Are you burning out your team and draining your profits by offering too many products? Did you know you can actually double your revenue by doing less? In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel explains the strategy of SKU rationalization, the proven process of reducing your product line to focus on what actually sells. Learn why trimming your assortment can double (or even triple) your revenue without piling on more work or marketing expense. We break down the step-by-step approach to identifying your losing SKUs, weeding out the waste in your inventory, and setting your business up for sustainable growth, even if you’re a small startup. Plus, discover how a single decision took one brand from $25 million to $60 million in sales. Don’t forget to register for our upcoming SKU Rationalization Workshop, taking place on Friday, July 25th at 1:30pm EST, where you’ll learn how to implement this process inside your own brand. Sign up for the SKU Rationalization Workshop here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/sku In this episode, you’ll hear: - What SKU rationalization is and why it matters - How to identify your winning and losing SKUs - The impact of too many products on your team and customers - The “weeding out the waste” analogy for product lines - Details of the upcoming SKU Rationalization Workshop Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com. Like, comment & subscribe to my channel and learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com We can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/ https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346 https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/

Have you ever wondered what really separates Unmarked Street from The Business of Apparel? In this episode of the Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel pulls back the curtain and breaks down the purpose and vision behind her two companies, and how they each can help you grow and protect your apparel business. Sparked by a question from the community, Rachel shares the story of why she left corporate after burnout and illness to launch Unmarked Street as a consulting agency dedicated to helping brands master product development, technical design, and business growth. Then, Rachel goes into how The Business of Apparel was born from her passion for education and mentorship, offering courses, templates, and memberships to empower entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge that billion-dollar brands use every day. If you’re considering freelancing, building an apparel line, or simply curious about how to structure multiple brands, this episode is full of value you won’t want to miss. In this episode, you’ll hear: - The meaning behind the name “Unmarked Street” - Our transition from freelancing to building an agency team - How Unmarked Street helps clients with product development, technical design, and business growth - What The Business of Apparel offers: courses, templates, memberships - Real-life client success stories and examples of saved costs Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com. Like, comment & subscribe to my channel and learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com We can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/ https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346 https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/

Christine Lindebak on Why You Should Start Your Apparel Brand Before You're Ready Curious how a career in luxury fashion can evolve into a thriving sewing education and sustainable apparel brand? In this episode of Business of Apparel, Rachel welcomes Christine Lindebak (from 🇪🇸 Spain), founder of Sewing in the City and her slow fashion label Lindy, Lindy. Discover how Christine turned a childhood passion into a successful online sewing academy, turned vintage linens into one-of-a-kind garments, and mastered the art of balancing creativity and strategy through smart time-blocking and local production. Hear Christine’s best advice for aspiring apparel entrepreneurs: from testing custom-first models and launching soft drops, to embracing imperfection and sharing your messy early journey on social media. Whether you're building your first piece or scaling a brand, Christine’s story is packed with inspiration and practical advice to help you get started — sooner and smarter. In this episode, you’ll hear: - Transition from corporate fashion to entrepreneurship - Time-blocking, batching content, and energy-based productivity - Benefits of a custom-first business model with local production - Advice for startup apparel brand owners - Encouragement to start before everything is perfect Connect with Christine: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sewingandthecity/ Websites: https://sewingandthecity.com and https://lindylindy.com Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com. Like, comment & subscribe to my channel and learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com We can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/ https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346 https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/ unmarked street,business of apparel podcast,fashion business,apparel brand advice,fashion business podcast,apparel business,fashion industry,Unmarked Street,fashion students,small business fashion,apparel brand,fashion startup,how to start a clothing line,christine lindebak,sustainable apparel,productivity tips,why you should start your apparel brand,how to start an apparel brand,how to start a clothing line fast

SKU Rationalization 101: Boost Your Apparel Business Profit & Cut Clutter in Your Apparel Line Are you drowning in too many SKUs? In this episode, Rachel breaks down SKU rationalization, a powerful but misunderstood tool that can completely transform your apparel business. Whether you're a solopreneur or scaling a million-dollar brand, you'll learn how to simplify your line, boost margins, and give your customers what they actually want. From clearing up backend data chaos to understanding the psychology of choice, this episode really covers how SKU rationalization helps you cut the noise, clarify your brand, and increase profit without overwhelming your customers, or your team. If you've ever been told to "start small" or felt paralyzed by product overwhelm, this is the missing explanation behind that advice you didn't know you needed to hear. In this episode, you’ll hear: - What SKU rationalization actually is. - Why more SKUs don’t always mean more sales. - The 80/20 rule and its real-world implications. - Customer psychology and product overwhelm. - How to simplify without sacrificing growth. Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com. Like, comment & subscribe to my channel and learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com We can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/ https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346 https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/ business of apparel podcast,fashion entrepreneur,business podcast,apparel business coaching,apparel brand advice,fashion business podcast,product development,Unmarked Street,how to start a clothing line,wholesale fashion tips,SKU rationalization,product line management,inventory strategy,apparel brand tips,fashion marketing,SKU Rationalization 101: Boost Your Apparel Business Profit & Cut Clutter in Your Apparel Line,how to increase your business profit

Helping Independent Apparel Brands Avoid Costly Mistakes with Elizabeth Solomeina In this episode, Rachel welcomes Flying Solo co-founder, Elizabeth Solomeina to talk about what it really takes to successfully grow an independent apparel brand from scratch and avoid some very costly mistakes. From testing the market to wholesale risks, Elizabeth draws from real-world experiences from over nine years helping designers break into the fashion world. Elizabeth shares the biggest mistakes new brands make during early production, the underestimated power of community building, and why slow, strategic scaling beats going big from day one. They get into how to test your market, build brand loyalty, approach PR and wholesale smartly, and use retail partnerships as a launchpad, not a liability. If you're launching or scaling a fashion brand, this episode is essential for you and your brand. In this episode, you’ll hear: - How to test your first apparel collection without overcommitting. - Why being visible as a founder drives sales. - Building a community that markets your brand for you. - Retail strategies that won’t bankrupt your startup. - The hidden risks of wholesale agreements. Connect with Elizabeth: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flyingsolonyc/reels/ Website: https://flyingsolo.nyc Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com. Like, comment & subscribe to my channel and learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com We can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/ https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346 https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/

Mary Coats On Sustainable Fashion, Finding Your Fit & Her Role At Unmarked Street In this episode, Rachel connects with longtime friend and industry pro Mary Coats for an inspiring conversation about her winding path through the apparel industry. From childhood sewing projects to earning a master’s degree in sustainability and working with major brands like Pearl Izumi and Head Sweats, Mary shares her journey with humor, clarity, and wisdom, making this a must-listen for anyone in, entering or even thinking about entering the apparel world. Together, they discuss how sustainability isn’t just about fabric. It’s about people, education, systems, and small, intentional changes. Mary details her research on laundry behavior, her pivot into solar sales during COVID, and her current role helping scale the Unmarked Street team and its mission. If you're a student, freelancer, or founder trying to navigate your next step, this episode will leave you inspired and empowered. In this episode, you’ll hear: - The real sustainability issues most brands ignore. - Navigating career pivots and industry changes. - Sales and customer service in a small fashion business. - The power of networks and mentorship. Connect with Mary: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-coats/ Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com. Like, comment & subscribe to my channel and learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com We can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/ https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346 https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/

How to Build a Line Sheet That Saves Your Apparel Brand Thousands | Full Tutorial + Free Template In this episode, Rachel is giving you a full tutorial on how to build a bulletproof apparel line sheet, using the exact spreadsheet used by both $0 startups and $16M brands. Whether you're brand new or already running a business, this line planning template will become your most-used tool for budgeting, pricing, and negotiating with factories. We break down how to calculate your landed cost, manage duty rates (especially with rising tariffs), and determine how many units you can actually afford to produce. Plus, we show you how to use this tool to project revenue, protect margins, and grow your business sustainably, without spending money you don't have. Watch the screen share to see it in action, and get the free downloadable template at https://thebusinessofapparel.com/gift. In this episode, you’ll hear: - How to calculate landed cost and profit margins. - Setting realistic retail and wholesale prices. - Managing MOQ and staying within budget. - Free template walkthrough and how to download. Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com. Like, comment & subscribe to my channel and learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com We can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/ https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346 https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/ unmarked street,business of apparel podcast,fashion entrepreneur,business podcast,apparel business coaching,apparel brand advice,fashion business podcast,fashion entrepreneurship,startup founder stories,fashion startup tips,clothing line pricing,line sheet tutorial,apparel brand budgeting,manufacturing spreadsheet,startup fashion brand,fashion business plan,cost of goods sold fashion,how to make line sheet quickly,how to make line sheet for free

The Biggest Contract Mistakes Apparel Business Owners Make (That Could Cost You Thousands) In this episode, Rachel shares a very personal story that highlights a critical legal and business lesson for every apparel entrepreneur: always get it in writing. Through the lens of her current rental dispute, she draws strikingly similar parallels between landlord agreements and the contracts apparel founders sign with vendors, manufacturers, and clients. If you’ve ever relied on a verbal agreement, this is a must-listen. Rachel unpacks why tech packs and vendor agreements are contracts (even without a signature), how to handle redlining terms, and what to do when a deal doesn't feel fair. Whether you’re navigating NDAs, supplier terms, or a difficult landlord, listening to this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and operate your business like a pro. In this episode, you’ll hear: - Why you should never rely solely on verbal agreements - get it in writing! - The essential contracts every apparel business needs. - Rachel’s personal story of rental miscommunication. - Never sign a contract you're not 100% comfortable with. Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com. Like, comment & subscribe to my channel and learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com We can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/ https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346 https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/ the business of apparel, unmarked street, The Biggest Contract Mistakes Apparel Founders Make (That Could Cost You Thousands), contracts in apparel business, tech pack agreement, vendor agreements, redlining contracts, NDAs with manufacturers, apparel startup mistakes, legal advice for apparel founders, verbal vs written agreements, Rachel Erickson Unmarked Street, apparel business strategyfashion entrepreneur,business podcast,apparel business coaching,apparel brand advice,fashion business podcast,apparel business,fashion entrepreneurship,how to start a clothing brand,contract negotiation,small business legal tips,manufacturing contracts,entrepreneur lessons,fashion business advice,startup founder stories,The Biggest Contract Mistakes Apparel Business Owners Make (That Could Cost You Thousands),contract mistakes you should avoid for apparel brands