I posted this in a blog too, but don't know which one is frequented the most, but anyway.....I design clothing, but don't sew much and am working to improve on my skills and learn how to draft my own patterns. I also design tees, jewelry, accessories, and graphics. I have a burning passion to begin a clothing line in the very near future, but don't have the capital I need and to be honest, credit isn't very good either and I would rather try to get grants and raise money other ways, if possible. I have a lot of time on my hands and at this point, will do WHATEVER I can to make it in the design world. I just need that chance and want to learn as much as I can about it all. I plan to go back to school here in July for Fashion and Retail Management, but I don't know that I'm willing to wait 4 years to make something happen just so I can have a degree.
So what I'm asking is...do you all have any advice for:
raising money
ways to market myself
how to make sure I'm targeting the right market
and/or just tips on what to do and not do when starting a company/clothing line???
I sincerely appreciate anything you all can help me with!
Peace, Love, and God Bless,
Kendra
check your local library and amazon.com
go to amazon.com . there's several books on how to get into the biz of fashion design. then from there see if your local library carries it (or can transfer from another location)
Hi Kendra, On your blog, you
Hi Kendra,
On your blog, you should display pictures of your fashions so people can see them. Then have people contact you directly if they are interested.
Get some cheap business cards as well with all your info to hand out to friends, potential customers.
Sell your creations at local fairs. Even if you do two or three fairs. You can hand out your business card with all you info, so people can contact you after the fair.
Watch The Big Idea: Donny Deustch on CBNC they have great ideas for entrepreneurs that can spark ideas for you.
Your target audience always starts with you. Think about women your age group with your same style and where you can find them. It is probably the same places where you are at now.
I hope this helps. I use to run a small creative business with my friends years ago. Some of the things I described, we did to success.
I wish you all the best,
Shell
Well, I'm not really a
Well, I'm not really a buisness woman, so this is an amatuer advice. As for learning more, you can, but it's very necessary only when you work for someone else. If you still wanna learn, then start promoting your brand simultaneously through the internet with the help of sites like www.etsy.com or www.pinkdoodle.com. Start making something simple which can be done easily and quickly, like printing tees for example and sell it online, and start saving a bit. But everything takes time, sister, so you must be patient and focussed and keep looking out for oppurtunities everywhere!
p.s.:- and again this is just an advice from an average teen, so I don't know how much it would help, but my mother says that as long as you have interest and determination, you can acheive! All the best to you!
freya.tumblr.com