3 Common CEO Mistakes That Are Killing Apparel Brands (And How to Avoid Them) In this episode, Rachel is going deep into the hidden challenges facing apparel brand CEOs—and the critical mistakes that can sabotage even the most promising businesses. Drawing from years of firsthand experience at Unmarked Street and working with dozens of clients, Rachel shares real stories (with names changed) of three distinct CEO types: the over-scaler, the financially unstable, and the relentless micromanager. You’ll learn what red flags to watch for in your own leadership style, how scaling too fast, neglecting finances, or holding on too tightly can derail your brand—and most importantly, how to step fully into the CEO role you were meant for. Whether you’re an emerging designer or an established founder, this episode is a hard dose of reality, but so needed to keep your business sustainable, profitable, and growing. In this episode, you’ll hear: - How scaling too fast confuses customers and crushes cash flow. - Why financial management is THE make-or-break for apparel brands - The high cost of micromanagement and employee turnover - How to step back and empower your expert team 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, 3 CEO Mistakes That Are Killing Apparel Brands (And How to Avoid Them), apparel industry mistakes, how to scale an apparel brand, apparel CEO advice, apparel business coaching, common mistakes apparel founders make, scaling a clothing brand, product line strategy for apparel brands, financial tips for apparel entrepreneurs, how to avoid burnout as a fashion CEO, apparel brand leadership advicebusiness of apparel podcast,Rachel Erickson,fashion entrepreneur,business podcast,budgeting for fashion brands,apparel business coaching,fashion business,apparel brand advice,fashion business podcast,how to scale a clothing brand,CEO mistakes fashion industry,apparel startup coaching,apparel industry insights,building a sustainable fashion brand,3 Common CEO Mistakes That Are Killing Apparel Brands (And How to Avoid Them),how to build a successful clothing brand

Everything You Need To Know About Apparel Manufacturer Sourcing & Factory Partnerships In this episode, Rachel breaks down everything you need to know about sourcing an apparel manufacturer and choosing the right factory partner. We go into the key differences between FOB, X-Works, and CMT production models—and why understanding these terms is critical to your brand’s success. If you're still unclear on MOQs (minimum order quantities) and MCQs (minimum color quantities), be sure to catch last week's episode for a full explanation here: https://youtu.be/z7d7_kjmWxE. We also talk about sustainability certifications like Bluesign and Oeko-Tex, how to assess factory conditions (hint: check out those floors), and why clear communication with your vendors can make or break your production process. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve existing supplier relationships, this episode gives you actionable steps to build strong, lasting partnerships. Plus, learn why visiting your factory in person can reveal the real story behind their practices. In this episode, you’ll hear: - FOB vs. X-Works vs. CMT pricing models - Sustainability certifications, specifically Bluesign & Oeko-Tex - The importance of building strong factory & supplier relationships - What to look for on a factory visit and why a clean floor says more than you think 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,The Truth About Apparel Manufacturer Sourcing & Factory Partnerships, apparel sourcing strategies, FOB vs. X Works vs. CMT, how to find a clothing manufacturer, understanding MOQ MCQ, sustainable apparel production, Bluesign certification, Oeko-Tex certification, apparel factory visit tips, building supplier relationships, vendor agreement contracts for apparel, apparel brand startup tips, ethical manufacturing practices, production costing in fashionunmarked street,business of apparel podcast,how to source clothing manufacturers,apparel production tips,budgeting for fashion brands,clothing manufacturing explained,apparel business coaching,fashion sourcing strategy,apparel sourcing,fashion business,clothing manufacturer,apparel startup,ethical manufacturing,Everything You Need To Know About Apparel Manufacturer Sourcing & Factory Partnerships,apparel manufacturing tips,apparel business production tips

How to Use MOQs to Budget Smarter & Grow Your Apparel Brand (Secret Revealed) In this episode, Rachel is addressing the subject of Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) and how they can make or break your apparel brand. As one of the most asked-about (and most misunderstood) topics in the industry, Rachel goes over how MOQs impact your production, budget, and growth strategy. Rachel breaks down exactly what an MOQ is, why it exists, and how to use this number to your advantage when negotiating with manufacturers. She also explores minimum color quantities (MCQs), the connection between MOQs and fabric suppliers, and how to forecast production costs with real-life examples. Plus, you'll learn how to avoid common pitfalls that can cost you thousands. This episode is not to be missed! In this episode, you’ll hear: -What MOQs (and MCQs) are and what they really mean for your apparel business. -How to ask manufacturers the right questions during the sourcing process. -Why MOQ's impact your profit margin, quality control, and scalability. -How to forecast production needs and negotiate effectively -Tips for choosing a factory that can grow with your brand! 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,How to Use MOQs to Budget Smarter & Grow Your Apparel Brand, minimum order quantity, MOQ, MCQ, apparel manufacturing, clothing production, apparel sourcing, fashion brand budgeting, startup apparel brand, factory minimums, manufacturing costs, apparel supply chain, sourcing strategy, profit margin, production planning, garment factory, color minimums, cost per unit, apparel business tips, clothing brand startup, fashion brand growthHow to Use MOQs to Budget Smarter & Grow Your Apparel Brand (Secret Revealed)

How to Start An Apparel Brand the Right Way In 2025 (Secrets Revealed) In this episode, Rachel strips it all down and gets real about what it actually takes to start an apparel brand. If you've ever typed "how to start a clothing line" into Google or YouTube, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for. Rachel breaks down the pros and cons of drop shipping, and what sets a real apparel brand apart — especially when your goal is long-term success and not just selling tees with a trendy logo. She explains why drop shipping might be a good learning tool, but also why so many founders choose to go deeper by designing bespoke garments that make a real impact in the fashion space. From understanding your startup budget to writing your business plan and claiming your brand name online, Rachel walks you through every key step. She also shares industry insights on topics like target costing, production timelines, and why it’s smarter to launch with just one standout product instead of a dozen at a time. If you're dreaming of building a brand that lasts, this episode is packed with the exact strategies, frameworks, and encouragement you need to move from idea to execution. In this episode, you’ll hear: -What is drop shipping? Pros and cons. -If you want to create custom, bespoke pieces, hear why you're in the right place! -First step: find a community and start building those relationships. -Start small...all the big brands do it. 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,How to Start An Apparel Brand the Right Way, Apparel Brand, Fashion, Drop shipping, Printful, Custom Garments, Manufacturing, Budgeting, Branding, Business Plan, Product Costing, Marketing, Social Media, Domain Name, Entrepreneurship, Market Gap, Quality, Unique, Community, Freelance, Upwork, Fiverr, SWOT Analysis, Target Customer, Profitability, Limited Product Range, Standout Product, Brand Identityhow to start an apparel brand,fashion business tips,build a clothing line,launch a fashion brand,apparel manufacturing tips,unmarked street,Rachel Erickson,fashion entrepreneur,startup fashion advice,apparel brand marketing,small business fashion,entrepreneur podcast,business podcast,women in business,how to start a clothing line,How to Start An Apparel Brand the Right Way In 2025 (Secrets Revealed),best tips to start a apparel brand

Are Patents Worth It? Legal Protection for Your Brand with Tamany Vinson Bentz In today's episode, Rachel sits down with legal expert, Tamany Vinson Bentz about intellectual property in fashion and apparel. There have been a ton of questions regarding the critical role patents, trademarks, and trade dress play in safeguarding and enhancing brand identity and today, those questions are getting answered. We get into the subtle nuances of patents, including how to discern if an idea is patentable and whether a utility or design patent is the best fit. With examples from major corporate brands, we tackle the challenges of defending patents against slight modifications and explore when alternative forms of intellectual property might be more advantageous. Trademark and trade dress become our focal points as we discuss their power in forging a recognizable brand identity. We also cover the role of copyrights in protecting creative works. Apparel and fashion entrepreneurs will find valuable insights in our conversation about the cost, timing, and strategic benefits of securing trademarks and patents. Emphasizing the necessity of expert legal guidance, this episode acts as a guide to help designers navigate the competitive landscape of the fashion industry, ensuring their creative expressions remain protected and their brands stand out. In this episode, you’ll hear: -Patents aren't always the right fit. Hear why. -The 2 types of patents and a breakdown of alternative legal protections available. -What the process of obtaining a trademark really looks like. -Actual costs associated with filing for legal protections. Connect with Tamany: Website: https://www.caiplawyer.com TikTok: @tamanyvinsonbentz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamanyvinsonbentz/ 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,Are Patents Worth It? Deciding on Legal Protection for Your Brand, Intellectual Property, Fashion, Patents, Trademarks, Trade Dress, Brand Identity, California IP Law, Utility Patent, Design Patent, Corporate Brands, Copyrights, Fashion Entrepreneurs, Legal Guidance, Competitive Landscape, Creative Expressions, Strategic Benefits, Expert Legal Guidance, Fashion Industry, Niche, Branding Elements, Logos, Timelines, Filing Patents, Costs, Revenue, Legal Advice, Industry Needs, Guidance, Intellectual Property Mattersunmarked street,business of apparel podcast,Are Patents Worth It? Deciding on Legal Protection for Your Brand,Intellectual Property,Fashion,Patents,Trademarks,Trade Dress,Brand Identity,California IP Law,Utility Patent,Design Patent,Fashion Entrepreneurs,Legal Guidance,Expert Legal Guidance,Fashion Industry,Filing Patents,Legal Advice,Guidance,Intellectual Property Matters,the necessity of intellectual property,why you need legal protection for your business

Behind the Scenes of a Fashion Photoshoot! | Fashion Photography TIps In this episode, Rachel offers a backstage pass into the world of fashion photography, revealing the realities of what to expect, but also how to prepare to have a successful photoshoot for your own brand. Learn how tools like shot lists can help you be more efficient and ensure you capture every necessary image. As the industry shifts towards digital advancements, Rachel throws out the exciting potential of AI and 3D renderings as sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to traditional methods. The spotlight shifts to the crucial team roles during a photo shoot, emphasizing the stylist's impact and the magic of hair and makeup in aligning with brand visions. Let's not forget your role of empowering everyone on set so the vision and the why remains clear for everyone involved. In this episode, you’ll hear: -Why a detailed shot list is essential in a successful photoshoot. -AI is changing the game - can you omit a photoshoot altogether? -Who should be at the photoshoot? -Photoshoots are FUN. It's your job to cultivate the energy and maintain the vision. 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,Behind the Scenes of a Fashion Photoshoot!, Fashion Photography, Shot List, AI, 3D Renderings, Apparel Brands, Ideal Customer, Product Lines, Profits, Team Roles, Stylist, Hair and Makeup, Empowering Apparel Professionals, The Business of Apparel, Resources, Photoshootunmarked street,business of apparel podcast,Behind the Scenes of a Fashion Photoshoot!,Fashion Photography,Hair and Makeup,The Business of Apparel,Fashion Photography TIps,fashion trends,photo shoot,photography tutorials for beginners,fashion ideas,fashion campaign,makeup photography,fashion photoshoot,how to become a photographer,fashion photography tutorial,commercial photography marketing,female photographer,how to shoot a fashion campaign

Should You Start A Trend or Innovation-Based Apparel Business? Decide What Is Right For You In today's episode, Rachel is comparing a trend vs. innovation-based business in the apparel industry and helping you decide which is right for you. She goes through the process of how high-end runway styles trickle down into ready-to-wear collections. Rachel even recommends a resource like WGSN that are essential for trend forecasting and planning. Rachel also talks about navigating the apparel industry's patent process presents unique challenges, particularly for innovations-based products. We're weighing the benefits and costs of patenting, and learning the importance of understanding consumer needs before investing in development. We'll finally explore the advantages of starting as a trends-based business to quickly establish a customer base and how integrating innovative products can strengthen your lineup. Whichever you decide is the right path for you, our community here at The Business of Apparel and Unmarked Street is here to support you. In this episode, you’ll hear: -Worries fall away when you put the right processes in place. -How trends are decided in the fashion industry. -Hold on to the key pieces in your line if you are an innovation-based business. -Our recommendations for deciding on the right path. 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,Should You Start A Trend or Innovation-Based Apparel Business? How to Decide What Is Right For You, Apparel Brand, Standard Operating Procedures, Fashion, Trends-based, Innovations-based, WGSN, Trend Forecasting, Patenting, First to Market, Brand Strategy, Scalability, Nike, Adidas, Membership Community, Collaborative Learning, New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, Milanunmarked street,business of apparel podcast,Apparel Brand,Standard Operating Procedures,Innovations-based,Brand Strategy,Membership Community,Collaborative Learning,Paris Fashion Week,Should You Start A Trend or Innovation-Based Apparel Business? Decide What Is Right For You,trend based clothing brand,innovation based apparel business,how to start a apparel business,how to grow a apparel business,tiktok trends of apparels,social media trends of clothing

Grow Your Business By Simplifying Your Product Offers | Attract More Customers In today's episode, I'm teaching you about the one thing that will help your business thrive! You'll discover the power of simplicity and focus in connecting with your ideal customer. At Unmarked Street, we shifted our focus from appealing to a broad audience to appealing to a singular target customer by making our communication crystal clear and simplifying our product offers. Brand refinement, inspired by Russell Brunson's funnel strategy, highlights the chaos that comes from trying to please too many people at once and how narrowing down your audience and product line can revolutionize customer engagement. This approach isn't just theory; it's a practice we're implementing and building along with what our target customer wants. In this episode, you’ll hear: -How simplifying your product offers makes a HUGE impact. -It's very normal to feel like your business is being spread too thin. -How you're confusing people and driving them away. -It's not possible to create a product for everyone to love. 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/businessofapparel https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346 https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/ unmarked street, business of apparel podcast,Watch Your Business Thrive By Simplifying Your Product Offers, Apparel Brand Strategy, Ideal Customer, Customer Solutions Manager, Unmarked Street, Fashion Students, Fashion Professionals, Brand Refinement, Russell Brunson, Funnel Strategy, Customer Engagement, Membership Community, Apparel Industry, Startup Owners, Industry-Specific Challenges, Negotiating with Manufacturers, SKUs, Organic Growth, Brand Recognition, Fashion World, Apparel Excellence, Simplifying, Streamlining, Buildingbusiness of apparel podcast,Watch Your Business Thrive By Simplifying Your Product Offers,Apparel Brand Strategy,Customer Solutions Manager,Russell Brunson,Customer Engagement,Membership Community,Apparel Industry,Startup Owners,Negotiating with Manufacturers,Fashion World,Apparel Excellence,Grow Your Business By Simplifying Your Product Offers | Attract More Customers,how to create a simple a offer,how to attract more customers,how to grow your business