Comments on: Why you don’t need to borrow money to start a clothing line

By: ayomidejpw

ayomidejpw — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 02:44:56 +0000

I am confused is writing a business plan something that I shouldn’t be wasted a lot of time on? Maybe doing both writing and design would be a good way to figure out both things?

By: Portia

Portia — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 09:23:17 +0000

I love when the articles are motivational & reassuring like this.
Exactly one year ago to the day I “officially” started my business. I had been prepping for months after purchasing Kathleen’s book along with many others as reference. (hers was and still is my favorite.) Well today, exactly one year later, I delivered my finished goods to the boutique that placed my first order after viewing the sample collection.
I started my line with my own financing supplemented with a 20K line of credit that I try not to touch if I can help it. My first season was only of six pieces which majority never even sold at market. However, for me that was not really the point. Of course I would have been thrilled to get minimum orders on every item, but I had wanted to start very small and grow slowly like is mentioned above favorably several times. I knew that the most important thing was to take those few orders and make my way through the entire process from concept – boutique as smoothly as possible.
Along the way I have learned a lot about what I don’t like in a sample maker, pattern makers, and production. Fortunately the flip side is knowing what I do like now and how to get the best out of everyone in the process, including myself.
I have found that building good relations with your local service providers is key to survival in the industry.
Well I could go on and on but after a last minute covered button crisis before even delivering the goods today, I am wiped out.
I wish everyone else just starting like myself, the best of luck. Cheers

By: Abigail

Abigail — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 03:52:03 +0000

To De’Andre and Jenny:

I started 5 years ago with absolutely no knowledge of the sewn goods industry. I bought Kathleen’s book over a year ago and wish I had know about it 4 years ago. It would have saved me a tremendous amount of time and money. The book is invaluable. That… is the biggest amount of advise I can give you.

Good Luck!

By: Jenny McDermott

Jenny McDermott — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 01:57:21 +0000

I am getting ready to start a line of handbag accessories and I came upon this website. All of these comments have been very helpful to me. Thank you.

By: De'Andre Rucker

De'Andre Rucker — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 02:46:44 +0000

I think I’m on the same page as you in the beginning. I am starting a clothing line and it is my family and friends that are buying my clothing. I you have time can you give me some advise?

By: Gia K.

Gia K. — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 03:09:37 +0000

I totally agree with you! I maintained two jobs while I started my business and it’s paying off!

By: Sumiyyah

Sumiyyah — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 00:28:42 +0000

Greetings – The comments are most interesting and fascinating. Those who are interested in starting their own line or manufacturing company, a word to the wise. It doesn’t happen overnight. The start up capital comes from “YOU” and your family. To really succeed you must have good business knowledge and be preapred to do all the jobs yourself until you hire competent workers. When you do hire them – stay out of their way and let them do their job. They are the experts! Business plans are nothing more than road maps that help and guide you along the way. You should have a short term, mid-range and long term plan. As well as a definite plan for growth. Don’t be afraid to fire slackers and incompetent personnel. They weigh you down.

Oh yes the customers. Business is built on relationships not slam bam buy this garment and give me the money! The majority of my customers are friends because I care about them and their business. Their business is my business. If they don’t succeed then neither will I.

Start small and build solid relationships with your customers. They’ll respect you and buy from you. Better yet they will refer their friends to you.

I’ve had the good fortune of working in the business and learning along the way. Mu company produces women’s plus size clothes as well as menswear. I started in my house with two used machines and eventually grew the business to the point of having 4,500 sq. ft warehouse and office facility and launched a facility in two other continents. The methods are simple – not always easy but simple. No two ways about it you have to have a passion for the business and discipline to accomplish your goals.

By: Jade

Jade — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 01:17:45 +0000

I’m working on a sketch and the design has to have “specifications”. What are specifications and how do you do them? I am very confused?

Thank you

By: Fashionable Kiffen

Fashionable Kiffen — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 00:01:22 +0000

Kathleen, you never fail to impress me with your thoughtful advice. Running a business is hard work and so many people think that just because they’ve got an idea for something “edgy”, they’re all set.

By: Karen C

Karen C — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 19:40:06 +0000

Words so true. When I came back from my stay and study in Italy five years ago, within the first month I bought and read your book. I then spent the next NINE MONTHS researching and writing my business plan, without making a single garment. I then tried to get financing, and nothing–butkus! I’m glad I was able to spend the time doing my business plan, because it is a blueprint of how I want to launch my business, brand it and grow it. But I wish I had spent more time on learning patternmaking and getting my samples made. I never knew how long getting a product made would take or how much money it takes to launch. People, listen to Kathleen, and just get something made first. Tweak it, re-draft your patterns, find your sources, etc.