By Rachel Erickson
5
66 ratings
The podcast currently has 91 episodes available.
In this episode, Rachel is aiming to shift focus from immediate revenue to long-term stability through consistency and tips on how to modify your approach. After her experience with hiring a bookkeeper and seeing how they transformed her financial management views, it helped Rachel gain perspective and remain positive, even if revenue targets for 2024 remain unmet. Laying a rock-solid foundation is crucial for achieving future success.
We also touch on the impact of patience and routine tasks that we do every day and how these tasks are actually what set us up for true success in the long run. Rachel provides tips for organizing roles and responsibilities as well as how analyzing data can enhance business operations. By shifting your mindset from chasing revenue to chasing consistency, your apparel brand will have a better chance to flourish in the industry.
In this episode, you’ll hear:-Rachel opens up about not hitting her financial goals for this year.
-It takes time to lay a good foundation for your business.
-It's the work you don't want to do daily that moves the needle forward.
-Keys to focus on: Clearly defining team roles and data analytics.
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.
In this episode, Rachel connects with Megan Krajco as she navigates her brand new role for Paka as a Design Director. Megan shares her nearly two-decade journey from an intern at Garnet Hill to a design director role, offering just a snapshot of the wisdom she’s gained along the way. Megan's self-direction and perseverance played a pivotal role in her growth through the ranks. From marketing insights to merchandising strategies, her extensive experience with small to mid-sized brands has equipped her with a holistic view of the industry. Megan emphasizes the power of networking, continuous learning, and the invaluable support of industry connections, all of which are essential for anyone looking to craft a thriving career in fashion.
We also touch on the essential role of mentorship and leadership development in shaping a successful professional path. Explore Megan's thoughts on the impact of supportive versus stifling managers and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude amidst challenges. This episode offers an enlightening discussion that focuses on the intersection of creativity and business acumen in the apparel world.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
-Megan’s journey into the apparel industry and her self-guided approach to gaining traction in her career.
-Learning to take the ego out is key!
-Working with small startups allows opportunity for testing theories and creating an iconic look for the brand.
-What you do will always affect someone else - you become a better designer when you understand the process along the lifecycle of a garment.
We can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode!Connect with Megan:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganakrajco/
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.
In this episode, Rachel is getting into the nitty gritty about California’s new legislation coming into place that focuses on apparel sustainability, AB 347 and SB 707.. These regulations are not just another legal hurdle but a driving force compelling brands to rethink their materials and processes, particularly in reducing reliance on harmful PFAS (forever chemicals). European precedents have actually been pushing the U.S. to adapt swiftly for years now and we’re examining the innovations emerging from this challenge and the industry's race to maintain product quality without compromising on these new environmental standards.
Rachel breaks down all of the information she has received and goes into detail, helping us to understand what some of the terminology really means. We also focus a bit more on the potential of SB 707 in addressing textile waste. It’s not just about recycling but about building a sustainable framework for the future. We'll dissect how SB 707 is paving the way by encouraging community involvement and innovation in garment recycling. Perfection does not exist though and Rachel is sharing what her personal concerns are regarding the recycling of particular types of goods.
For more information about the new legislation, please visit http://www.californiaoutdoor.org/.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
-What exactly are PFAS?
-How does the fashion industry use PFAS and what the industry is doing to lessen the use of these forever chemicals.
-Why you need to take action NOW.
-Detailed breakdown of each bill and the concerns Rachel has about future recycling plans.
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.
Embracing Empathy and Comfort Through the Apparel Business with Barely Canadian Founder, Kelly Slattery
In this episode, Rachel is chatting with Kelly Slattery, the visionary co-founder of Barely Canadian, who is sharing insights from her journey on establishing a brand with a heartfelt mission. Cozy apparel is only part of the story as Kelly forges a brighter future for youth in the foster care system. Through her nonprofit, Fosterpreneur, she empowers youth to build their own brands and secure stable futures, all while instilling the values of gratitude and positivity that are foundational to her life and work.
Barely Canadian's commitment to using high-quality materials and maintaining high standards sets it apart, even attracting partnerships with major retailers like Neiman Marcus. Kelly's dedication extends beyond business as she fosters and mentors youth, and builds community networks like "Power Ladies" to support women in Los Angeles. Her motto, “the more we give, the more we get back” is a testament to how this episode highlights the power of community, emphasizing how these connections can drive both personal and professional growth.
More about Barely Canadian: Barely Canadian is a family business that creates insanely soft sweaters, hoodies, onesies, sunsies, smittens, and other comfy apparel and accessories to keep you cozy, feeling at home, and layered in color, love and acceptance. Having both fostered and adopted from foster care, we are passionate about our mission to continue to serve foster youth, and to share the gifts these deserving and brilliant kids bring to our world.
Barely Canadian is all about giving back through extreme softness. We're redefining premium apparel and accessories by combining unbeatable softness, sheer luxury, and sustainable practices. We locally source and craft our garments and accessories from unbelievably soft, sustainable materials that leave you feeling as good as you look.
But here's the exciting part: we don't just offer pre-made pieces! We invite you to be part of the creative process, infusing your unique branding and style into our high-quality, custom creations.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
-The mission behind the brand, Barely Canadian.
-Always be kind, even when something has gone wrong.
-How the chosen fabric for the brand embodies the mission of comfort and empathy.
-Mistakes Kelly has made in her business, but always keeping in mind - there’s always an answer.
We can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode!
Connect with Barely Canadian:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/barelycanadian/
Website: https://barelycanadian.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.
Our Community Asked, We Have Answers! Unmarked Street Q&A with Rachel
In this episode, Rachel addresses the questions asked by those in the Unmarked Street community like, How has Unmarked Street grown so fast, How have we gotten to 15,000 Instagram followers, and so much more! First, it’s important to know that personal definitions of success can vary greatly. Rachel shares her initial vision of achieving a steady five-figure monthly income and how this mindset, inspired by witnessing other success stories, propelled our company forward.
Rachel answers each question in detail and drops invaluable knowledge about how managing your money mindset is so impactful, why podcasting makes the most sense given Rachel’s personality, and how learning to “get over it” when it comes to being on camera really helped nip insecurities right in the bud. Also, learn how our commitment to exceeding client expectations, authenticity, and a holistic approach to services has fostered strong relationships and community growth.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
-Success looks different to everyone - we’re just getting started.
-Learn to manage your money mentality.
-Engagement is key for Instagram growth.
-Learning to get over your insecurities on camera is essential for not just podcasting, but for the success of your business.
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.
Finding the Real Treasures in the Struggles with Youer Founder, Mallory Ottariano
In this episode, Rachel sits down for a fascinating conversation with Mallory Ottariano about her unexpected journey into fashion entrepreneurship and the creation of her brand, Youer.. From dreaming of architecture to finding her true calling in design, Mallory’s story is one of creativity, resilience, and innovation. She recounts her beginnings with a simple Etsy shop and the eventual evolution of her previous brand, Kind Apparel, ultimately leading to the creation of Youer. Her journey is filled with passion and the determination to ultimately make it work, no matter what it took.
In the early days of the pandemic, Mallory faced overwhelming supply chain disruptions, like many, that threatened the very survival of her business. This episode details her struggle to maintain production, operate from a basement, and even code a crowdfunding page from scratch. Through incredible perseverance, she successfully rebranded her business and pivoted to in-house production, setting the stage for a triumphant product launch that would change the trajectory of her business as she knows it.
We also explore the unique marketing strategies that have set Youer apart, including an annual treasure hunt event and various other marketing tactics. Mallory’s approach to being the face of her brand, her engaging social media presence, and her carefully-crafted content make her a must-follow and stand-out in the community of apparel.
More about Youer: In 2012 I was fresh out of architecture school and looking to keep a creative outlet alive so I bought a $100 serger (a sweet sewing machine) on eBay and started sewing clothes in my parents basement (like, the closet where the Christmas decorations are stored part of the basement) to sell on Etsy. My mom found a great free table on the side of the road and loaded it on to the roof of her ’98 Subaru and that was my work station. My materials were thrift store clothes that I would spend hours shopping for and cutting up to sew into really wacky things that were colorful and weird and one of a kind.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
-Mallory’s incredible journey that led to her starting her brands.
-The tough journey through the pandemic and the one product launch that turned everything around.
-Some of the biggest obstacles in manufacturing in the US, particularly from a remote location in Montana.
-The marketing advice Mallory did not take that ultimately worked out for the better.
We can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode!
Connect with Youer:
IG: @shopyouer
Website: https://www.shopyouer.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.
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.
The podcast currently has 91 episodes available.