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

By: How to find investors for a clothing line pt.1

How to find investors for a clothing line pt.1 — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:45:41 +0000

[...] entries: Don’t borrow money to start a clothing line How to find investors for a clothing line pt.1 Investing in a clothing line Investing in a clothing [...]

By: Colleen McGuirk

Colleen McGuirk — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:28:19 +0000

This is such an insightful post! I having been weighing the pros and cons of getting outside financing, but now I’m sure I don’t want it. Def don’t want anyone to own me or lose my flexibility (one thing I consider my biggest advantage).

Thanks as always!!!

By: Fashion Incubator » Investing in a clothing line 2

Fashion Incubator » Investing in a clothing line 2 — Fri, 27 May 2011 21:43:13 +0000

[...] entries: Don’t borrow money to start a clothing line How to find investors for a clothing line pt.1 Investing in a clothing line Partnerships Why [...]

By: Fashion Incubator » Open tabs 5/4/11

Fashion Incubator » Open tabs 5/4/11 — Wed, 04 May 2011 23:04:13 +0000

[...] second BNET story is Beware the Entrepreneur’s Debt Trap, another repeated theme on this site because money is the least of what you need. This story recounts how two brothers [...]

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!