Are Patents Worth It? Deciding on 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. to discover more!

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/

 

Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion-Dollar Apparel Brands FREE Course here!

 

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. 

 

Behind the Scenes of a Fashion Photoshoot!

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.

 

Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion-Dollar Apparel Brands FREE Course here!

 

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. 

 

Should You Start A Trend or Innovation-Based Apparel Business?  How To 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.

 

Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion-Dollar Apparel Brands FREE Course here!

 

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. 

 

Watch Your Business Thrive By Simplifying Your Product Offers

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.

 

Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion-Dollar Apparel Brands FREE Course here!

 

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. 

 

Efficient PLM Solutions for Emerging Apparel Brands with OnBrand Founder, Preston Plowman

In today's episode, Rachel sits down with Preston Plowman, co-founder and CEO of OnBrand PLM System! Preston has crafted a PLM system that uniquely serves small and emerging fashion brands alike. This episode uncovers how OnBrand PLM stands apart by slashing high costs and enhancing user experience, offering project management capabilities that empower startups to employ sophisticated tools once out of reach (and budget) reserved for larger enterprises.

We touch on the cutting-edge features of OnBrand's PLM software designed for the apparel industry. Particularly noteworthy is the tech pack functionality that allows seamless unit conversions—although maybe slightly nerdy according to Rachel, it's really an invaluable asset for technical designers. These thoughtful elements simplify complex tasks, elevating productivity and providing a competitive edge to fashion professionals.

Preston also shares insights on how integrating design tools and PLM systems can streamline workflows for designers. By creating modern PLM solutions, we are revolutionizing team interactions and workflows, setting new standards in the apparel industry.

Do you think OnBrand's PLM System might be the right solution for you?  Head to https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/onbrand to discover more!d to discover more!

In this episode, you’ll hear:

-Yes, a PLM system is accessible for you!  Hear why.

-The common problem not a lot of people know about when you need to customize your software.

-It's the simple things about this program that make the biggest impact.

-Hear a story about how OnBrand helped one client save DAYS worth of work!

 

Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion-Dollar Apparel Brands FREE Course here!

 

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. 

 

Grow a 7-Figure Apparel Business Using These Budget Tools

In today's episode, Rachel is announcing brand-new budget tools to help you grow to a 7-figure apparel business!  We all know, growing any business takes realistic budgeting and strategic planning. Using these new tools will help you reach your goals in less time. Forget the myths of beginning your venture with just a few thousand dollars; learn why a well-planned budget and early team hiring are crucial for long-term growth and sustainability. 

Have limited funds to start? We explore the challenges of launching with limited capital, from managing multiple roles to avoiding burnout, and why a substantial investment can position you for greater success. By allocating your budget wisely between inventory and hiring, your brand could reach milestones like $1 million in revenue within six years, and it doesn't stop there.  Make sure to head to https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/pie to get started!

In this episode, you’ll hear:

-Announcement of our new budget tools!

-There is so much more to starting an apparel brand than you might think.

-Sure, you can do it for $10-15K, but the bandwidth required for keeping up isn't sustainable.

-Most people think they will sell out in the first week of launching.  They're wrong.

 

Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion-Dollar Apparel Brands FREE Course here!

 

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. 

 

Use These Tools to Build A Tech Pack in 2025 (The Great Tech Pack Debate)

In this episode, Rachel turns to the Great Tech Pack Debate and clarifying what the best tools actually are to build an amazing tech pack. Essential tools shaping the industry's future, like Adobe Illustrator, Excel, Google Sheets are all great, but that's not all. Our focus is the art of transforming stylized fashion sketches into precise technical drawings, a critical step for accurate communication with manufacturers.

We also break down the technical aspects of creating efficient and clear tech packs. Adobe Illustrator's role in sketching is unmatched, but we highlight its limitations when handling complex data. Learn how integrating spreadsheets like Excel or Google Sheets can bridge this gap, resulting in tech packs that communicate every detail needed for manufacturing success. For the grand finale, Rachel reveals how Product Line Management (PLM) systems are the ideal, offering solutions that streamline processes and provide seamless updates.  We're proud to announce our affiliation with Onbrand PLM!  Head to https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/onbrand to discover more about why a PLM is right for you!

In this episode, you’ll hear:

-The best tools to use for building clear and concise tech packs.

-Why Adobe Illustrator is industry standard for fashion sketching.

-It's important to create as many sketches as possible.  Hear why.

-Investing in a PLM system is ideal.  New affiliation announcement!

 

Book your call with Onbrand!: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/onbrand

 

Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion-Dollar Apparel Brands FREE Course here!

 

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. 

 

Learn to Be A Successful Fashion Freelancer with Heidi Weinberg

In today's episode, Rachel welcomes, by popular demand, successful fashion freelancer, Heidi Weinberg, aka "Sew Heidi" to the podcast!  Heidi is sharing her journey from industry insider to earning 6 figures as a successful freelancer. Heidi compares niche in the fashion industry to mall food courts and cuisine-specific restaurants, offering some context as to why it's best to not take the "everything for everyone" approach. She talks about her FAST program, a game-changer for fashion professionals aiming to transition from surviving to thriving in freelancing.

Honing in on a specific area, like sustainable denim or gender-neutral activewear, can distinguish you from the masses. Heidi explains how a focused approach can enhance connections with clients and justify higher rates. A platform like Upwork plays a pivotal role in this strategy, helping freelancers establish niche-specific profiles that attract the right projects and clients.

Throughout our conversation, Heidi shares invaluable tips on optimizing freelance opportunities, from crafting compelling cold pitches to leveraging LinkedIn effectively. This episode is tailored to those looking to focus on freelancing in their fashion career, but with techniques that can be applied in many other industries.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

-How freelancing can quickly become exploited by brands.

-Why you need to focus on niche in your career.

-Your portfolio needs to visually make sense for a potential client.

-Upwork can be a great place to get started - how to use it strategically.

 

Connect with Heidi:

Website: https://successfulfashiondesigner.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sew-heidi/

Podcast: https://successfulfashiondesigner.com/podcast/

 

Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion-Dollar Apparel Brands FREE Course here!

 

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 to Run Your Business Like An Elite Athlete

In this episode, Rachel is channeling her inner athlete as an entrepreneur?  Yes, you read that right! Rachel realized that the lessons learned on the field could transform anyone's approach to business success. This episode offers a fresh perspective on structuring ambitious goals, breaking them down into actionable steps, implementing strategies, and maintaining consistency, even when you may not be feeling like getting up and doing the thing.

We also highlight the importance of teamwork, positivity, and well-being—qualities essential for both athletes and business leaders. Rachel shares how building a cohesive, resilient team can lead to the production of not just superior products but also mold a healthier work environment. Don't miss how adopting the mindset of an elite athlete can lead to creating impactful change within your business.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

-Being an entrepreneur is a lot like being an elite athlete.  Hear how.

-Athletes and entrepreneurs alike all need to be doing the incremental work each month, week, and day.

-Watching film vs. evaluating KPI's.  It's essentially the same.

-Your team is everything!

 

Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion-Dollar Apparel Brands FREE Course here!

 

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. 

 

Struggling In Your Business?  This One is For You

In this episode, Rachel is raw and real. The struggles of maintaining optimism amidst the pressures of business growth, especially in the wake of the pandemic and all of the other obstacles we have in front of us are REAL. This episode explores the realities of entrepreneurship, where trust is tested, and expectations aren't always met. From challenging interactions with old friends to the frustration of investing in opportunities that don't deliver, Rachel is not holding back from the emotional highs and lows that many of us face daily. 

Resilience is so needed to persevere in these turbulent times, and the gratitude Rachel feels for her dedicated team who continue to push forward is also real, but that doesn't negate the complexities of refining backend systems and acquiring the mental toughness required to sustain a positive mindset. If you're struggling and just need a few minutes to listen to someone that is in the trenches with you, this episode is for you.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

-Unmarked Street hasn't hit the goals intended or reached all of the right people yet, but headed in the right direction.

-The reality of what is happening inside the industry.  

-Having a positive mindset is required for success.  Ultimately, what you believe is what will happen.

-Frustration is normal.  It happens and it's okay.

 

Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion-Dollar Apparel Brands FREE Course here!

 

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.