The evolution of fashion has transformed the clothing business into a highly creative industry that allows individuals to bring their innovative ideas to life.

Clothing stores remain a thriving and essential business as they provide practical and indispensable products for people of all ages.

The secret to achieving success in this industry lies in offering something unique and distinct from other stores. To achieve this, creativity and originality are the two essential tools to help set your store apart and drive its success.

Still aren't confident that you'll make it? Cut it out and press on (sew on and sew forth). OK, enough with the puns.

Today we continue to discuss how to go about starting your own fashion brand and shaping it into your own personal success story.

Ready?

Keep it Simple

My honest recommendation is to prioritise simplicity in all aspects of creating your product. After selecting the product you want to make, it's important to focus on the design, sourcing, and production process to ensure that it's straightforward and efficient.

When it comes to design, it's best to work with a professional rather than attempting to do it yourself. Start with sketching and creating mood boards, then collaborate with a patternmaker and designer to create a high-quality product that is commercially viable. Be sure to ask for referrals and portfolios to ensure that you're working with a reputable designer.

To simplify the sourcing process, it's best to use only one material for your product(s). This can help reduce costs and hit minimum order quantities. It's also important to involve your designer in the material selection process since it can affect the design of the product. You can request swatches and samples from mills and test the fabric to ensure its quality.

For production, it's recommended to start with a local manufacturer for your first run so that you can gain more experience. Throughout the entire process, try to simplify things as much as possible to prevent becoming overwhelmed. This can help ensure that you're intentional and successful in launching your product with a budget of $20,000 or more.

Create Your Community At Least Six to Eight Months Before Launching

My secret strategy is to begin building your community well in advance of your launch, ideally at least eight months beforehand. This will allow you to reach beyond your inner circle when it's time to sell.

To effectively target your ideal customers, take the time to identify which platforms they frequent and focus your efforts there. Don't waste your time and resources on promotional materials that won't reach your target audience.

For example, if your target customer is a 35+ year old female executive with a 9-5 job, it's likely more effective to engage with her on LinkedIn and through email, rather than on TikTok.

Similarly, if you're a sustainable bridal brand, it's wise to focus on Pinterest, as brides-to-be often search for inspiration on that platform.

To avoid spreading yourself too thin, I advise clients to select one social media platform to cultivate a strong presence on. This allows you to create high-quality content and attract followers. It's also essential to prioritise building an email list, as this is a valuable marketing asset that you own.

I understand that you may not have any products yet, and it can be challenging to figure out what to post. It's natural to feel uncertain about what content to create when you're still in the early stages.

One approach that can be effective is to share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your creative process. This can give your audience an inside look at your progress and help them feel more invested in your work. When you do release your products, they'll be more likely to support you because they've been following your journey.

If you're worried about keeping everything under wraps, don't be afraid to share sneak peeks of materials or production partners you're working with. Remember that you don't have to get everything perfect right away. Just start making content and have fun with it. Building a brand takes time, and every step you take brings you closer to your goal.

Fail to Plan Your Launch ASAP and You will Plan to Fail (ASAP)

Let me tell you a story about planning a successful launch. Building a community is just the beginning, and you need to plan your launch at least six months out. At Word Nerd, we have a detailed schedule that helps our clients stay on track.

It all starts with a brainstorming session. Write down everything you need to do for the launch: from getting the website up to creating marketing materials and investing in advertising. Reach out to influencers, plan a launch party, and list it all out. Then, create a schedule and stick to it.

The key to success is having a cohesive plan and marketing your launch for at least a month to maximise sales. I know that this can be overwhelming, but if you create a plan and stick with it, you'll get there. Many people try to "wing it" a month before the launch and end up falling through the cracks. Don't let that be you!

Remember, the key to a successful launch that makes $20k is working behind the scenes to make it happen and intentionally strategising. It may take some effort, but with a solid plan and determination, your launch can be a resounding success.

Know Your Purpose

Running a business, especially a sustainable product-based business, can be incredibly challenging. But when you have a strong sense of purpose and know exactly why you're doing what you're doing, it can be the fuel that keeps you going, even when things get tough.

That's why I always encourage my clients to identify their "why" and write it down on a Post-it note that they can stick everywhere. It's essential to remind yourself why you're putting in all the hard work and dedication.

For me, my mission is to make a positive impact on the fashion industry, which is incredibly harmful to our planet. I'm passionate about protecting nature, and the devastating impact of our clothes on the environment motivates me every day.

I urge you to take a moment and think about your "why." It's important to get introspective and really look inward to understand why you want to start a sustainable fashion line.

If you want to get your fashion brand off to a fantastic start, we're here to help. Drop us a line, and we'll start brainstorming ideas straight away.

Hopefully, this was helpful in realising your dream of starting your clothing line. In our next blog post, we look at managing finances and getting your business up and running with little to no cash.

Keep your eyes peeled.