The Business of Apparel

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.   

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 her journey with humor, clarity, and wisdom, making this a must-listen for anyone in, entering, or even thinking about entering the apparel world. Together, they discuss how sustainability isn’t just about fabric. It’s about people, education, systems, and small, intentional changes. Mary details her research on laundry behavior, her pivot into solar sales during COVID, and her current role helping scale the Unmarked Street team and its mission. If you're a student, freelancer, or founder trying to navigate your next step, this episode will leave you inspired and empowered.o discover more! In this episode, you’ll hear: - The real sustainability issues most brands ignore. - Navigating career pivots and industry changes. - Sales and customer service in a small fashion business. - The power of networks and mentorship.   Connect with Mary: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-coats/   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 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 budgeting, pricing, and negotiating with factories. If you are listening on your favorite audio platform, make sure you head over to our YouTube channel to get the full experience here: https://youtu.be/6hzqe8DI5dc. We break down how to calculate your landed cost, manage duty rates (especially with rising tariffs), and determine how many units you can actually afford to produce. Plus, we show you how to use this tool to project revenue, protect margins, and grow your business sustainably, without spending money you don't have. Watch the screen share to see it in action, and get the free downloadable template at https://thebusinessofapparel.com/gift. In this episode, you’ll hear: - How to calculate landed cost and profit margins. - Setting realistic retail and wholesale prices. - Managing MOQ and staying within budget. - Free template walkthrough and how to download.   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.   

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 sign with vendors, manufacturers, and clients. If you’ve ever relied on a verbal agreement, this is a must-listen. Rachel unpacks why tech packs and vendor agreements are contracts (even without a signature), how to handle redlining terms, and what to do when a deal doesn't feel fair. Whether you’re navigating NDAs, supplier terms, or a difficult landlord, listening to this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and operate your business like a pro. In this episode, you’ll hear: - Why you should never rely solely on verbal agreements - get it in writing! - The essential contracts every apparel business needs. - Rachel’s personal story of rental miscommunication. - Never sign a contract you're not 100% comfortable with.   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.   

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, and why founders need to set up a thoughtful naming structure from day one. You’ll learn why descriptive names matter, how to avoid bottlenecking expanding your product line, and creative approaches (like using personal names or themes) to stand out while staying clear. Plus, Rachel offers practical advice for startup brands to build a naming system that grows with them—so you won’t get stuck redoing your entire product catalog later. In this episode, you’ll hear: - Why product naming is more complicated than it looks - Lessons from a corporate renaming nightmare - How naming affects marketing, product expansion, and customer understanding - Tips to avoid common naming mistakes as a new apparel brand   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.   

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 distinct CEO types: the over-scaler, the financially unstable, and the relentless micromanager. You’ll learn what red flags to watch for in your own leadership style, how scaling too fast, neglecting finances, or holding on too tightly can derail your brand—and most importantly, how to step fully into the CEO role you were meant for. Whether you’re an emerging designer or an established founder, this episode is a hard dose of reality, but so needed to keep your business sustainable, profitable, and growing. In this episode, you’ll hear: - How scaling too fast confuses customers and crushes cash flow. - Why financial management is THE make-or-break for apparel brands. - The high cost of micromanagement and employee turnover. - How to step back and empower your expert team.   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.