Summary

In this episode, Quinn McLaughlin, founder of Praerie, shares her journey from tech to fashion, the philosophy behind her brand, and the challenges of running a sustainable fashion business. She discusses the importance of design, the slow fashion movement, and the realities of marketing and sales in the fashion industry. Quinn also reflects on her personal growth as an entrepreneur and her aspirations for the future of Praerie.

You can follow Praerie on Instagram @shoppraerie. You can also visit their website here: www.shoppraerie.com.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Prairie and Quinn's Journey

01:41 The Essence of Prairie's Design Philosophy

04:33 Balancing Wearability and Aesthetic in Fashion

07:13 The Design Process: From Concept to Creation

10:01 Navigating Manufacturing and Sustainability Challenges

12:34 Lessons Learned: Mistakes and Growth in Entrepreneurship

15:07 Building Confidence and Community in Business

17:56 Future Aspirations and Brand Identity

24:29 Wholesale Ventures and Challenges

25:59 Marketing Strategies in the Digital Age

29:11 Navigating Hurdles in Production and Sales

32:54 Customer Connections and Rewards

34:56 Future Plans and Product Launches

36:42 Long-Term Vision for Prairie

38:31 Rapid Fire Insights and Reflections

Takeaways

Quinn started Praerie during the COVID-19 pandemic as a response to her furlough.

The brand embodies a connection to nature, inspired by the French word for meadow.

Praerie focuses on slow fashion, avoiding hyper trends and promoting sustainability.

The design process is extensive, often taking 9-12 months before a collection is released.

Sales and marketing are significant challenges for small fashion brands.

Quinn emphasizes the importance of separating personal worth from business success.

Building a supportive network has been crucial for Quinn's confidence as an entrepreneur.

The brand aims to expand its size range and product offerings in the future.

Quinn's experience with Free People was a validating moment for her brand.

The podcast highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in entrepreneurship.

Sound Bites

"I started Praerie in a time of need."

"Sales don't come easy."

"I hope to expand our size range."

Keywords

fashion, entrepreneurship, sustainability, design, marketing, slow fashion, brand growth, manufacturing, confidence, challenges