. This information is also useful to know if you decide NOT to do Black Friday. Show notes at apparelentrepreneurship.com

In today's episode, we are talking about why you should have a blog, why it's useful, and blog topic tips for your fashion brand. A blog is important, no matter if you are just starting out or if you are running and established clothing brand. When should you start? How often should you post? What should you talk about? There are so many things you can talk about on your blog besides your products. A common concern for new brands that don't have products yet is what they should post about. In many cases, they don't want to reveal too much information before the products are manufactured and ready to sell. In this episode, you will get loads of tips on things you can talk about to connect with your customers. So, bring out a pen and paper, put on your headphones, and join us for AEP029! Learn more at apparelentrepreneurship.com

In this episode, we are talking about business partners, coaches, and mentors. Why is having a business partner such a good idea? What do you need to think of when picking a partner? We are discussing some crucial components to consider before partnering up with someone, so you don't make the same mistakes we have done and also seen other clothing brands make. Listen to this episode before choosing your partner, so it doesn't end up in disaster. It's challenging to grow your business alone. But, maybe you don’t want a partner for some reason. Perhaps you want to own your business to 100%. We are also addressing alternatives to bringing on business partners, where you still can you grow your business. Go for a walk, get on that bike, sit down on the bus, or whatever suits you. Put on your headphones and join us for AEP028! Show notes at apparelentrepreneurship.com

In this episode, we are discussing how you can design your business to suit your life, in opposition to the other way around. When we started our first business, we basically just mimicked the way our previous employers ran their businesses. But the traditional 9 to 5 setup didn't suit us, and our life situation changed along the way. So at one point, we sat down and actively planned how we wanted our life to look like. You don't have to run your brand as everyone else does. Design your own business. In this episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast, we give you 5 steps to how you can design your business to betters suit your life situation, your goals, and your preferences. Sit back and listen. It's time to take control of how you run your brand and business. Show notes at apparelentrepreneurship.com

There is a lot of talk about the Millenials, but not as much about the consumer group that is going to be the biggest one in 2020. In this episode, we are talking about generation z. We discuss who they are, how they will behave, and what we can do to connect with them. Even if this is not your target customer group, you can learn a lot about this generation that is already controlling and influencing $800 billion in direct spendings! So bring out a pen and paper and prepare your brand for the future. Find the show notes at ApparelEntrepreneurship.com

We present ourselves, so you can better understand where we are coming from and why we are so passionate about clothing brands. We also talk about reasons and motivation of being an entrepreneur, plus tips on how to manage a busy schedule. This is episode gives you the background to why we have started Apparel Entrepreneurship (apparelentreneurship.com).