Athena sold her home to start a fashion business with a very unique business model. She took the calculated risk and it's paying off...literally.

In our talk, Athena shares how she got started; including startup costs, how she designed and created her boutique, and how she keeps her inventory unique and authentic. If you want to hear a story about tenacity, endurance, and sheer grit, Press play!

Stephen Richards, Jr., the self-made owner and founder of Richards Bespoke in Nashville, TN, is a thriving entrepreneur who specializes in making one-of-a-kind suits and other bespoke garments for his clients. This by-appointment only establishment prides itself on providing hundreds of customizable options and creating a personalized experience for each client. Stephen is just as authentic as each piece he creates. And today he is sharing his inspiring career journey with us. If you want to know how this master bespoke clothier transformed $2500 into his dream business, press play!

To get in touch:

The Fashion Alumni Podcast

Website: FashionAlumni.com

IG: @fashionalumnipodcast

IG: @drmelissamanuel

Stephen Richards, Jr.

Website: richardsbespoke.com

IG: @richards_bespoke

IG: @Stephen_richards_jr

For 14 years, Kid has been making major moves as a fashion artist and as an entrepreneur. His company, Chicago Playground is well-known for creating CUSTOM artistic conversation pieces in the form of varsity jackets, cardigans, hoodies, and tees. Each art piece is extraordinary and can speak for itself. In our conversation, Kid gives insight on how he has honed his passion for innovation to grow his company. And he also shares how you can create a plan to excel your business. The most pivotal part of our conversation was how Kid is using his art to create a legacy. If you need and want some inspiration that can take your business to the next level, PRESS PLAY!

Let's connect:

The Fashion Alumni Podcast

Website: FashionAlumni.com

IG: @fashionalumnipodcast

IG: @drmelissamanuel

Email: [email protected]

Chicago Playground

Website: chicago-playgrnd.com

IG: @chicagoplayground

IG: @thekid_chicagoplayground

Lisa Pongrass, an Australian native, began her luxury handbag business out of necessity and passion. Lisa had no formal training in fashion and knew nothing about the handbag business. But, her grit and tenacity birthed a company that Lisa is exceptionally proud to call her own. In our talk, you’ll learn how Lisa started Canvas and Hyde from nothing, her passion for American-made quality craftsmanship, and the intricacies of 100% hand-constructed design. You’ll also learn how Canvas & Hyde sources the finest leathers and hides from around the world in the most ethical and sustainable ways and Ohhh, so much more!

Let's connect:

The Fashion Alumni Podcast

Website: FashionAlumni.com

IG: @fashionalumnipodcast

IG: @drmelissamanuel

Email: [email protected]

Canvas & Hyde

Website: Canvasandhyde.com

IG: @canvasandhyde

Face Book: Canvas and Hyde

Tara Robinson, Founder & Owner of TracksRacks is doing trend-setting work in fashion tech. This New York- based company has taken the guesswork out of sample management for fashion companies, world-wide. TracksRacks is providing a needs-based solution for companies who loan valuable fashion goods to be used for promotions, photo shoots, celebrity fittings, fashion shows, press releases and so much more! In our interview Tara tells us what it took to get her business started, how fashion tech works in sample management, how companies can benefit by using the TracksRacks app and the web-based, mobile-accessible service to ensure their samples can be tracked at any time from any place!

To get in touch:

The Fashion Alumni Podcast

Website: FashionAlumni.com

IG:@fashionalumnipodcast

IG:@drmelissamanuel

Email: [email protected]

TracksRacks

Website: Tracksracks.com

IG: @tracksracks

Email: [email protected]

Andrea Sager is a ROCKSTAR lawyer and a former fashion business owner who has a heart for small businesses. She personally knows how to provide legal services to clients in the small business space. In our talk, she shares some helpful tips about trademarks, copyrights, and contracts that you can use to protect your fashion business, your business name, your products & services, and your MONEY! I guarantee this information will help you. Please share this with every small business owner you know!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information and content available in this podcast are for general informational purposes only.

To get in touch:

The Fashion Alumni Podcast

Website: FashionAlumni.com

IG: @fashionalumnipodcast

IG: @drmelissamanuel

Andrea Sager

Andrea Sager Law PLLC

andreasager.com

IG: andreasagerlaw

Hi everybody,

Today I'm taking some time to share creative strategies I believe will help you and your fashion business as we move forward through the Covid-19 pandemic. I'll cover topics including funding, pivoting, business partnerships, and how to connect with your followers. Be sure to share this with your colleagues, friends, and family. Be safe and let's get through this challenging time together.

Sincerely,

Dr. Melissa Manuel

Host of the Fashion Alumni Podcast

www.fashionalumni.com

Kirby Best is the Chairman & CEO of OnPoint Manufacturing. His company provides eco-friendly solutions for companies and independent designers who are looking to manufacture apparel products with no minimum order sizes.

On Point Manufacturing is a comprehensive apparel manufacturer located in Florence, Alabama, USA, offering services from fulfillment to global distribution to consumer-direct shipping.

On today's episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Crosby Noricks. She's a digital marketing strategist, writer, founder of PR Couture and Lecturer in the Journalism/Media Studies Department at San Diego State University. In our conversation, Crosby shares what led her to a career in Fashion PR, the evolution of her career, and some of the pivotal lessons she's learned along the way. Crosby is a dynamic instructor & mentor who helps Fashion PR professionals take their careers to the next level of success. If you want to know what a Fashion PR expert does and how to do it well, PRESS PLAY!

To learn more about Crosby, visit crosbynoricks.com

Get your FREE DOWNLOAD "3 Tips to Consider Before Launching Your Fashion Brand" on www.fashionalumni.com

Stacee Michelle has a unique perspective on fashion entrepreneurship and what it takes to excel in the fashion industry. Her experience working both behind the camera as an established wardrobe stylist and in front of the camera as a fashion correspondent has given her fashion insider knowledge that has propelled her career. Stacee Michelle has a thriving business in Charlotte, North Carolina; not your typical fashion city. But, Stacee Michelle’s involvement in the community, her philanthropic work, and her knack for creating genuine collaborations in the fashion industry has begun to change that narrative. In our talk, Stacee Michelle tells her story of how a major loss opened the door for great gain in her career.

To get in touch:

Fashion Alumni Podcast

Website: www.fashionalumni.com

IG: fashionalumnipodcast

IG: drmelissamanuel

Stacee Michelle

IG: itsstaceemichelle