Shows / The Business of Apparel
The Business of Apparel
Go from overwhelmed apparel founder making costly trial-and-error decisions to a founder with the expert guidance, systems, and industry knowledge to scale profitably. Rachel Erickson brings her 20 years of expertise in the apparel manufacturing industry to The Business of Apparel podcast to inspire you to build your best brand yet. Each week, you'll hear from Rachel along with our industry experts who are shedding light on what is needed to build your own apparel line from scratch or to take…
Episodes
The Business of Apparel3 Lessons From The Business of Apparel That Will Change Your Brand
You can't force someone to love your favorite product, no matter how much time, money, and energy you've poured into creating it. As apparel founders, we have…
The Business of ApparelWhy We Continue to Re-Focus and Simplify Our Business
What if growing your apparel brand actually means offering less? After five years of trial and error, I'm realizing just how much simpler a business can become…
The Business of ApparelWhy Your Work Ethic is Actually Ruining Your Business
What if your stellar work ethic is actually killing your business? It sounds crazy, but if you're doing everything yourself, working 60, 80, or 100 hours a…
The Business of ApparelWhat Actually Happens When You Survive 5 Years as a Founder
Reaching five years in business is a milestone worth celebrating, and it also gives you plenty of reasons to pause, reflect, and take stock of everything…
The Business of ApparelBuilding and Scaling an Apparel Brand With a Purpose, featuring Kelly Roach
Starting an apparel brand can require far more time, money, and patience than you might expect, and unfortunately there may be plenty of expensive lessons to…
The Business of ApparelWhy Your Online "Factory" is Actually an Expensive Middleman
When you're working with an apparel manufacturer, it's important to know exactly who you're communicating with. Sometimes the person you think is part of the…
The Business of ApparelThe Overseas Manufacturing Lie You've Been Sold
There are a lot of opinions about where you should and shouldn't manufacture apparel, but the truth is that no single region of the world is automatically good…
The Business of ApparelThe 4 Things That Instantly Prove You're an Amateur to Factories
Getting a response from the manufacturer you want to work with can feel like a challenge, especially when you're building an apparel brand and still learning…
The Business of ApparelThe Advice You Didn't Know You Needed (Office Hours Unlocked)
One of my favorite things about running a membership is that I have the opportunity to give apparel brand founders direct access to experienced industry…
The Business of ApparelDon't Read My New Book, "The Business of Apparel," Until You Do THIS
Starting an apparel brand is a big investment, and taking the time to validate your idea before jumping into product development can save you time, money, and…
The Business of ApparelIf You Aren't Prepping BFCM Now, Your Q4 is in Trouble
Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be some of the most profitable days of the year for your apparel brand, but success doesn't happen by accident. The brands…
The Business of ApparelThe Fashion Industry is Purposely Hiding This From New Founders
Building an apparel brand can feel like an uphill battle, especially when you're competing against industry giants with resources, data, and strategies you…
The Business of Apparel3 Female Founders Tell All: The Truth About Scaling Your Own Agency
Leaving the security of a steady paycheck to build your own apparel business is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. The uncertainty of replacing…
The Business of ApparelYou're a Designer, Not a CEO (And It's Costing You)
Stepping into the role of CEO requires more than designing great products. It means shifting your mindset from working in your apparel brand to leading and…
The Business of ApparelWhy "Selling Out" Could Actually Bankrupt Your Brand
Bringing investors into your apparel brand might seem like the fastest path to growth, but the wrong investment, or the wrong strategy, can put everything…
The Business of ApparelWhy Most Apparel Brands Don't Have a Revenue Problem
Many apparel founders believe growing revenue is the key to building a successful brand, but revenue alone won't keep your business alive. Without healthy…
The Business of ApparelA Big Announcement for the Business of Apparel Community
For years, we've been searching for a better way to help Apparel Ffounders bridge the gap between learning industry concepts and actually applying them inside…
The Business of ApparelWhy "Learning As You Go" Will Bankrupt You in the Fashion Industry
When apparel founders fail to create a profitable business, it's not because they lack talent or great product ideas. They struggle because they're forced to…
The Business of ApparelHow Jason Daniel Turned LSKD Into a Movement, Not Just a Clothing Brand
Building a successful apparel brand takes more than creating great products. The strongest brands are built around a clear purpose, a committed community, and…
The Business of ApparelThe Exact Blueprint to Stop Being the Bottleneck in Your Apparel Business
If you're feeling exhausted as the CEO of your apparel brand, it doesn't necessarily mean you're working too hard. It may be a sign that you've become the…
The Business of ApparelHow to Make Firing an Employee 100x Less Painful
Managing employees well starts long before difficult conversations ever happen. In fact, the systems you put in place from day one can determine whether your…
The Business of ApparelThe Job Description Template That Attracts A-Players (Not Duds)
Hiring the right team members can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially when the candidates you're attracting aren't who you hoped for. In…
The Business of ApparelA Simple Guide to Landed Cost: Calculating the Real Price of Your Products
If you're not accurately calculating your landed costs, your apparel brand could be losing money without you even realizing it. In this episode of the Business…
The Business of ApparelWhat Retail Buyers Actually Want: 3 Things You Need Before Pitching a Store
Retail stores can be a powerful partner in increasing brand visibility and building customer trust, but there needs to be a strategy behind the way brand…
The Business of ApparelEscaping the Hustle Trap & Curing Imposter Syndrome with Brian Finnerty
Welcome back to the Business of Apparel podcast, your one-stop shop to learn how to launch, grow, and scale your apparel brand! I'm your host, Rachel Erickson…
- The Business of Apparel
6 Key Roles Every Apparel Brand Founder Needs to Scale
6 Key Roles Every Apparel Brand Founder Needs to Scale Most apparel founders wait too long to build the right team and it costs them growth, profitability, and…
- The Business of Apparel
How Boutique Owners Create Their Own Clothing Line (Without Costly Mistakes) with Natalie Hamilton
How Boutique Owners Create Their Own Clothing Line (Without Costly Mistakes) with Natalie Hamilton If you're a boutique owner thinking about launching your own…
- The Business of Apparel
How Much to Pay Your First Hire (Without Breaking Your Apparel Brand)
How Much to Pay Your First Hire (Without Breaking Your Apparel Brand) Hiring your first employee can feel impossible, but what if you're thinking about it the…
- The Business of Apparel
The Merchandising Framework That Makes Customers Buy More
The Merchandising Framework That Makes Customers Buy More Merchandising isn't just about what looks good...it's about what sells. In this episode, Rachel…
- The Business of Apparel
3 Costly Apparel Brand Mistakes Killing Your Profits (And How to Fix Them Fast)
3 Costly Apparel Brand Mistakes Killing Your Profits (And How to Fix Them Fast) If your apparel brand isn't growing, or worse, burning through cash...these are…
- The Business of Apparel
Inventory Forecasting for Apparel Brands: 3 Proven Strategies to Avoid Stockouts & Scale Profitability
Inventory Forecasting for Apparel Brands: 3 Proven Strategies to Avoid Stockouts & Scale Profitability Struggling to figure out how much inventory to order…
- The Business of Apparel
Why Factory Audits FAIL and What Smart Apparel Brands Should Do Instead with Anna Triponel
Why Factory Audits FAIL and What Smart Apparel Brands Should Do Instead with Anna Triponel Factory audits are not enough. If you want to build a stronger…
- The Business of Apparel
The #1 Profit Metric Every Apparel Brand Must Track (Most Founders Ignore This)
The #1 Profit Metric Every Apparel Brand Must Track (Most Founders Ignore This) Most apparel founders obsess over sales numbers, but ignore the one metric that…
- The Business of Apparel
Shopify Backend Cheat Codes for Apparel Brands: Style Numbers, SKUs & Product Page Secrets
Shopify Backend Cheat Codes for Apparel Brands: Style Numbers, SKUs & Product Page Secrets Your Shopify backend might be costing you sales and most apparel…
- The Business of Apparel
Your Shopify Data Might Be Lying To You
EP 158 - Your Shopify Data Might Be Lying To You What if your Shopify reports are lying to you? In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel…
- The Business of Apparel
From Pro Golfer to 500+ Retail Stores: The Sales-First Apparel Growth Playbook with Taylor Artman
From Pro Golfer to 500+ Retail Stores: The Sales-First Apparel Growth Playbook with Taylor Artman Want to get your apparel brand into retail accounts, even if…
- The Business of Apparel
Your SKU System Doesn't Have to Be Complicated
Your SKU System Doesn't Have to Be Complicated Your SKU system does NOT need to be complicated...but it does need to be consistent. If you're an apparel brand…
- The Business of Apparel
You Can't Scale a Mess: Fix Your Shopify Backend & Unlock Profitable Growth for Your Apparel Brand
You Can't Scale a Mess: Fix Your Shopify Backend & Unlock Profitable Growth for Your Apparel Brand If your Shopify backend is messy, your growth will be too…
- The Business of Apparel
3 Manufacturing Red Flags That Can Destroy Your Apparel Brand
3 Manufacturing Red Flags That Can Destroy Your Apparel Brand If your manufacturer's quote feels too cheap or the turnaround time sounds unrealistically fast…
- The Business of Apparel
Why Sustainable Apparel Brands Fail (And How Wildhaven Wools Is Doing It Right) with Julia Billings
Why Sustainable Apparel Brands Fail (And How Wildhaven Wools Is Doing It Right) with Julia Billings What does it really take to build a sustainable apparel…
- The Business of Apparel
This Simple Calendar System Will Scale Your Clothing Brand
This Simple Calendar System Will Scale Your Clothing Brand Is the #1 thing you're avoiding right now a timeline and calendar for your brand? In this episode of…
- The Business of Apparel
Your Apparel Brand Is NOT For Everyone! Niche Down to Grow and Build Customer Loyalty
Your Apparel Brand Is NOT For Everyone! Niche Down to Grow and Build Customer Loyalty In this episode of The Business of Apparel podcast, Rachel discusses why…
- The Business of Apparel
How to Instantly Upgrade Your Apparel Tech Sketches Using Adobe Illustrator
How to Instantly Upgrade Your Apparel Tech Sketches Using Adobe Illustrator If you want manufacturers to take you seriously from the very first sketch, your…
- The Business of Apparel
Why Pop-Ups and Trunk Shows Will Dominate Fashion in 2026 (and How to Use Them to Grow Your Brand)
Why Pop-Ups and Trunk Shows Will Dominate Fashion in 2026 (and How to Use Them to Grow Your Brand) Pop-ups, trunk shows, and IRL brand experiences are back in…
- The Business of Apparel
2026 Planning, Profit vs. Growth, and the 6 Segments Every Apparel Brand Must Understand
2026 Planning, Profit vs. Growth, and the 6 Segments Every Apparel Brand Must Understand 2025 taught us some hard lessons. 2026 is about consistency, focus…
- The Business of Apparel
How to Turn Holiday Returns into Lifetime Customers for Your Apparel Brand
How to Turn Holiday Returns into Lifetime Customers for Your Apparel Brand Returns don't have to hurt your brand...they can build it. In this short yet…
- The Business of Apparel
Wholesale 101: Is Your Apparel Brand Ready to Sell to Boutiques?
Wholesale 101: Is Your Apparel Brand Ready to Sell to Boutiques? Are you ready to sell your apparel line into wholesale? Before you jump into boutiques and…
- The Business of Apparel
Post-BFCM Profits | How to Decode Your Data & Boost 2026 Sales
Post-BFCM Profits | How to Decode Your Data & Boost 2026 Sales Black Friday and Cyber Monday are over, but your most important work is just beginning. If…
- The Business of Apparel
How to Create an Unboxing Experience That Builds Brand Loyalty
How to Create an Unboxing Experience That Builds Brand Loyalty Your packaging is more than just a box, it's your brand's first physical impression. If you're…
- The Business of Apparel
5 Hard Truths That Transformed My Apparel Business in 2025
5 Hard Truths That Transformed My Apparel Business in 2025 Let's talk real growth...the kind that hurts a little but changes everything. In this special…
- The Business of Apparel
Come With Me to Do A Live Press Briefing for The Business of Apparel and Unmarked Street!
Come With Me to Do A Live Press Briefing for The Business of Apparel and Unmarked Street! From corporate burnout to leading an apparel education movement —…
- The Business of Apparel
The Smart Way to Offer Black Friday Discounts Without Killing Your Margins
The Smart Way to Offer Black Friday Discounts Without Killing Your Margins Slashing prices this Black Friday? Stop and listen to this first. If you're…
- The Business of Apparel
Your Black Friday and Cyber Monday Playbook: How Apparel Brands Can Win Without Slashing Prices
Your Black Friday and Cyber Monday Playbook: How Apparel Brands Can Win Without Slashing Prices BFCM (Black Friday Cyber Monday) doesn't have to mean burning…
- The Business of Apparel
Use AI in Your Apparel Brand (Without Losing Your Voice or Identity)
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…
- The Business of Apparel
The Anatomy of A Product Page That Actually Sells: Boosting Converstions with Strategic Storytelling
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…
- The Business of Apparel
How to Find the Right Manufacturer for Your Apparel Brand (Without Wasting Time or Money)
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…
- The Business of Apparel
Should Your Brand Be on TikTok? A Real Talk for Apparel Entrepreneurs
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…
- The Business of Apparel
Why Sustainability Is the Future of Apparel: How New Laws & Tariffs Are Changing the Industry
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…
- The Business of Apparel
Are You Really Ready for Q4? How to Prep for Your Biggest Revenue Season + 2026 Planning
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…
- The Business of Apparel
When Overwhelm is Present: Leading Through Change, Burnout & Breakthroughs
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…