Podcast appearances and mentions of nicole di rocco

Today on the show, Meet Bridget welcomes a fashion industry legend. Nicole established her bikini brand Nicolita in 2003, a brand inspired from her Cuban roots. She is also a successful entrepreneur, who just launched mentorship services through Fashion Biz Mentor, and hosts a podcast called FastTrack Your Fashion Brand. Growing up on American soil, Nicole knew she was different. She wanted to blend in, but she also wanted to be in touch with her Cuban roots. Finally she decided to embrace her individuality, which led her to be the successful business woman she is today.    This is a story of true grit. A journey of passion and courage. And a manifestation that if you put your heart and mind into achieving a goal, you will definitely achieve it.  Head over to meetbridget.com for full show notes.

Are you still shipping products from your kitchen table? This new episode is all about the pros and cons of working with a fulfillment center! Don’t miss this special listener-generated episode, listen now!   Instagram: instagram.com/nicole_di_rocco/ Free Fashion Resources: bit.ly/FASHIONRESOURCES Sponsorship Opportunities: hello@fashionbizmentor.com UNLAUNCHED FASHION DESIGNER'S CHECKLIST: bit.ly/FASHIONCHECKLIST

Are you worried about launching your fashion line? What’s holding you back from launching this very moment? In this episode you’ll hear real answers from The FastTrack Your Fashion Brand Podcast Community who have been in your very shoes. Listen now!  Instagram: instagram.com/nicole_di_rocco/ Free Fashion Resources: bit.ly/FASHIONRESOURCES Sponsorship Opportunities: hello@fashionbizmentor.com UNLAUNCHED FASHION DESIGNER'S CHECKLIST: bit.ly/FASHIONCHECKLIST

Do you know what your signature story is? I know that I have had a long journey discovering exactly what kinds of signature stories I needed to craft to help me communicate my business. In this episode I give you my recipe for building your own signature story! Check it out! Instagram: instagram.com/nicole_di_rocco/ Free Fashion Resources: bit.ly/FASHIONRESOURCES Sponsorship Opportunities: hello@fashionbizmentor.com UNLAUNCHED FASHION DESIGNER'S CHECKLIST: bit.ly/FASHIONCHECKLIST

Today’s case study is a special one, because you’re going to meet an entrepreneur who not only has a successful physical product business, but she has made the pivot to running a profitable online business as well! Nicole Di Rocco is your “Fashion Biz Mentor”, and she helps fashionpreneurs grow and scale their businesses. Along her journey Nicole has made so many mindset shifts and breakthroughs that I just know you’re going to get value from the story that she shares in this episode! If you enjoy this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me and Nicole, @jameswedmore and @nicole_di_rocco. We’ve got a special gift to help you with your manifesting goals in 2020, so go get that free guide now at http://jameswedmore.com/manifesting! Don’t forget that we’ve created another FREE workbook and mini-course, Ready to Make 2020 Your B*tch? to help you hit the ground running in 2020 (and would go great with this episode)! You can grab that now at http://jameswedmore.com/goalsetting! You can now search any for any topic discussed and keyword mentioned from the past 300+ episodes, with an amazing new tool called Searchie! For instant access, visit http://www.jameswedmore.com/podcastsearch. I’d like to personally invite you to join me in a secret hidden channel I’ve created called BEYOND The Mind Your Business Podcast. All you have to do is go to http://jameswedmore.com/beyond to download the Telegram app and join today. Haven’t left a review yet? All you have to do is go to http://jameswedmore.com/itunes, and thanks for your support of this show! I want to invite you to help contribute to this podcast by submitting a question for the Listener Question of the Week edition of The Mind Your Business Podcast. All you have to do is go to http://jameswedmore.com/QA and record a question (under 4 minutes or less) that could be featured on an upcoming episode. In the episode you’ll hear: Why Nicole first looked into the opportunity of offering coaching and online courses to go along with her physical products business – and the $100,000 deal she landed right away What she learned from her first experience coaching someone about what she wants, and doesn’t want, from her online business The big mindset shifts that Nicole has made to get her to where she is today How she learned the lesson that “bigger isn’t better” in business Her advice for someone wanting to launch their first coaching program or course in 90 days For full show notes and links, visit: http://mindyourbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/329

How do I approach boutiques? How do I sell my fashion designs to stores? Is this something that I should do now, or can it wait until after I launch my line?  These are all great questions and don’t worry, you’re not the only person asking. As we start putting our fashion lines together, and start debating whether wholesale is what we want to pursue, it then becomes a question of timing. When should I do this? And how do I get started?  In this episode of the FastTrack Your Fashion Brand Podcast, I discuss how to approach boutiques and storefronts with your collections, as well as the importance of a lookbook and line sheet. If you haven’t heard of either, don’t worry, you’re in the right place. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR ABOUT What is the difference between a lookbook and a line sheet?  Common mistakes on line sheets The different components of a line sheet The power of a line sheet How to create a style number system What is the difference between a lookbook and a line sheet? Although these are often mentioned at the same time, so you may think they are one and the same, they are actually a bit different. Apples and oranges. A lookbook is something that you’d expect to see for an editorial shoot - it should have the stylized photos and set the overall mood and vibe of the collection.  The line sheet, on the other hand, is like a menu in a restaurant - it gives all the basic information you need in order to make a decision as a buyer. Common line sheet mistakes There are three common oversights that I see quite often when it comes to linesheets, and that’s having too many styles, being too long, or being too overwhelming. Even if you have  a ton to offer a buyer, if they get too overwhelmed before they’ve even made a purchase, they are likely to look elsewhere.  So a linesheet is critical, especially when trying to sell to boutiques or storefronts. They will almost always ask for one or the other. So, you want to make this easy to read, to follow, and to make a buyer’s choice based on. Line sheet checklist Okay, so these are the basics, and some of the things that you definitely want to include:  Front page - introduction/little background on your company, and your inspiration for the collection Style Name Photo or line drawing Photo with description Colors available Style number Availability Size scale EXTRA TIP - add an ordering box at the bottom  My sister-in-law actually told me about the last one and I think it is a great idea. She would actually add an order box to the bottom of each page and hand it out to potential buyers. She’d then let them go through it, and they could hand it back in and then she could fill out an order sheet and send it back to them in a day or so - this is huge considering how long order forms can actually take. So shout out to her for that awesome tip! Creating a style number system Having a great line sheet is not only great for potential buyers, but it is also quite possibly one of your most critical tools. Especially if done right.  One of the most critical parts of this that can be used for multiple things including vendors, sowers, pattern designers, and even yourself, is your STYLE NUMBER SYSTEM.  There is no one right way to create a style number system, but you need to design a way that works best for you. And create the system with positive growth in mind, as in, how can you use this 5 years down the line, and still be able to tell the difference between your collections?  For me I tend to have a distinguisher for one piece vs two piece, top vs bottom, pattern, cut, etc. This helps me when I am trying to place an order, or if I’m requesting specifics from my factory. Find what works for you, and stick to it!  As always, if you have any questions, hit me up on Instagram @nicole_di_rocco, like and review our podcast on iTunes! We’re here to help you make the most out of your fashion business, so let us know what you think we should cover next! EPISODE BREAKDOWN  03:00 -  05:00 -  Lookbook vs Line Sheet 05:20  - 09:00 -  Common Line Sheet Mistakes 11:20  - 13:00 -  Line Sheet Breakdown 13:20 -  17:20 -  Creating a style number system CONNECT WITH ME INSTAGRAM: @nicole_di_rocco FACEBOOK:  www.facebook.com/nicoledirocco WEBSITE:  www.fashionbizmentor.com SEE MY DESIGNS: www.mynicolita.com

How much is this fashion line production going to cost me? Who’s going to be making my designs? Can you recommend a factory to me?  I recently received a DM on Instagram asking for a recommendation to a factory with low minimums and that was cheap. And I felt that this warranted a little more than my individual response to her, as I feel that this is a question that gets asked quite often.  In this episode of the FastTrack Your Fashion Brand Podcast, I’m discussing the dos and don’ts of finding a factory. How do you avoid falling into the trap that so many fashion designers have dove into head first? How do you keep it professional and not sound like you’re not sure what to ask? I’ve got you covered, with these seven questions!   IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR ABOUT How to avoid the fashion factory trap What questions you should be asking to sound professional Why putting all your eggs in one basket (or factory) may not be the best idea This is more of an interview, factories do not have all the power!   #1. What am I trying to sew?  Not every factory is created equally. They don’t all specialize in the same thing. It would be like going to a FootLocker expecting to find a prom dress…Doesn’t sound like it is the right fit. So the first question is something you need to be asking yourself! What kind of garment am I looking for?    If you are making dresses, you probably don’t want to find yourself in a t-shirt factory (which has a high production with lower quality fabrics). So narrow it down.   #2. Do you specialize?    Now that you’ve figured out exactly what it is that you are trying to design, does the factor you are looking into specialize in anything? Do they specialize in cutting, sewing, patterns, samples, productions, send outs, trims? Are they the full package, or are you going to require multiple vendors?    There is nothing worse than thinking that you are getting a quote and a good deal, but it turns out that they were only quoting you for cutting material, not for the full production.    #3. Do you offer a full service package?    Although I do not recommend this for people who are just starting out, you have to know what your end game as far as pricing strategy is concerned:  Does this cost make sense?  Can I retail it at this cost?  Can I wholesale at this cost?    Companies that specialize and include full package options can give you a certain amount of information about the company. It tells you the level of experience they have, and what they’ll be able to provide you.    #4. Low minimums   When asking about low minimums, we’re actually talking about low production quantities. Some factories will allow for low minimums  of 500+ units. This leaves a lot of room for negotiation, to lower that cost of production. If you can find someone who can work with you around lower minimums, so that you’re not spread super thin with your inventory.   A lot of factories are going to change minimums depending on colors or style. If you everything you design is white, your minimum will probably remain low. Whereas, if you ask for 5 black, 5 blue, 5 pink, and they have to change thread for each color requested, your minimums will increase to account for this time.    #5. Cost   We’re all trying to make money, so of course cost is going to be a concern. But this is something that you never want to ask right off the bat. Starting a conversation with “how much is this going to cost” is not going to make you sound professional to the factory. They won’t be able to tell you that until they have an idea of what style you are going for, what kind of fabric you’ll be using, how many colors will be involved, etc.    If you only come in with a drawn design, they’ll most likely create a sample for you before they are able to give you an estimated cost. So my best advice in this instance would be to go to the store, and find something very similar to what you have in mind, and bring that with you when you go to the factory. Then you can ask, how long would it take you to manufacture something like this?    #6. Who else are you working with?    What kind of brands are they representing? This is a presentation of their past work and quality of work. They may not be a part of your company, but they are an extension of it. They will represent the quality of your product, so it is very important to know if they are up to you standards.    #7. Turn around time   We all have deadlines when it comes to launching our collections. Whether we are trying to get our line launched while a trend is still hot, and will bring a lot of loyal clients, or if we have a self-made deadline, it is essential to give your manufacturers time to produce your products. So, give yourself about 2 or 3 weeks of the additional buffer.    S*** happens! Factories can take on new clients, get backed up, and your production gets delayed. We’re fashionprenuers, we have to be prepared for everything!   EPISODE BREAKDOWN    07:15 -  8:20 -  #1. What am I trying to sew?    08:23  - 9:50 -  #2. Do you specialize?    09:53 -  12:40 -  #3. Do you offer a full-service package?   12:48 -  14:40 -  #4. Low minimums   14:48 -  17:00 -  #5. Cost   17:06 -  17:50 -  #6. Who else are you working with?    17:54 -  19:45 -  #7. Turn around time   CONNECT WITH ME INSTAGRAM: @nicole_di_rocco FACEBOOK:  www.facebook.com/nicoledirocco WEBSITE:  www.fashionbizmentor.com SEE MY DESIGNS: www.mynicolita.com   LOVE OUR PODCAST? Hello my FastTrackers and Fashionprenuers!    This episode had a lot of great information about making sure to connect to your community because it is really hard to feel like you are going through this alone. There are moments when I’m talking to my husband and the empty look tells me that he truly has no idea what I am talking about.   But Nicole’s community StartUp FASHION offers a great, safe space to talk to people going through the same things as you! It is one of the ultimate Mastermind Groups that recognizes the struggles are real, but so are the successes. Find a group to help you get out of your lows and celebrate your highs.    If you like the podcast, make sure to rate and leave a review. Definitely give a shout out to my amazing team who puts in a lot of work to help rock and roll these episodes out!    Make sure you are subscribed to the show to know when our next mastermind will be sharing their zone of genius.  Click here to subscribe in iTunes! RESOURCES MENTIONED Dream to Launch” Video Series

Welcome back to another episode of the FastTrack Your Fashion Brand Podcast! Today I am excited to share with you my Business Blueprint to help you start and run a successful fashion brand!   Do you ever find that when you make the leap from Fashion Designer to Fashion Biz Owner it’s hard because so much of your business needs you to be in it? You work so hard but there is just so much to do that you just can’t get ahead!?   When you own a fashion biz being efficient with your time and money is so important because we all want to have a life right?!  That’s why you started this business in the first place!   As a business owner it can often be hard to let go of control, to unattach from your brand emotionally. But where is the line? When is it just too much?    When you’re unable to let go of this control you’re unable to get the scalability to continue to grow your business. You eventually get to a point where you can’t get any bigger with just YOU!   Which is why you need a Fashion Business Blueprint.    Something so you can really hone in on ‘what is this brand about?’ ‘what am I building?’ and ‘where do I see this going?’   Having a solid plan, knowing your why and your brand values, knowing where you are going and where you want your line to go will help you to be able to launch quicker, make more sales, and run a successful fashion brand!   In this episode of the FastTrack Your Fashion Brand Podcast, you will learn all about my simple one page Fashion Business Blueprint, why having a clearer picture can help your brand move forward, and what are the most important things to remember when you are starting and launching your fashion brand.   The most important thing to remember when you are just starting out (or even when you’ve already launched your line) is your WHY! Why are you even going through all this trouble to start this line?   Taking some time to really think through what you want others to see or know when they see your brand? People want to buy from people so making connections and showing your journey will help your customers learn what your line means to you. Launching your line and selling your products depends heavily on your customers actually wanting your products! Knowing what your customers problem is (or your own!) and then outlining how your product will help them overcome that problem, what features it holds and the benefits of having those features will help ensure your launch is SUCCESSFUL!  

Starting Your Fashion Business It is my absolute favorite thing in the world to help you create and start your dream business. With my hand on my heart, I want to let you know that you CAN have it all without the guilt and without the overwhelm. In today's episode, I'm chatting with someone who has taken some huge leaps and bounds to grow her business! LET'S GET INTO IT Today's guest is Nicole Di Rocco! Nicole helps creatives who are interested in the fashion industry confidently take their fashion idea from sketch to sample to sales. In 2003, Nicole started a Fashion Swimwear Brand that has been distributed throughout the United States and was recently featured on CNBCs Billion Dollar Buyer. Over the past 16 years, Nicole has worked with Fortune 500 companies and individuals to help them launch a few styles to entire collections into mass market. She knows first hand what it's like to go from an idea on the back of a napkin to seeing your products come to life. THE RECAP During this episode, Nicole is sharing her best tips and strategies to crazy successful product launches. 1. Introducing Nicole! Nicole is someone who has taken some huge leaps to grow her business. I'm so excited for you to learn more about her! Key Points We Discussed: Who is Nicole? What is Nicole's biz journey? How did Nicole found her biz? 2. Product Offerings Nicole started her business journey with only one sample! From there she learned that you can launch anything with a good and decent sample to test. In this section, Nicole is sharing how she visualised her product offerings. Key Points We Discussed: How did Nicole begin to visualise her product offerings before launching? What steps did Nicole take? Why should you validate your idea before investing in inventory and marketing? What will having a good sketch of your idea help with? Begin to cost product. Create samples. Work with vendors who will actually take you seriously. 3. Launching Nicole has become a pro at launching! In this section, I pick Nicole's brain and we discuss all about launching a business and successful product launches. Key Points We Discussed: What is Nicole's advice for women who are launching a new business? What goes into a successful product launch? Pre-launch with a sample. Create an easy pre-order with bonuses/ incentives. Create a private FB group/private IG account with a small group of friends and family to ask for feedback. Take people on the journey to your launch. What are Nicole's top three do's when it comes to launching new products online? Ask what is your big vision for your brand. Think about your inspiration and why you want to launch your brand or product. Design with Purpose. What are Nicole's top three don't's when it comes to launching new products online? Do not start buying fabrics or trims at a local shop when you have not planned out your product yet. Try not to start making inventory before you launch. Don't determine your price based on just from your competitors. What is Nicole's visual roadmap for launching? WRAP UP Thank you so much Nicole for joining us on the podcast! This episode was such a blast. I'm wondering if you have a fashion biz idea bubbling away in your head? Tag me in your IG Stories (@mumswithhustle) if you do, as I'd love to hear all about it because getting pen to paper to flesh your ideas out really helps you see your vision come to life. CONNECT WITH NICOLE Nicole has an epic free masterclass for you From Dream To Launch that you can sign up for via her www.fashionbizmentor.com link below! Website: www.mynicolita.com/ / www.fashionbizmentor.com Instagram: @nicole_di_rocco Facebook: @NicoleDiRoccoo CONNECT WITH ME Web: www.mumswithhustle.com Facebook: @Mumswithhustle Instagram: @mumswithhustle Twitter: @MumsWithHustle Biz Club: MWH Biz Club LOVE OUR PODCASTS? Okay, mama!

What were you fashion biz aspirations? Who inspired you to finally take action on your dreams? In this episode of FastTrack Your Fashion Brand podcast, Nicole di Rocco takes on her top 5 lessons learned in building Nicolita and the aspirations behind the brand. Learn about visioning, the power of a good product sample, finding the methods that work and the strategic approach to your PR efforts.   From creating her first capri pants to a successful Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and getting featured on Billion Dollar Buyer, listen as Nicole talks about her journey to fashion industry.

When we talk about private labeling in spa, usually we’re focused on the skincare side of retail, but have you ever thought about creating a branded line of non-skincare retail? Whether it’s robes, slippers, cosmetic bags, towels…the options are plentiful, and they hold a ton of opportunity for boosting your profits.   On today’s episode, I’m chatting with my good friend Nicole Di Rocco who is the founder and creative mastermind behind Nicolita Swimwear, the go-to brand for curve-flattering no-pinch fit swimwear. In addition to her fashion line, Nicole is also the founder of Launch Your Line, where she helps her students confidently develop, produce and sell their next fashion product. And in this episode, she’s sharing her top secrets for how spa professionals can get started creating their own retail products.   In this episode you’ll learn: The story of how Nicole got into the fashion industry and how she works with businesses through wholesale and private labeling relationships What factors to assess when first deciding to bring non-skincare retail products into your spa The process of getting started with private labeling and what elements you need to get started working with an apparel brand to create a sample The benefits of private labeling as an additional division of revenue and creative ideas for how to use your fashion retail to improve your brand experience and increase your units per transaction   To get all the recommended resources mentioned in this episode, click here to go to our full show notes.   Click here to join the free Spa Marketing Made Easy Podcast community where you can keep the conversation going, ask questions, and connect with other like-minded aestheticians building thriving careers.  

In this episode, Nicole looks back to where it all started for her as a fashion designer. Listen as Nicole shares about the documentary film that fasttrack the course of her fashion biz. And how focusing on your passion can turn your thoughts into reality.

In this episode of FastTrack Your Fashion Brand Podcast we are talking all about Goal setting.  Alon David, creator of 90X Goal Planner joins Nicole Di Rocco and shares with us some of the most effective tips on how to maximize time, keep our eyes on the prize and crush your fashion biz goals in just 90 days. Alon dives deep on how to create vision clarity, write an effective goal, find your unique WHY, and how to identify the actions needed to accomplish these goals.