The Business of Apparel

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, on both the consumer side (virtual try-ons that change how people buy) and the operator side (faster sketching, tech packs, and content support). She shares real tools she's testing or watching (On-Brand PLM, NewArc, Canva, Riverside Co-Pilot, Google Gemini), clear boundaries for accuracy and voice, and a warning: brands that ignore AI will fall behind, but brands that outsource their voice to it will, too. In this episode, you'll hear: - Virtual try-ons and how they'll impact conversion on brand sites - AI in design: flat sketches, colorways, early 3D, and PLM workflows - Tech-pack experimentation and where AI helps vs. where it still struggles - Using AI for marketing (SEO titles, captions, content calendars, brainstorming) - Maintaining authenticity with AI - Social Media platform shifts toward original content with AI saturation   Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/the-board 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.   

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.  She walks through exactly what makes a product page not only beautiful, but profitable. You'll learn how to strategically craft imagery, write descriptions that sell through emotion, and use tactics like bundling, reviews, and fit guides to reduce friction and increase conversion rates. Launching your store or looking to optimize for the holiday season? This episode is packed with expert advice you can apply immediately! In this episode, you'll hear: - The psychology behind why people buy from a product page - How to create shot lists for better photo & video planning - Writing descriptions that emotionally connect and sell - Sizing charts vs. fit guides — and why you need both - Increasing trust with customer reviews and testimonials - Strategic placement of CTA buttons and urgency messaging - Mobile vs. desktop design considerations for product pages   Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/the-board   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 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 the industry and real experiences from members inside her mentorship program The Board, Rachel shares very crucial steps to compare vendors, calculate true unit costs, negotiate MOQs, and protect your brand with a solid vendor agreement. If you're sourcing your very first production run or switching vendors to reduce tariffs, this is the guide you must follow to keep your margins clean and your operations smooth. In this episode, you'll hear: - How to start the manufacturer sourcing process strategically - Using your extended network to get real vendor recommendations - Understanding minimum order quantities (MOQs) and their impact on budgeting - Breaking down different types of costing: CMT, FOB, and DDP - Why vendor agreements are non-negotiable for protecting quality - Navigating tariffs and freight costs in today's global apparel market   Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/the-board 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 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 session: Should your brand be on TikTok? We're taking a clear-eyed look at the pros and cons of joining the TikTok bandwagon. You'll get guidance on consistency, scheduling tools, native posting strategies, platform-specific content tips, and, most importantly, how to align your social strategy with your target customer.  Plus, hear about our $17 masterclass (normally $47) and how to join The Business of Apparel Board for weekly coaching and community-driven strategy. In this episode, you'll hear: - The pros and cons of launching a brand presence on TikTok - The importance of content consistency over chasing every trend - How to determine which platform is right for your audience - Leveraging scheduling tools like Later.com - Why a clear customer profile drives your entire strategy - How to make social media work even with limited time - Sneak peek at the Business of Apparel Board membership & live office hours   Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/the-board   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.   

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 apparel landscape is undergoing a major shake-up. Whether you're an emerging brand or a seasoned entrepreneur, you'll learn what these shifts mean for your business and how to build a brand that lasts. Rachel reveals sustainability practices beyond fabrics (think: 3D prototyping, QR code labeling, and ethical operations), and urges founders to prepare for the new transparency standards coming soon. Plus: why marketing your slow fashion process is more powerful than you think and how to avoid the legal risks of greenwashing. In this episode, you'll hear: - How new tariffs are making fast fashion more expensive - EU regulations banning influencer fast fashion endorsements - Why slow fashion is gaining a competitive edge - The risks of greenwashing and how to avoid legal pitfalls - Sustainable practices beyond materials (fit, prototyping, marketing) - How to tell your slow fashion story to earn trust and loyalty   Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/the-board   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.   

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 the time to be finalizing your 2026 financial plans, holiday discount strategy, and inventory forecasting. Whether you're a new brand gearing up for your first big sales season or a seasoned founder fine-tuning your margins, this is a masterclass in proactive CEO thinking. She also explains the deeper strategy behind the Money Mondays series here on the channel and why subscribing and consuming BOTH Money Mondays and Business of Apparel Podcast is a must if you're serious about growing a sustainable fashion business. In this episode, you'll hear: - Why Q4 is the most critical time of the year for fashion brands - Holiday discounts: when they help and when they hurt - How to evaluate if your brand should even participate in Black Friday - Inventory forecasting for Q4 (and next year) - Using small collections and limited drops as holiday strategies - The impact of discount culture on brand perception   Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/the-board   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.   

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 the CEO of a growing apparel business. From team burnout and shifting client dynamics to personal therapy breakthroughs and a major life move, Rachel shares how overwhelm can sneak in even during seasons of success. But more importantly, she reframes that overwhelm as a signal is not an identity. In this episode, you'll hear: - Leading through business transitions without losing your team - Burnout signals and how to spot them in yourself and your staff - Managing rapid business growth alongside personal life changes - How to frame stress without identifying with it - Balancing honesty, boundaries, and leadership responsibility   Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/the-board   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.   

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 and the emotional, strategic, and leadership lessons that came with it. From missed expectations to managing a prototyping lab gone sideways, she goes into performance improvement plans (PIPs), leadership accountability, and the ripple effect one poor hire can have on your entire team. Whether you're a founder, team lead, or scaling your first fashion startup, this episode is a must-listen for you. In this episode, you'll hear: - The emotional and strategic weight of firing as a leader - Creating and managing a performance improvement plan (PIP) - When team culture outweighs technical talent - Real experience from managing apparel teams at a corporate level - Navigating HR, severance, and difficult conversations   Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/the-board   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.   

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 hiring. Rachel shares candid stories from her own entrepreneurial journey, what she learned about burnout, bottlenecks, and building a dream team. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how top-tier brands in apparel attract elite talent, why racing to the bottom on wages is a losing strategy, and how to create roles that others are excited to step into. If you've ever asked yourself "Can I really afford to hire?" this episode will show you why the better question is, "Can I afford not to?" In this episode, you'll hear: - Why CEOs must hire before they feel ready - The hidden cost of hiring cheap - How top companies recruit elite talent - Structuring your interview process ethically and efficiently - Best practices for onboarding new hires   Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/the-board   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 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 reviewing financials, team roles, and growth goals, this is the system that keeps everyone rowing in the same direction. You'll hear how transparency builds trust, why she's implemented people-first policies like core hours, and what she's doing to grow both community and client base in the second half of 2025. Whether you're just starting to grow your team or already leading a growing fashion business, this "CEO minute" offers a full roadmap for how to lead with clarity, purpose, and results. In this episode, you'll hear: - How to structure effective mid-year or annual company meetings - Communicating transparently with contractors and employees - Creating a culture of reliability and ownership - Strategic marketing pivots: what's working, what's not - The power of people-first leadership in the apparel industry   Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/the-board   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.   

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 progress in their apparel brands. From launching collections and saving tens of thousands of dollars, to building confident relationships with manufacturers and bravely sharing their journeys on social media, these stories prove that with the right guidance, mentorship, and community, anything is possible. Whether you're starting from zero or scaling an established brand, you'll find real lessons, motivation, and a healthy dose of insider fashion industry reality in these success stories. In this episode, you'll hear: - Real-world wins from The Board's mentorship program - Building manufacturer relationships with confidence - Going from years of stalled progress to a successful launch - How strategic decisions can save tens of thousands in startup costs - The apparel industry's "secretive" nature and why newcomers struggle   Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/the-board   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 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 smart resale and donation strategies. Learn why what size on your clothing label doesn't matter, and how building a functional, stylish wardrobe can free up mental space for more important business decisions. Whether you're a creative entrepreneur, fashion professional, or just someone tired of closet chaos, this episode will help you take control of your wardrobe AND your time. In this episode, you'll hear: - What is a capsule wardrobe? - How to save and earn money with your closet - Decision fatigue is REAL for business owners - Donation tracking for tax purposes - Resale tools like ThredUp - How to organize a rotating outfit system   Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/the-board   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.   

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 common mistakes that new brands fall into, and how top-performing companies steer clear of them. You'll learn why selling to everyone is a recipe for burnout, why launching with 10+ items could crush your budget, and how ignoring technical fit is silently killing your customer retention. We'll also cover the real consequences of skipping contracts and the power of cutting underperforming styles. Whether you're building your first product line or looking to scale, this is a must-hear masterclass on building a focused, profitable brand. In this episode, you'll hear: - Importance of defining and marketing to a single ideal customer - Why successful fashion brands start with no more than three products - Case studies: Nike, Spanx, and how they started with just one item - How poor garment fit leads to lost customers and missed revenue - Legal and financial risks of skipping documentation in production   Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/the-board   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.   

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 the mindset shift, the tough team conversations, and the intentional reallocation of resources as we align our entire company around serving startup and plateaued apparel brands through our advisory membership. You'll hear the raw truth about navigating financial uncertainty, why we believe in coaching even in a down economy, and how we're strategically planning around best-case, worst-case, and realistic cashflow scenarios. If you've ever had to pivot hard in your business or felt the emotional weight of leadership, this episode offers both transparency and real-time advice to help you weather those moments. Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/the-board In this episode, you'll hear: - Behind-the-scenes look at a major business transition - The emotional and financial impact of losing two top-paying clients - Worst-case scenario financial planning - Reassessing subscriptions, expenses, and marketing strategies - How to stay committed to your mission while adjusting your operations - Practical steps to analyze cash flow, set new sales targets, and maintain profitability   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.   

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 prepare. From 10% import fees threatening wholesale margins to predictions of even steeper tariff hikes, Rachel shares why ignoring these trends could cost you your business. She also breaks down the ripple effect across industries like construction and retail and explains why now is the time to revisit your worst-case financial scenarios. You'll also learn actionable steps to protect your margins, re-evaluate your cost structures, and build a resilient mindset to lead your team through economic uncertainty. Finally, Rachel discusses how betting on yourself, committing to continuous learning, and joining a supportive community can mean the difference between closing your doors or scaling when the market recovers. Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/the-board In this episode, you'll hear: - Why Even "Small" Tariffs (10–15%) Are Crushing Wholesale Profitability - Predictions of Additional Tariff Increases and Economic Strain - The Importance of Recalculating Worst-Case Financial Scenarios - The Necessity of Mental Fortitude and Betting on Yourself as a Founder - Why Continuous Learning and Community Are Critical to Survival   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.   

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 to focus on what actually sells. Learn why trimming your assortment can double (or even triple) your revenue without piling on more work or marketing expense. We break down the step-by-step approach to identifying your losing SKUs, weeding out the waste in your inventory, and setting your business up for sustainable growth, even if you're a small startup. Plus, discover how a single decision took one brand from $25 million to $60 million in sales. Don't forget to register for our upcoming SKU Rationalization Workshop, taking place on Friday, July 25th at 1:30pm EST, where you'll learn how to implement this process inside your own brand. Sign up for the SKU Rationalization Workshop here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/sku In this episode, you'll hear: - What SKU rationalization is and why it matters - How to identify your winning and losing SKUs - The impact of too many products on your team and customers - The "weeding out the waste" analogy for product lines - Details of the upcoming SKU Rationalization Workshop   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.   

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. Sparked by a question from the community, Rachel shares the story of why she left corporate after burnout and illness to launch Unmarked Street as a consulting agency dedicated to helping brands master product development, technical design, and business growth. Then, Rachel goes into how The Business of Apparel was born from her passion for education and mentorship, offering courses, templates, and memberships to empower entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge that billion-dollar brands use every day. If you're considering freelancing, building an apparel line, or simply curious about how to structure multiple brands, this episode is full of value you won't want to miss. In this episode, you'll hear: - The meaning behind the name "Unmarked Street" - Our transition from freelancing to building an agency team - How Unmarked Street helps clients with product development, technical design, and business growth - What The Business of Apparel offers: courses, templates, memberships - Real-life client success stories and examples of saved costs   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.   

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 passion into a successful online sewing academy, turned vintage linens into one-of-a-kind garments, and mastered the art of balancing creativity and strategy through smart time-blocking and local production. Hear Christine's best advice for aspiring apparel entrepreneurs: from testing custom-first models and launching soft drops, to embracing imperfection and sharing your messy early journey on social media. Whether you're building your first piece or scaling a brand, Christine's story is packed with inspiration and practical advice to help you get started — sooner and smarter. In this episode, you'll hear: - Transition from corporate fashion to entrepreneurship - Time-blocking, batching content, and energy-based productivity - Benefits of a custom-first business model with local production - Advice for startup apparel brand owners - Encouragement to start before everything is perfect   Connect with Christine: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sewingandthecity/ Websites: https://sewingandthecity.com and https://lindylindy.com   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.   

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 they actually want. From clearing up backend data chaos to understanding the psychology of choice, this episode really covers how SKU rationalization helps you cut the noise, clarify your brand, and increase profit without overwhelming your customers, or your team. If you've ever been told to "start small" or felt paralyzed by product overwhelm, this is the missing explanation behind that advice you didn't know you needed to hear. In this episode, you'll hear: - What SKU rationalization actually is. - Why more SKUs don't always mean more sales. - The 80/20 rule and its real-world implications. - Customer psychology and product overwhelm. - How to simplify without sacrificing growth.   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.   

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 years helping designers break into the fashion world. Elizabeth shares the biggest mistakes new brands make during early production, the underestimated power of community building, and why slow, strategic scaling beats going big from day one. They get into how to test your market, build brand loyalty, approach PR and wholesale smartly, and use retail partnerships as a launchpad, not a liability. If you're launching or scaling a fashion brand, this episode is essential for you and your brand. discover more! In this episode, you'll hear: - How to test your first apparel collection without overcommitting. - Why being visible as a founder drives sales. - Building a community that markets your brand for you. - Retail strategies that won't bankrupt your startup. - The hidden risks of wholesale agreements.   Connect with Elizabeth: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flyingsolonyc/ Website: https://flyingsolo.nyc   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.