Three reasons to start a fashion business
Over the last several years, I’ve been tracking the interest of people for starting their own fashion business. First of all, I am amazed by how many people are thinking, planning or even starting their own fashion brands, lines and collections.
It looks like every month around 100,000 people only in the European region ask Google the question ”How to start my own fashion business?“.
Collecting data for my future book on the same topic, I must admit I was truly surprised and impressed by such a huge general interest. There sure seems to be some truth in it: there’s no business like fashion business!
There is no business like fashion business!
The simple truth
Putting together creative, technological and marketing minds to develop something new and inspiring that other people would like to wear is an experience you can’t compare to anything in the world.
Believe me, I was there. I’ve been through all the phases, in the best and worst of times, in seventh heaven and in the abyss, several times.
Therefore, let me share with you my three main reasons why to start a collection, a product line or a service brand within your own fashion business.
And then, in the next blog, I will sort out three main reasons why not do it.
Reason no.1 YOU ARE a TALENTED DESIGNER
If you are a designer who has their own source of creativity, together with your specific and outstanding approach to create clothing according to your vision, and deep in your soul you know that there are people who would gladly follow your style, then go for it!
That’s because your internal force is the main ingredient you’ll need when following your dream, the one that will lead you and make you shine bright even through the darkest of times.
Moreover, when you possess creativity, this is something that has been given to you with a reason, something to help you fulfil your purpose. Do not take it for granted!
The world needs your gift and your unique designer’s approach could help someone find their own way to express themselves in this crazy today’s world.
But also, do not forget the fact that creativity, while certainly a gift, is not enough. Your creativity should meet the world and take the form of an articulate business idea, whether it is physical or virtual.
In both cases you need knowledge, business pillars, the right people around you and a strong financial background.
Do not supress this gift. Be curious. Be smart. Be eager to learn as much as you can about the subject. Be prepared. Be persistent. Be proud and in love with what you do. Be organised and consistent.
And then, only the sky is your limit.
Reason no.2 YOU ARE IN THE fashion BUSINESS, BUT on the fringe
If you are already somewhere in the fashion business supply chain, and you know its rules, plus think you could do it better than others… why not do it?!
For example, you are about to inherit a company from your parents, and it is a clothing producing company. You know that you make the best shirts/pants/dresses in the region. You know that there is a market out there, but don’t know how to succeed, considering that you miss designer or product development skills or knowledge.
You may also miss branding/selling/marketing staff in the company.
From my point of view, you already have the most important precondition to produce your garments. So, this one is solved. Then you can hire a consultant or an agency to help you draft how your future business could look like.
During that process, you will learn what is important in the phases that follow and what type of employees you should look for.
Moreover, you will learn basics about the stages they will go through in their work, what they need and how to keep them on track of your fashion business.
It is not easy to transform a production owner mindset into the mindset of a fashion brand owner. These are two totally different worlds. If it was easy, anyone would do it.
It is not easy to transform a production owner mindset into the mindset of a fashion brand owner.
If it was easy, anyone would do it…
Once you’ve rounded up the process from design and production to warehouse and customers, you will start to enjoy the fruits of your decision to step out of the comfort zone.
You will know it was worthwhile to make this tectonic shift when it brings your company a huge added value.
Reason no.3 YOU ARE A FASHIONISTA AND KNOW HOW TO IMPRESS WITH STYLE
If you’re a person with your own vision of fashion, spot an original style or simply know how to help customers create combos that highlight their unique features – what are you waiting for?
Having a flame inside you is a gift and you basically owe it to yourself to start a fashion business.
No matter if it’s hipster fashion or a minimalistic northern look, every style has a number of followers who look for help on how to express themselves.
In the outside world, there is a multitude of potential buyers, who simply do not know how to style themselves, even when they can afford the best of the best in fashion.
Maybe you can see yourself as a professional who gives style advice to customers, maybe you just want to own a fashion store with a handpicked choice of styles from all over the world, maybe your vision is driven by digital platforms that have opened up new horizons and may even open new niches, who knows?
But one thing is sure: a passion for anticipating, wearing and combining fashion items within a specific niche brings you joy. It could also bring you profit if you also commit yourself to its business side long enough before you actually start a business.
Keep calm and be openminded. Feel, think and, first and foremost, learn. Learn as much as you can so that your business can survive and grow. Always remember that studying never goes out of style.
Learn as much as you can, as studying never goes out of fashion
To wrap up, we have identified a few reasons with the most potential to start a fashion business. If you recognise yourself in any of them and need assistance in clarifying or shaping your idea, contact us via KNOW-HOW services. The first on-line meeting is free of charge.
Next blog: Three main reasons why not to start your fashion business
