The Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast

In this episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast, we talk about fashion trade shows and more specifically how to grow your brand by exhibiting at a trade show. So in this episode, we are dissecting the whole thing. What exactly are trade shows in case you haven’t been to one? Why you should or shouldn’t be at one and how it can be beneficial for your brand? We are also giving 3 key takeaways that you want to consider before attending the next trade show. Sit back and relax, put all other things aside, and listen to AEP038. Show notes at apparelentrepreneurship.com

In this episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast, we talk about sourcing or more specifically How to maximize your sourcing fair visit. We explain what they are, what you can expect from the sourcing fairs, and some dos and don'ts. We further discuss why it is a good idea to visit a sourcing fair, what you can get out of them, and how to get as much value for your time and money as possible. To find a sourcing fair near you, see the show notes. There you can also download the free PDF with 8 Questions To Ask At A Sourcing Fair. Put on your headphones and prepare to maximize your next sourcing fair visit. Show notes at apparelentrepreneurship.com/podcast

In this fairly short episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast we address a question that we receive all the time; How Do You Know When You Are Ready To Launch? Grab that cup of coffee, walk the dog, and listen to our take on when you are ready to launch. Show notes at apparelentrepreneurship.com

This is the episode many of you have been waiting for. It’s the first interview ever here on the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast, and it’s about how to best work with a manufacturer. We are talking to Kevin Van Lancker, founder and CEO of Sportwear of Tomorrow, a manufacturer of sublimated sportswear. They are the first and largest Print on Demand manufacturer in Europe for the cycling and triathlon industry and work with clients worldwide. Kevin gives us the inside view of what brands need to think about when looking for manufacturing, how to best prepare, and how to create a fruitful relationship with the manufacturer. He also gives you insights into how you can work with an on-demand manufacturer, mistakes to avoid, and how the industry is evolving. Sportswear of Tomorrow is the most technologically advanced private label, sports- and swimwear manufacturing plant in Europe, and Kevins shares with us how his background in IT has led to the introduction of Artificial Intelligence in their manufacturing process. Whether you are about to start or you have been running your brand for years, this episode will give you loads of tips of working with a manufacturer, and insights in what possibilities there are when working with a manufacturer at the forefront of technology. Find out more at apparelentrepreneurship.com

In this episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship podcast, we talk about planning a productive 2020. You'll get tangible advice and tips on how to plan your work and manage your time. First, we talk about how to plan your year on a high level. We will continue to discuss how you can plan your week and give you two different ways of doing this in a structured manner. Lastly, we talk about daily planning, what to think about, and actionable tips. 2020 is coming up quickly, Listen to this podcast, take a few hours, and plan for your best business year so far. Show notes at apparelentrepreneurship.com

In this episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship podcast, we talk about 7 predictions and apparel business trends for 2020.  We have worked with hundreds of brands through the Apparel Entrepreneurship Membership Program, one-on-one coaching, the Ana Kristiansson Design Agency, helping entrepreneurs start, run, and scale successful, meaningful, and profitable clothing brands. So in this episode, we are going to look into the future. Here are our predictions for next year. So, sit down with pen and paper, and listen to what's going to happen in 2020 and how you can make a change for growth in your business. Show notes at apparelentrepreneurship.com/podcast

In this episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship podcast, we talk about how and where to find inspiration for your designs and collection. How do you turn design inspiration into fashion collections? Why is it a good idea to have an inspiration for your designs and collection? So how and where does it all start? How do designers know what to create? Inspiration is everywhere and we often hear this when designers are interviewed: where do you get your inspiration from? They most often answer from everywhere. But where is everywhere? In this episode, we give specific ideas for where to find inspiration and how to go about it. You might have a trend sensitive business, or you may run a timeless brand. But you, at all times, have to know what's going on in the world, and know the trends and why things are the way they are. Because your brand is evolving with time, whether you like it or not, because that’s the nature of the game. And if you do know the trends it will be easier for you to run a business that is relevant, to increase your chances for more sales. Inspiration isn’t only for the prints, or the details, it’s for everything. Starting with the products themselves, the silhouette and shapes, the materials choices, the colors and color story, the accessories chosen like buttons and trims and cords, all the way down to the finishing touches and styling of the garments. Put on your headphones and join us for Design Inspiration 101. Show notes The Apparel Entrepreneurship Membership Program: Join this week

Through working with clothing brands in the AE Membership Program, and through our consulting assignments, we see 5 major reasons why customers aren't buying from certain brands. Some of you have been running your brand for years and you now see a decline in sales. And many of you haven't launched your brands yet, and want to be better prepared for pitfalls that can be avoided before your launch. In this episode we are bringing attention to why you aren't selling and what you can do about it. Show notes at apparelentrepreneurship.com

This is a special episode about Black Friday and Cyber Monday. These are the two most significant online selling days of the year. 2018 the sales grew around 20% from the previous year in the US, taking the revenue to record levels. We had actually planned to do another episode today on design inspiration. We had planned to NOT do an episode about Black Friday, but you have sent us questions about it and asked when we are going to talk about it. You kind of decided for us, and we love you for that! So, here is a packed episode with everything you need to know about Black Friday, including the pros and cons. We are also giving you 9 marketing ideas for how you can increase your chances of selling your products. This information is also useful to know if you decide NOT to do Black Friday. Show notes at apparelentrepreneurship.com

In today's episode, we are talking about why you should have a blog, why it's useful, and blog topic tips for your fashion brand. A blog is important, no matter if you are just starting out or if you are running and established clothing brand. When should you start? How often should you post? What should you talk about? There are so many things you can talk about on your blog besides your products. A common concern for new brands that don't have products yet is what they should post about. In many cases, they don't want to reveal too much information before the products are manufactured and ready to sell. In this episode, you will get loads of tips on things you can talk about to connect with your customers. So, bring out a pen and paper, put on your headphones, and join us for AEP029! Learn more at apparelentrepreneurship.com