Comments on: How much can you make the first year?

By: DesignerElla

DesignerElla — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:36:21 +0000

Within the past 3 years a mistake or two plus the recession has meant my old job wasn’t that lucrative.

But what just happened was I met my soul mate.

Jessika, “I’ve also needed the right encouragement to want to make the plunge.” Yes, he makes me feel like I can do anything I desire. At least when it comes to my own two hands, not necessarily the things we cannot so much control.

As the setup progresses, I know I could have invested less money into my blogging (former job) and seen *enough* money much sooner – but I am ready now, and this was always my eventual goal, to do things that would lead me to here and where I’m heading.

Thankfully nothing tragic has happened to me, knock on wood. I don’t think I could do this after the death of a husband, no I know I could not.

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:00:38 +0000

Hi Antoinette. The WWD link is archived, have to have a special subscription for that (I don’t). I searched for the article on NBIA but I guess they move old content off site. Not a wise choice imo considering how much long tail traffic they could potentially draw through searches but there it is. Sorry

By: Antoinette

Antoinette — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:43:54 +0000

You mentioned an article above and linked to it, but the link is broken. Can you check the link and let me know if it’s just my and my browsing ways? I’d like to read the article you referred to.

Thanks so much. Your quote resonates with me: “I think that when all is said and done, success really hangs on passion -wherever it comes from.”

By: Mena

Mena — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 19:01:33 +0000

I just ran into your website and I love it.
I have just started my business and to be able to read all these experiences, questions and response are so helpful. “The article” from how much can you make the first year also was instructive. Please keep up those stories because they motivate me, keep me learning and help to keep me going.

Sincerely,

Mena

By: Fashion-Incubator

Fashion-Incubator — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 04:47:38 +0000

Top 10 lies of designer-entrepreneurs

Don’t anybody get their bloomers in a twist. This is my version of a post entitled Top 10 lies of Entrepreneurs by Jason over at Signals vs Noise, who is quoting Guy Kawasaki (formerly of Apple and author of How…

By: brian

brian — Sun, 09 Jul 2006 19:03:20 +0000

I recently opened an Internet store selling specialty sized bras, tho I’m not a designer. I opened it in response to the lack of product available out there. The store’s been open for about a month, and I am swamped with “stuff” to do. Luckily I have another company that doesn’t require all my attention, but still…my friends call me The Hermit because of all the time I spend at home, doing research or working on the different things required to make an Internet store work.

Its tough, but, like someone said before, its all about the passion…mine is to serve an under served population and to not have to deal with any employees. Hey, maybe I am a Hermit!

By: Daniel

Daniel — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 22:21:47 +0000

I thought your previous article made it clear that it's basically impossible to protect brand against any broadly similar product that competes with it.

IE, I can't make a car called "Ford", but I can make a car with four wheels and an engine and Ford can't sue me for that. How different can a purse possibly be anyway? THey have to follow a pretty narrow pattern to be a purse, not a dress.

How similar is similar and how concerned should a DE be with getting sued for name, design, colors, etc.?

By: Jessika

Jessika — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 16:03:10 +0000

I think it is an excellent suggestion to allot a certain amount of time to line/business development and limit the amount of time and energy that goes into custom work. Also making a specific time-oriented plan would be a good way to keep on track…All great advice. I think the most difficult aspect of this phase can be focus. It can be tricky focusing on a new way of doing things while at the same time maintaining whatever sort of business you already have in the works. My other main concern is to not compromise my standards along the way (not being flakey, not letting poor quailty happen, not overlooking important things due to being too busy, etc.)

By: Big Irv

Big Irv — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 22:00:40 +0000

Wow, this could really turn into a interesting post. I have worked with some companies that have experienced meteoric growth and those that have been slower , more steady. I have worked with dozens that never got out of the starting gate.
I think I understand Jessika’s issues. I think you have to put together a plan with a specific date for launching of your brand. Even if it is only with a few friends and family, it’s still a launch and will signify the start of the game,and you are ready to play.
I made a comment in the forum about KKGirl’s decision to attend a significant trade show as an exhibitor. That is a huge leap. She will quickly learn if she is on to something. She will have indications of what route she needs to follow.
I think Jessika can reduce her angst if she made some samples and found out exactly what retailers thought of her styles. She has received media attention, and I’m sure it is for good reason too.
Maybe hiring a rep to test the waters or sell in your own home territory is a logical step.
Perhaps this post will lead to a forum discussion of how to manage growth after starting a sewn products venture. This such an essential area to have knowledge in once you start your company.

By: J C Sprowls

J C Sprowls — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 20:16:05 +0000

Jessika,

I’m teetering on the edge of commitment, myself. I mean, I’ve done a reasonable amount of custom work on a part-time effort (min 20, max 30 hrs per wk) for the past 12 years. And, I’ve just recently moved to Denver for personal reasons.

I’m in process of re-establishing myself (fortunately have a day job) and I am trying to decide which direction I want to take my tailoring work. I truly enjoy designing and making for each individual client. But, my goal is to leave the industry I’m in (i.e. replace my salary) and adopt a child in the next 3-5 years. I don’t feel confident that I can meet that goal being a tailor, alone.

If I can offer a suggestion with regard to making time… I would put a limit on the number of hours per week on the custom work. Raise prices if you need to. Do whatever you can to carve out x number of hours per week that you are dedicated to exploring the creation of your line.

I’m currently in studio 20 hours per week (hell-or-high water). Now, I’ve got a huge list of menial tasks that need to be done (e.g. build a shelf, etc). But, in a few weeks, the backlog will clear and I can begin planning my potential new business.

Small strides is what it takes. Take a look at your schedule to see what you think is possible.