I design clothing, but don't sew much and am working to improve on my skills and learn how to draft my own patterns. I also design tees, jewelry, accessories, and graphics. I have a burning passion to begin a clothing line in the very near future, but don't have the capital I need and to be honest, credit isn't very good either and I would rather try to get grants and raise money other ways, if possible. I have a lot of time on my hands and at this point, will do WHATEVER I can to make it in the design world. I just need that chance and want to learn as much as I can about it all. I plan to go back to school here in July for Fashion and Retail Management, but I don't know that I'm willing to wait 4 years to make something happen just so I can have a degree.
So what I'm asking is...do you all have any advice for:
raising money
ways to market myself
how to make sure I'm targeting the right market
and/or just tips on what to do and not do when starting a company/clothing line???
I sincerely appreciate anything you all can help me with!
Peace, Love, and God Bless,
Kendra
Yes, it can be tough..
Yes, it can be tough I have the same kind of business (www.yeslioness.com) and I struggle with the same issues at times. I wouldn't go back to school for a degree though (unless you want to work for someone else it's not necessary in my opinion), but I would take a class or some lessons on sewing, drafting or whatever you feel you need some help with.
Raising money- save up a little start up fund.
Then flip it. with one great item, promote it online on myspace,ymib or any site for your target audience.
Get an online store to feature your work: etsy.com, ecrater.com google free online stores for more options.
Definitley look around the web for networking sites and try to do one local outdoor festival, street fair to test the waters. Something you can afford, maybe share with someone you know.
Post pictures here and see what happens.
Think big, maybe you don't need to be the one sewing at all. Get some samples together and look for distribution or a retail store you can wholesale your items to.
Research, google and plan. Then just start making stuff and wear it yourself, show your friends and family. Just start and it will evolve as you go along.
Best,
Yes Lioness!
Yes Lioness...For The Lioness You Know, For The Empress You Love, For The Goddess You Are!
Peace Sis I'm in the same
Peace Sis I'm in the same place in my life and Ill like to share with you what I have been doing.
Well I will be using my tax return to purchase 200 tees, I will personally screen print and design those tees and sell them for 35.oo each shirt you can rent a booth at a local street vending fair or apply for a permit. I have faith that my product will sell off, the money earned will be an investment to really make this an ongoing thing.
You dont have to go back to school. One of the colleges in my hometown offers one day classes, Im taking a screen printing course for 90 bucks. Check out your local fashion Institute and see what your optioins are.
If you need to make money and save on advertising-. Once you have your shirts printed create an online blog, get advertisers to pay you to advertise on your blog site and let the world know who you are and what it is that you do.
Finally if you are looking for a lucrative way to establish the earnings neccesary to really create a clothing line check out this business oppurtunity at www. vmdirect.com/digitalwarrior
Have a great day
Became Become Becomming
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