The Business of Apparel
The Business of Apparel is a podcast hosted by Rachel Erickson, who shares her 20 years of expertise in the apparel manufacturing industry. The show helps apparel founders move from costly trial-and-error to scaling profitably with expert guidance, systems, and industry knowledge. Each week, Rachel and industry experts cover topics like profit-first scaling, production excellence, operational systems, and strategic guidance. The podcast aims to provide proven frameworks for building and growing an apparel brand without BS.
Episodes
The Overseas Manufacturing Lie You've Been Sold
There are a lot of opinions about where you should and shouldn't manufacture apparel, but the truth is that no single region of the world is automatically good or bad for apparel production. What matters is finding the right manufacturing partner for your specific product, quantities, timeline, and business needs. In this episode, I'm breaking down some of the biggest misconceptions about apparel
The 4 Things That Instantly Prove You're an Amateur to Factories
Getting a response from the manufacturer you want to work with can feel like a challenge, especially when you're building an apparel brand and still learning how the industry works. But sometimes, the way you approach a factory can be the very thing keeping you from getting a response. In this episode, I'm breaking down four things that can make you look like a beginner to manufacturers and suppli
The Advice You Didn't Know You Needed (Office Hours Unlocked)
One of my favorite things about running a membership is that I have the opportunity to give apparel brand founders direct access to experienced industry professionals who can help them navigate the challenges of launching, growing, and scaling a business. In this episode, I'm giving you an inside look at what happens during an Apparel Founders Board office hours meeting. I'm sharing a real preview
Don't Read My New Book, "The Business of Apparel," Until You Do THIS
Starting an apparel brand is a big investment, and taking the time to validate your idea before jumping into product development can save you time, money, and frustration down the road. As the launch of my book The Business of Apparel is right around the corner, I want to be sure you have a solid foundation for your brand before reading about how to start your business. I'm walking through the ess
If You Aren't Prepping BFCM Now, Your Q4 is in Trouble
Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be some of the most profitable days of the year for your apparel brand, but success doesn't happen by accident. The brands that see the biggest results are the ones that start planning months in advance with a clear marketing strategy. I will walk you through how to create a successful Black Friday Cyber Monday strategy that attracts new customers, increases repea
The Fashion Industry is Purposely Hiding This From New Founders
Building an apparel brand can feel like an uphill battle, especially when you're competing against industry giants with resources, data, and strategies you don't have access to. While many founders assume they're simply missing a piece of the puzzle, the reality is that the apparel industry is far more competitive than most entrepreneurs realize, and understanding how it really works can change ev
3 Female Founders Tell All: The Truth About Scaling Your Own Agency
Leaving the security of a steady paycheck to build your own apparel business is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. The uncertainty of replacing your income, finding clients, and giving up traditional benefits can feel overwhelming, but the freedom, flexibility, and opportunity to build a business on your own terms can make it one of the most rewarding decisions you'll ever make. In thi
You're a Designer, Not a CEO (And It's Costing You)
Stepping into the role of CEO requires more than designing great products. It means shifting your mindset from working in your apparel brand to leading and growing it. Learning to delegate, trust your team, and focus on the bigger picture is what creates the foundation for long-term success. As I work to better understand the financial data behind my own business, build stronger leadership skills,
Why "Selling Out" Could Actually Bankrupt Your Brand
Bringing investors into your apparel brand might seem like the fastest path to growth, but the wrong investment, or the wrong strategy, can put everything you've built at risk. In this episode we're breaking down why many apparel founders make costly mistakes after raising capital and explain how to use investment dollars strategically to build a stronger, more profitable business. We discuss why
Why Most Apparel Brands Don't Have a Revenue Problem
Many apparel founders believe growing revenue is the key to building a successful brand, but revenue alone won't keep your business alive. Without healthy profit margins, even brands generating millions of dollars in sales can struggle with cash flow, inventory purchases, hiring, and long-term growth. In this episode of the Business of Apparel podcast, Rachel explains why profitability, not revenu
A Big Announcement for the Business of Apparel Community
For years, we've been searching for a better way to help Apparel Ffounders bridge the gap between learning industry concepts and actually applying them inside their businesses. That's exactly why we're launching Boardroom Notes, a brand-new weekly Substack newsletter designed to help founders take the lessons from the Business of Apparel podcast and turn them into practical action. In addition
Why "Learning As You Go" Will Bankrupt You in the Fashion Industry
When apparel founders fail to create a profitable business, it's not because they lack talent or great product ideas. They struggle because they're forced to navigate a highly technical industry through expensive trial and error, often making costly mistakes that could have been avoided with the right guidance. In this episode of the Business of Apparel podcast, Rachel shares the common challenges
How Jason Daniel Turned LSKD Into a Movement, Not Just a Clothing Brand
Building a successful apparel brand takes more than creating great products. The strongest brands are built around a clear purpose, a committed community, and a culture that inspires people to keep growing. In this episode of the Business of Apparel podcast, Rachel sits down with Jason Daniel, founder of globally recognized activewear brand LSKD, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey from selling
The Exact Blueprint to Stop Being the Bottleneck in Your Apparel Business
If you're feeling exhausted as the CEO of your apparel brand, it doesn't necessarily mean you're working too hard. It may be a sign that you've become the bottleneck preventing your company from growing. In this episode of the Business of Apparel podcast, Rachel shares why every founder eventually reaches a point where they need to stop doing everything themselves and start building a team that su
How to Make Firing an Employee 100x Less Painful
Managing employees well starts long before difficult conversations ever happen. In fact, the systems you put in place from day one can determine whether your team grows together or struggles with disengagement and poor performance. In this episode of the Business of Apparel podcast, Rachel explains why great leadership and effective employee management go hand in hand with preparing for the possib
The Job Description Template That Attracts A-Players (Not Duds)
Hiring the right team members can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially when the candidates you're attracting aren't who you hoped for. In this episode of the Business of Apparel podcast, Rachel explains why attracting poor job candidates is often the result of a weak or generic job description rather than a lack of talent in the market. She shares how apparel brand owners can
A Simple Guide to Landed Cost: Calculating the Real Price of Your Products
If you're not accurately calculating your landed costs, your apparel brand could be losing money without you even realizing it. In this episode of the Business of Apparel podcast, Rachel explains exactly what landed cost means and how to calculate it for apparel products in a simple, practical way. She shares why understanding the true cost of producing and importing your garments is essential fo
What Retail Buyers Actually Want: 3 Things You Need Before Pitching a Store
Retail stores can be a powerful partner in increasing brand visibility and building customer trust, but there needs to be a strategy behind the way brand founders pitch their apparel. In this episode of the Business of Apparel podcast, Rachel breaks down the three essential tools every apparel brand needs to successfully land wholesale accounts with boutiques, specialty shops, and retailers. She
Escaping the Hustle Trap & Curing Imposter Syndrome with Brian Finnerty
Welcome back to the Business of Apparel podcast, your one-stop shop to learn how to launch, grow, and scale your apparel brand! I'm your host, Rachel Erickson. In today's episode, I am thrilled to welcome Brian Finnerty, an experienced entrepreneur and investor behind Galway Bay Golf. We start by taking the popular entrepreneurial advice of "fake it until you make it," throwing it in the garbage,
6 Key Roles Every Apparel Brand Founder Needs to Scale
6 Key Roles Every Apparel Brand Founder Needs to Scale Most apparel founders wait too long to build the right team and it costs them growth, profitability, and burnout. In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel breaks down the 6 key roles every apparel brand should understand before scaling. From product managers and technical designers to production managers and project managers,
How Boutique Owners Create Their Own Clothing Line (Without Costly Mistakes) with Natalie Hamilton
How Boutique Owners Create Their Own Clothing Line (Without Costly Mistakes) with Natalie Hamilton If you're a boutique owner thinking about launching your own clothing line, this episode breaks down what it really takes...costs, strategy, mistakes to avoid, and how to actually succeed. In this episode, Rachel sits down with boutique owner Natalie Hamilton, who shares her 10-year journey building
How Much to Pay Your First Hire (Without Breaking Your Apparel Brand)
How Much to Pay Your First Hire (Without Breaking Your Apparel Brand) Hiring your first employee can feel impossible, but what if you're thinking about it the wrong way? In this episode, Rachel breaks down exactly how much you should pay your first hire in the apparel industry, when to hire (hint: sooner than you think), and how to structure your team without burning out or going broke. Coming fro
The Merchandising Framework That Makes Customers Buy More
The Merchandising Framework That Makes Customers Buy More Merchandising isn't just about what looks good...it's about what sells. In this episode, Rachel breaks down how to think like a retail pro and build a product line that converts effortlessly. From identifying gaps in your collection to pricing for profitability, this is the framework apparel founders need to stop guessing and start scaling.
3 Costly Apparel Brand Mistakes Killing Your Profits (And How to Fix Them Fast)
3 Costly Apparel Brand Mistakes Killing Your Profits (And How to Fix Them Fast) If your apparel brand isn't growing, or worse, burning through cash...these are the mistakes you can't afford to ignore. In this episode of Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel breaks down the 3 most costly mistakes apparel brand founders keep making and how to fix them before they stall your growth. From trying to appe
Inventory Forecasting for Apparel Brands: 3 Proven Strategies to Avoid Stockouts & Scale Profitability
Inventory Forecasting for Apparel Brands: 3 Proven Strategies to Avoid Stockouts & Scale Profitability Struggling to figure out how much inventory to order without overbuying, or worse, selling out too fast? In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel breaks down the 3 essential forecasting strategies every apparel brand must master to grow profitably without the guesswork. Whether
Why Factory Audits FAIL and What Smart Apparel Brands Should Do Instead with Anna Triponel
Why Factory Audits FAIL and What Smart Apparel Brands Should Do Instead with Anna Triponel Factory audits are not enough. If you want to build a stronger apparel brand, protect your margins, reduce sourcing risk, and create better factory relationships, this episode is essential. In this conversation, Rachel sits down with Anna Triponel, a leading expert in sourcing, human rights, and supply chain
The #1 Profit Metric Every Apparel Brand Must Track (Most Founders Ignore This)
The #1 Profit Metric Every Apparel Brand Must Track (Most Founders Ignore This) Most apparel founders obsess over sales numbers, but ignore the one metric that actually determines whether their brand survives. In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel breaks down the single most important metric for fashion brand profitability: margins. After reviewing the financial spreadsheets o
Shopify Backend Cheat Codes for Apparel Brands: Style Numbers, SKUs & Product Page Secrets
Shopify Backend Cheat Codes for Apparel Brands: Style Numbers, SKUs & Product Page Secrets Your Shopify backend might be costing you sales and most apparel brand owners don't realize it. In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel breaks down the exact backend systems used by professional apparel companies to stay organized, scale product lines, and eliminate inventory mistakes. Aft
Your Shopify Data Might Be Lying To You
EP 158 - Your Shopify Data Might Be Lying To You What if your Shopify reports are lying to you? In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel explains one of the most overlooked problems in e-commerce: bad data structure. If your product naming, SKUs, and systems aren't standardized, your reports can mislead you, causing poor product decisions, wasted marketing dollars, and stalled gr
From Pro Golfer to 500+ Retail Stores: The Sales-First Apparel Growth Playbook with Taylor Artman
From Pro Golfer to 500+ Retail Stores: The Sales-First Apparel Growth Playbook with Taylor Artman Want to get your apparel brand into retail accounts, even if you're not viral on Instagram or TikTok? In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel sits down with Taylor Artman, founder of Surf & Turf Golf, to break down how he leveraged community, credibility, and relentless sales focus
Your SKU System Doesn't Have to Be Complicated
Your SKU System Doesn't Have to Be Complicated Your SKU system does NOT need to be complicated...but it does need to be consistent. If you're an apparel brand owner setting up your Shopify backend, preparing for a 3PL, or scaling beyond self-fulfillment, this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast breaks down exactly how to structure your SKU numbers the right way from day one. In this short,
You Can't Scale a Mess: Fix Your Shopify Backend & Unlock Profitable Growth for Your Apparel Brand
You Can't Scale a Mess: Fix Your Shopify Backend & Unlock Profitable Growth for Your Apparel Brand If your Shopify backend is messy, your growth will be too. In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel breaks down why clean backend data is the hidden key to scaling your apparel brand. If your reports are unreadable, your SKUs are inconsistent, and your product names are all over the
3 Manufacturing Red Flags That Can Destroy Your Apparel Brand
3 Manufacturing Red Flags That Can Destroy Your Apparel Brand If your manufacturer's quote feels too cheap or the turnaround time sounds unrealistically fast, this episode could save you tens of thousands of dollars. In this episode of the Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel breaks down three critical manufacturing red flags every apparel brand owner must know before signing with a factory. These
Why Sustainable Apparel Brands Fail (And How Wildhaven Wools Is Doing It Right) with Julia Billings
Why Sustainable Apparel Brands Fail (And How Wildhaven Wools Is Doing It Right) with Julia Billings What does it really take to build a sustainable apparel brand that lasts? In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel sits down with Julia Billings, founder and CEO of Wildhaven Wool, to unpack the real story behind building a values-driven kids apparel brand from Alaska, without cutt
This Simple Calendar System Will Scale Your Clothing Brand
This Simple Calendar System Will Scale Your Clothing Brand Is the #1 thing you're avoiding right now a timeline and calendar for your brand? In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel unpacks why building a detailed, backwards-planned timeline is the foundation of a successful and stress-free apparel brand. Whether you're selling direct-to-consumer or eyeing wholesale, understandin
Your Apparel Brand Is NOT For Everyone! Niche Down to Grow and Build Customer Loyalty
Your Apparel Brand Is NOT For Everyone! Niche Down to Grow and Build Customer Loyalty In this episode of The Business of Apparel podcast, Rachel discusses why your apparel brand cannot be for everyone. Learn the critical strategy of niching down to a specific target market, which is essential for launching, growing, and scaling your business. Rachel explains that trying to create a product for eve
How to Instantly Upgrade Your Apparel Tech Sketches Using Adobe Illustrator
How to Instantly Upgrade Your Apparel Tech Sketches Using Adobe Illustrator If you want manufacturers to take you seriously from the very first sketch, your tech drawings have to speak their language. In this episode of the Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel breaks down one of the most overlooked professional upgrades in apparel design...using stitch and symbol libraries in Adobe Illustrator. Thi
Why Pop-Ups and Trunk Shows Will Dominate Fashion in 2026 (and How to Use Them to Grow Your Brand)
Why Pop-Ups and Trunk Shows Will Dominate Fashion in 2026 (and How to Use Them to Grow Your Brand) Pop-ups, trunk shows, and IRL brand experiences are back in a big way and 2026 is already shaping up to be the year they dominate the fashion and apparel space. In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel breaks down why in-person activations are becoming a non-negotiable strategy for
2026 Planning, Profit vs. Growth, and the 6 Segments Every Apparel Brand Must Understand
2026 Planning, Profit vs. Growth, and the 6 Segments Every Apparel Brand Must Understand 2025 taught us some hard lessons. 2026 is about consistency, focus, and finally doing what works. In this New Year's Day episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel breaks down what really happened behind the scenes in 2025. What grew, what burned out the team, and why understanding your actual customer
How to Turn Holiday Returns into Lifetime Customers for Your Apparel Brand
How to Turn Holiday Returns into Lifetime Customers for Your Apparel Brand Returns don't have to hurt your brand...they can build it. In this short yet powerful episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel shares how returns and exchanges, especially during the busy holiday season, can be transformed into a strategic advantage for your apparel brand. Instead of dreading post-holiday returns,
Wholesale 101: Is Your Apparel Brand Ready to Sell to Boutiques?
Wholesale 101: Is Your Apparel Brand Ready to Sell to Boutiques? Are you ready to sell your apparel line into wholesale? Before you jump into boutiques and department stores, make sure your pricing is solid...or risk losing money fast. In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel breaks down the essentials of launching a wholesale strategy the smart way. From understanding keystone p
Post-BFCM Profits | How to Decode Your Data & Boost 2026 Sales
Post-BFCM Profits | How to Decode Your Data & Boost 2026 Sales Black Friday and Cyber Monday are over, but your most important work is just beginning. If you're only looking at total sales, you're missing the bigger picture. This episode of the Business of Apparel Podcast breaks down how to actually read your BFCM data so you can scale smarter, not just harder. Rachel is also diving into what to d
How to Create an Unboxing Experience That Builds Brand Loyalty
How to Create an Unboxing Experience That Builds Brand Loyalty Your packaging is more than just a box, it's your brand's first physical impression. If you're not thinking about it early, you're risking delays, legal issues, and missed opportunities to connect with your customer. In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel breaks down why your apparel brand's unboxing experience coul
5 Hard Truths That Transformed My Apparel Business in 2025
5 Hard Truths That Transformed My Apparel Business in 2025 Let's talk real growth...the kind that hurts a little but changes everything. In this special Thanksgiving episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel gets real about the top five lessons she's grateful for in 2025. From massive revenue wins to painful misalignments, she walks us through the hard truths and breakthroughs that reshap
Come With Me to Do A Live Press Briefing for The Business of Apparel and Unmarked Street!
Come With Me to Do A Live Press Briefing for The Business of Apparel and Unmarked Street! From corporate burnout to leading an apparel education movement — Rachel goes completely off-script in this special live press briefing episode! For the first time ever on the show, Rachel is joined by Ella Ripley Rodriguez, Unmarked Street and Business of Apparel's marketing assistant, to flip the script and
The Smart Way to Offer Black Friday Discounts Without Killing Your Margins
The Smart Way to Offer Black Friday Discounts Without Killing Your Margins Slashing prices this Black Friday? Stop and listen to this first. If you're discounting without a margin strategy, you're sabotaging your brand. Here's how to sell smarter. In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel is getting into the nitty gritty of strategic discounting, helping apparel founders avoid the
Your Black Friday and Cyber Monday Playbook: How Apparel Brands Can Win Without Slashing Prices
Your Black Friday and Cyber Monday Playbook: How Apparel Brands Can Win Without Slashing Prices BFCM (Black Friday Cyber Monday) doesn't have to mean burning your margins or chasing discount chaos. This episode of The Business of Apparel gives you a smarter, more profitable path. Today, Rachel talks about creating a sustainable, profitable strategy for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Whether you're
Use AI in Your Apparel Brand (Without Losing Your Voice or Identity)
Use AI in Your Apparel Brand (Without Losing Your Voice or Identity) AI is reshaping how customers shop and how founders build. From virtual try-ons to AI-assisted sketching and content workflows. Today, Rachel shares how to use it wisely without sounding like a bot. In this episode of the Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel breaks down the most practical ways apparel brands can leverage AI today,
The Anatomy of A Product Page That Actually Sells: Boosting Converstions with Strategic Storytelling
The Anatomy of A Product Page That Actually Sells: Boosting Converstions with Strategic Storytelling Most apparel brands think a product page just needs a few photos and a price tag, but that thinking is costing you sales. In this episode of The Business of Apparel, Rachel breaks down the real anatomy of a product page that converts, from visual storytelling to size guides that slash return rates.
How to Find the Right Manufacturer for Your Apparel Brand (Without Wasting Time or Money)
How to Find the Right Manufacturer for Your Apparel Brand (Without Wasting Time or Money) Think finding a manufacturer is as easy as a Google search? Think again. In this episode of The Business of Apparel, Rachel breaks down the crucial process of sourcing and interviewing manufacturers the right way, so you don't waste thousands of dollars or end up with unsellable inventory. With 25+ years in t
Should Your Brand Be on TikTok? A Real Talk for Apparel Entrepreneurs
Should Your Brand Be on TikTok? A Real Talk for Apparel Entrepreneurs Wondering if TikTok is the right move for your apparel brand? Or is it just another distraction? This episode breaks it down with real advice rooted in what actually works for small product-based businesses. In this episode of The Business of Apparel podcast, Rachel expands on a hot topic raised during a recent office hours sess
Why Sustainability Is the Future of Apparel: How New Laws & Tariffs Are Changing the Industry
Why Sustainability Is the Future of Apparel: How New Laws & Tariffs Are Changing the Industry Fast fashion is losing its grip and the shift is accelerating...FAST. In this episode of The Business of Apparel, Rachel breaks down the rising tide of sustainability in the fashion industry. From changing tariff laws to game-changing EU regulations and the fall of influencer-driven fast fashion, the appa
Are You Really Ready for Q4? How to Prep for Your Biggest Revenue Season + 2026 Planning
Are You Really Ready for Q4? How to Prep for Your Biggest Revenue Season + 2026 Planning Are you underestimating Q4?? In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel is giving a wake-up call for fashion founders who haven't fully prepared for the busiest, and most profitable, time of year. Rachel takes you behind the scenes on why Q4 can make or break your revenue goals, and why now is
When Overwhelm is Present: Leading Through Change, Burnout & Breakthroughs
When Overwhelm is Present: Leading Through Change, Burnout & Breakthroughs What if the growth you dreamed of is finally here, but it's arriving as burnout, resistance, and overwhelming transition? In this episode of the Business of Apparel, we unpack what real leadership looks like when everything shifts at once. We're talking about navigating intense change, both personally and professionally, as
Firing Fast: Hard Truths Every Apparel Leader Needs to Hear
Firing Fast: Hard Truths Every Apparel Leader Needs to Hear Firing someone is never easy, but avoiding it can be even worse. In this raw episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel is flipping the conversation from last week's hiring advice to the tough reality of letting people go. Rachel shares the real, behind-the-scenes experience of managing a toxic employee at a major apparel brand an
Why You Need To Hire Before You're Ready: A CEO's Guide to Strategic Growth
Why You Need To Hire Before You're Ready: A CEO's Guide to Strategic Growth Don't wait until you're drowning to hire! In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel is going into the CEO mindset around building a powerful team before you need it. Whether you're a solopreneur juggling it all or a growing apparel brand ready to scale, this conversation will change how you think about hir
How to Run A Powerful Company Meeting That Aligns Your Team and Grows Your Business
How to Run A Powerful Company Meeting That Aligns Your Team and Grows Your Business Think your team knows where the business is headed? Think again, unless you're holding company-wide meetings like this. In this episode of the Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel walks us through exactly how she structures biannual "all hands" gatherings at Unmarked Street. From clarifying the mission and values to
Celebrating Apparel Entrepreneurs Who Are Crushing It! 4 Inspiring Success Stories from The Board
Celebrating Apparel Entrepreneurs Who Are Crushing It! 4 Inspiring Success Stories from The Board What happens when you combine real-world industry expertise with dedicated, determined apparel entrepreneurs? You get results that blow expectations out of the water. In this special celebration episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel spotlights four Board members who are making incredible
How to Create A Capsule Wardrobe Strategy: Save Time, Make Money & End Closet Stress
How to Create A Capsule Wardrobe Strategy: Save Time, Make Money & End Closet Stress In this week's episode of The Business of Apparel, Rachel is hitting pause on the heavy stuff and diving into something fun, practical, and surprisingly profitable: the capsule wardrobe. Rachel shares how a well-curated closet can help you eliminate decision fatigue, stop overspending, and even earn money through
5 Critical Mistakes Successful Fashion Brands Never Make (Do These Instead!)
5 Critical Mistakes Successful Fashion Brands Never Make (Do These Instead!) In this powerful episode of The Business of Apparel, Rachel is flipping the usual script. Instead of talking about what you should do to grow a fashion business, we're diving into what mistakes successful apparel brands absolutely avoid. From product development to customer targeting, Rachel walks us through the five most
Losing Top Clients and Refocusing? Behind the Scenes of A Pivot in Business
Losing Top Clients and Refocusing? Behind the Scenes of A Pivot in Business In this behind-the-scenes episode of The Business of Apparel, Rachel is pulling back the curtain on a major transition at Unmarked Street. After losing two of our top-paying clients, months earlier than expected, we're doubling down on what lights us up: building our annual membership community. Rachel walks you through th
Tariffs Are Crushing Apparel Margins: How to Survive & Thrive in 2025's Tough Economy
EP 125 - Tariffs Are Crushing Apparel Margins: How to Survive & Thrive in 2025's Tough Economy How will tariffs affect your apparel business? Are you prepared to not just survive, but THRIVE in this economy? In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel takes an unplanned but essential detour to talk about the escalating impact of tariffs on apparel brands, and what you must do to pr
Double Your Apparel Brand's Revenue by Doing Half the Work | The Power of SKU Rationalization
Double Your Apparel Brand's Revenue by Doing Half the Work | The Power of SKU Rationalization Are you burning out your team and draining your profits by offering too many products? Did you know you can actually double your revenue by doing less? In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel explains the strategy of SKU rationalization, the proven process of reducing your product line
Unmarked Street vs. The Business of Apparel: What's the Difference? Behind the Scenes
Unmarked Street vs. The Business of Apparel: What's the Difference? Behind the Scenes Have you ever wondered what really separates Unmarked Street from The Business of Apparel? In this episode of the Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel pulls back the curtain and breaks down the purpose and vision behind her two companies, and how they each can help you grow and protect your apparel business. Spark
Christine Lindebak on Why You Should Start Your Apparel Brand Before You're Ready
Christine Lindebak on Why You Should Start Your Apparel Brand Before You're Ready Curious how a career in luxury fashion can evolve into a thriving sewing education and sustainable apparel brand? In this episode of Business of Apparel, Rachel welcomes Christine Lindebak (from 🇪🇸 Spain), founder of Sewing in the City and her slow fashion label Lindy, Lindy. Discover how Christine turned a childhood
SKU Rationalization 101: Boost Profit & Cut Clutter in Your Apparel Line
SKU Rationalization 101: Boost Profit & Cut Clutter in Your Apparel Line Are you drowning in too many SKUs? In this episode, Rachel breaks down SKU rationalization, a powerful but misunderstood tool that can completely transform your apparel business. Whether you're a solopreneur or scaling a million-dollar brand, you'll learn how to simplify your line, boost margins, and give your customers what
Helping Independent Apparel Brands Avoid Costly Mistakes with Elizabeth Solomeina
Helping Independent Apparel Brands Avoid Costly Mistakes with Elizabeth Solomeina In this episode, Rachel welcomes Flying Solo co-founder, Elizabeth Solomeina to talk about what it really takes to successfully grow an independent apparel brand from scratch and avoid some very costly mistakes. From testing the market to wholesale risks, Elizabeth draws from real-world experiences from over nine yea
Mary Coats On Sustainable Fashion, Finding Your Fit & Her Role At Unmarked Street
Mary Coats On Sustainable Fashion, Finding Your Fit & Her Role At Unmarked Street In this episode, Rachel connects with longtime friend and industry pro Mary Coats for an inspiring conversation about her winding path through the apparel industry. From childhood sewing projects to earning a master's degree in sustainability and working with major brands like Pearl Izumi and Head Sweats, Mary shares
How to Build a Line Sheet That Saves Your Apparel Brand Thousands | Full Tutorial + Free Template
How to Build a Line Sheet That Saves Your Apparel Brand Thousands | Full Tutorial + Free Template In this episode, Rachel is giving you a full tutorial on how to build a bulletproof apparel line sheet, using the exact spreadsheet used by both $0 startups and $16M brands. Whether you're brand new or already running a business, this line planning template will become your most-used tool for budgetin
The Biggest Contract Mistakes Apparel Founders Make (That Could Cost You Thousands)
The Biggest Contract Mistakes Apparel Founders Make (That Could Cost You Thousands) In this episode, Rachel shares a very personal story that highlights a critical legal and business lesson for every apparel entrepreneur: always get it in writing. Through the lens of her current rental dispute, she draws strikingly similar parallels between landlord agreements and the contracts apparel founders si
Smart Product Naming Strategies to Elevate Your Apparel Brand
Smart Product Naming Strategies to Elevate Your Apparel Brand In this episode, Rachel is touching on the underestimated challenge of naming your apparel products—and why getting it wrong can cost you time, clarity, and customer trust. Drawing from her corporate experience (including a years-long product renaming project), Rachel shares how naming impacts everything from marketing to scalability, a
3 CEO Mistakes That Are Killing Apparel Brands (And How to Avoid Them)
3 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 dis
The Truth About Apparel Manufacturer Sourcing & Factory Partnerships
The Truth 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 (minim
How to Use MOQs to Budget Smarter & Grow Your Apparel Brand
How to Use MOQs to Budget Smarter & Grow Your Apparel Brand 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, wh
How to Start An Apparel Brand the Right Way
How to Start An Apparel Brand the Right Way 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 goa
Are Patents Worth It? Deciding on Legal Protection for Your Brand with Tamany Vinson Bentz
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
Behind the Scenes of a Fashion Photoshoot!
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 adv
Should You Start A Trend or Innovation-Based Apparel Business? How To Decide What Is Right For You
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 th
Watch Your Business Thrive By Simplifying Your Product Offers
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
Efficient PLM Solutions for Emerging Apparel Brands with OnBrand Founder, Preston Plowman
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
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