By Rachel Erickson
5
66 ratings
The podcast currently has 85 episodes available.
Don’t Make This Mistake! The Importance of Product Ownership
In this episode, Rachel is getting really passionate about the possibility of making one huge mistake…not taking ownership of your products in your apparel brand. In Rachel’s 20+ years of experience in the apparel industry, she’s seen and heard it all. She shares real-life stories and recent client calls that demonstrate how skipping certain steps can compromise your product's quality and jeopardize your brand's future. From production mishaps to changing vendors, she goes deep in explaining the significant dangers and highlights why it’s important to retain control over your tech packs, patterns, and materials to ensure consistency, customer loyalty, and brand survival.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
-A lot of start-ups are developing product through their manufacturers - why this is a HUGE mistake.
-At some point, you will need to diversify your sourcing base.
-A real-life example of what can go wrong and what can happen when there’s a mishap with your factory.
-Why it’s important to own your tech packs and patterns and how this helps you in the future.
We can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode!
Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course
To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn.
To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.
How An Unconventional Childhood Experience Shaped A True Fashion Visionary with Crystal Cave
In today’s episode, Rachel has the pleasure of welcoming Crystal Cave, former celebrity stylist and entrepreneur to the podcast! Crystal is a third-generation entrepreneur with an impressive lineage in the apparel and retail world. From her grandfather's trailblazing efforts in the music industry to her own early achievements, Crystal's story is a masterclass in innovation and perseverance. Along her storied path, Crystal created Poppy Row, one of the pioneering size-inclusive apparel brands. Through candid stories about managing the brand, coping with a head injury, and navigating a health diagnosis, Crystal shares how coaching and faith have helped her use style as a tool for empowerment.
We then tackle the complexities of running a size-inclusive fashion brand, touching on financial pressures, critical feedback, and market realities. Plus, get a sneak peek into the 7-Day Challenge that The Product Visionary is hosting! This episode is NOT to be missed.
About The Product Visionary:
Crystal grew up in upstate New York, where she was lucky enough to spend her childhood creating and dreaming up products for her Poppy’s national retail chain—a place where she discovered her passion for retail, product development + marketing.
Now, with several award-winning products to her name and features in ELLE, SELF, and NBC, She’s made it her mission to help visionary entrepreneurs like you take that leap from dreaming to doing.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
-Crystal’s unconventional upbringing, surrounded by entrepreneurs and being exposed to all facets of retail and business.
-How Crystal was led to start her own size-inclusive apparel company after working on Madison Avenue in New York City, L.A., and on Taylor Swift’s Red Tour.
-The REAL challenges of being in the size-inclusive apparel space.
-Crystal shares actual data she collected from sales in the size-inclusive space with her line, Poppy Row.
-A sneak peek into the 7-Day Challenge, hosted by The Product Visionary!
We can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode!
Connect with The Product Visionary: https://theproductvisionary.com/
Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course
To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn.
To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.
Fashion Freelancer vs. High-End Consultant: How to Choose the Right Industry Professional For You
Welcome back to The Business of Apparel Podcast! In this episode, Rachel is breaking down the characteristics of both freelancers and high-end consultants in the Fashion industry, and what to think about when making this choice. There is an infectious enthusiasm to freelancers new to the industry, but one thing is for sure, real-world experiences will absolutely come into play here, which you will find out why when we use our recent project with a cycling apparel brand that struggled with fit and communication issues as an example.
There is an art to finding the best fashion freelancers for your projects using platforms like Upwork and LinkedIn, which you will learn. We’ll also talk about which tasks can be efficiently handled by less experienced freelancers and why partnering with a consulting agency like Unmarked Street can save you time and money. We'll get into the importance of understanding factory operations and the order of operations to ensure your designs are production-ready. Whether you're new to the fashion industry or a seasoned professional, this episode has something for everyone looking to optimize their approach to apparel design and production.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
-How Rachel classifies Unmarked Street in the realm of freelancing and high-end consulting.
-Something that Rachel has noticed among freelancers who are fairly new to the industry.
-The perks of hiring freelancers and where to find them.
-There are details only a high-end, experienced consulting agency can help you with.
Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course
To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn.
To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.
Jumping Into Size-Inclusive, Sustainable Fashion with Hayley Matthews-Jones
In today’s episode, we are back with a brand-new guest interview! This time, Rachel is chatting with Hayley Matthews-Jones, the visionary founder behind The Jump. Discover how Hayley has shaped her understanding of local economies and sustainability, and why her personal struggles with finding the perfect jumpsuit fit inspired her to launch The Jump. We’ll also learn about the importance of domestic manufacturing and the critical role of engaging with customers through surveys can be so helpful in the product development process.
One of the most challenging aspects for any small business is finding funding, which Hayley dives into, including the rigorous application and pitch process of the Hatch Bloomington contest. Additionally, we touch on the importance of business planning, self-accountability, and maintaining a strategic vision for entrepreneurial success. We'll also explore the significance of building an email list from the get-go to ensure reliable customer communication despite the volatility of social media platforms.
About The Jump:
The Jump is a size-inclusive jumpsuit brand that will be sustainably made in the US. We're currently in the research and development phase, with a goal to launch in Fall, 2025. Although we didn't make it to the final round of Hatch Bloomington, we're moving ahead with planning. We're currently conducting a user survey to learn more about our customer needs.
Take the survey here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe03FzrSq-jk8rSBNdXF-OtPr9G9V_tVB0tHOkr9k8ECb9SAQ/viewform
In this episode, you’ll hear:
-How The Jump got started and what Hayley noticed in her own collection of jumpsuits.
-Recent survey findings!
-How Hayley was able to reach the Top 10 in her Pitch Fest!
-It’s so important to stay focused on where you’re going when you’re in the trenches of the day-to-day in your business.
-Always check your local community (Library, Chamber of Commerce, etc.) for free resources in the small business realm.
We can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode!
Connect with The Jump: https://shopthejump.com/
Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course
To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn.
To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.
New Rebrand Announcement + Exciting Updates for Unmarked Street!
We are so excited!! In this episode, Rachel is announcing the new rebrand of The Business of Apparel and Unmarked Street! You may notice a few changes as you’re watching this new episode and going forward, but that’s not all that’s happening. Rachel and her team have been working around the clock to bring a much-needed refresh including color palette changes and content updates.
The episode begins with a little bit of a personal update and how Rachel is approaching this new era and what exactly led to the change. We also update you on why the brand's visual identity and marketing strategy will change to better reflect Rachel’s personal style. This episode also covers updates to our website and marketing efforts, including fresh ad campaigns and the continued commitment to weekly podcast episodes, including getting back to guest interviews! We’re thrilled to introduce our new live show, "Money Mondays" on YouTube, where Rachel will share budget, finance, and money stories in regards to the fashion and apparel industry.
There’s much more going on behind the scenes as we roll out our new weekly content schedule designed to keep you informed and engaged across multiple platforms. Tune in for more unique content and valuable industry insights as we head into the future!
In this episode, you’ll hear:
-Rachel’s personal update and how she’s approaching this new era.
-Why it was important to come back to Colorado
-All of the visual changes you will see for The Business of Apparel and Unmarked Street.
-So much content coming - new LIVE videos, Facebook group, and an automated “Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Brands” Workshop, just to name a few!
Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course
To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn.
To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.
40 to 40 Series, Week 6: Confirming and Questioning My Stance on Religion
In this episode, Rachel is wrapping up the 40 to 40 series with the controversial topic of Religion. Rachel grew up in a devout Catholic family, and was accustomed to the rituals and traditions that defined her early years—attending Catholic school, participating in weekly mass, and going through various sacraments like baptism and first communion. She recounts her journey through Catholicism, the doubts that surfaced, and how these experiences prompted her to question if this faith truly resonated with her personal beliefs and values.
Transitioning from a strictly religious upbringing to an agnostic stance opened Rachel’s mind to a broader spectrum of belief systems, allowing her to maintain a non-judgmental outlook. We explore the significance of cultivating personal spirituality outside the confines of organized religion, and how moral and ethical values have consistently guided her life. Emphasizing the importance of self-pride and authenticity, she reflects on how these principles contribute to a fulfilling existence.
Finally, prepare for an exciting future at The Business of Apparel Podcast, which will kick off with a rebranding announcement! So, stay tuned, and don’t miss it!
In this episode, you’ll hear:
-Rachel’s Catholic background and a history of sacraments in the Catholic church.
-When Rachel started to question her relationship with Catholicism and the church.
-Some of the challenges Rachel started to see in regard to her values.
-Why Rachel was devastated after being told she couldn’t be saved and was going to Hell.
-How being Agnostic is a much better fit at the moment for Rachel.
Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course
To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn.
To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.
Like, comment & subscribe to my channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@unmarkedstreet
Learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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/
40 to 40 Series, Week 5: My Gender Discrimination Story
In this episode, Rachel is discussing another hard-hitting topic in the 40 to 40 Series, this time…gender discrimination. Growing up, Rachel was always told that hard work would pave the way to success, but her journey in the corporate fashion industry has shown a harsher reality. Rachel shares very personal stories of confronting gender discrimination and the systemic biases that undermine women’s ambitions. She touches on the harsh perceptions and roadblocks she faced, especially when her choice to be child-free led to judgments and obstacles that no amount of hard work could change.
The fight for pay equality is a tough battle, one that Rachel knows all too well. She recounts a struggle when she was offered a promotion with a glaring pay gap compared to my male predecessor. With the help of the DEI department, they unearthed shocking systemic pay disparities affecting women in their company. The resistance they faced will shock you.
Finally, Rachel shares a significant personal experience with gender discrimination from a female manager, highlighting how deeply hurtful words can be. Do not miss this episode and prepare to gain valuable insights and learn how we can all contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable world.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
-The TRUE definition of feminism.
-Equity vs Equality.
-The amount of pushback from female leadership Rachel encountered while fighting for equal pay.
-How the fear of being walked all over creates a persona you don’t want to develop.
-The one thing Rachel was told that she still can’t believe to this day!
Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course
To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn.
To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.
Like, comment & subscribe to my channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@unmarkedstreet
Learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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/
40 to 40 Series, Week 4: Adrenaline Junkie!
In this episode, Rachel is taking us along for the ride in the next part of the 40 to 40 Series! What happens when a skydiving enthusiast, a Formula 1 fanatic, and a triathlete steps into the business world? Rachel is sharing the more thrilling side of her life — from the heart-pounding jump out of a plane to the high-speed excitement of following Lewis Hamilton on the Formula 1 circuit. Plus, Rachel shares details about her journey back into triathlon training and her mutual love for cycling. Let’s also not forget the giant leap from leaving a corporate 6-figure income and benefits behind to solopreneurship - the ultimate calculated risk! This episode promises to offer a unique glimpse into the adventurous side that fuels Rachel’s passion, both in and outside of the business.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
-There is NOTHING like skydiving!
-How incredible it is to feel your heart pounding at a Formula 1 race.
-As an avid cyclist, Rachel begins training again for another adventure!
-An explanation of how walking away from a 6-figure income, podcasting, and owning a business alone is the ultimate calculated risk.
Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course
To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn.
To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.
Like, comment & subscribe to my channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@unmarkedstreet
Learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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/
40 to 40 Series, Week 3: Our Childfree by Choice Story
In today’s episode, Rachel is going a little deeper in the 40 to 40 Series and approaching the subject she and her husband rarely, if ever, talk about publicly…the decision to be Childfree by choice. Together with her husband Kyle, Rachel navigated the realm of societal expectations and internal struggles to make a conscious decision that aligns with their values and aspirations. Rachel reflects on her early experiences with babysitting and being a nanny, and how much she absolutely adores kids and supports the lifestyle choice to have them.
Rachel also sheds light on how this life choice has profoundly impacted her personal and professional goals, granting the liberty to scale her business and travel spontaneously, without thinking about school schedules, and other intricacies involved when children are in the mix. In this episode, Rachel truly emphasizes that having children is an extremely personal choice that you get to make and there is support for your choice. We encourage you to listen to the episode in its entirety and embrace perspectives of those contemplating similar decisions. Feel free to connect with Rachel about any of the points discussed in this episode as we encourage dialog and conversation to move forward and achieve success in any area of our lives and businesses.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
-Defining why the term “childfree” over “childless” is preferred in this community.
-How incredibly difficult this decision was and Rachel’s history with babysitting and children, including being certified with the Red Cross!
-The importance of opening up to the discussion about following the feeling of not being ready for kids.
-The opportunities Rachel and Kyle have created for themselves related to the choice they’ve made.
-Utilize resources to help guide you in your own decisions and always know there is support and compassion for whatever choice to do make.
Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course
To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn.
To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.
Like, comment & subscribe to my channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@unmarkedstreet
Learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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/
40 to 40 Series, Week 2: You Can Take the Girl Out of the Midwest, but You Can’t Take the Midwest Out of the Girl
In today’s episode, Rachel is continuing the 40 to 40 series with an intimate exploration of how her Midwest upbringing and large family dynamics have shaped her journey as a fashion entrepreneur. Growing up in Ohio with a strong German Catholic background and a very large family, reminiscent of Hulu’s “The Bear,” Rachel certainly took on a few unique experiences and values. She touches on how living near her grandparents' farm instilled a deep respect for nature and animals. Additionally, Rachel reflects on the initial instinct to pursue a career in medicine due to her family's strong medical background, and how she ultimately found my passion for apparel design.
Rachel also discusses her personal journey of stepping outside traditional life expectations as a geriatric millennial. From attending art school to moving to New York City for internships, these experiences broadened her horizons and opened up new opportunities. She started to miss the sense of belonging and community in the fast-paced life of big cities, which led her to seek out the warmth and friendliness of the Midwest which ultimately landed her looking for a balanced lifestyle in Colorado.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
-How “The Bear” relates to many of Rachel’s childhood experiences.
-Why Rachel tended to feel like the family oddball.
-The importance of feeling like you’re ready to move on from where you grew up, but always having an appreciation for it.
-Why Colorado feels really fulfilling right now!
-THE Ohio State culture and how it influenced Rachel’s college career.
Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course
To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn.
To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.
Like, comment & subscribe to my channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@unmarkedstreet
Learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 podcast currently has 85 episodes available.