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The Business of Apparel: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Rachel Erickson
Rachel Erickson brings her 20 years of expertise in the apparel manufacturing industry to this show to inspire you to build your best brand yet. Each week, you'll hear from Rachel along with other industry experts who are shedding light on what is needed to build your own apparel line from scratch or to take your existing apparel brand to the next level and create sustainable and unstoppable growth. Rachel's big emphasis on proper techniques, sustainable practices and business clarity will be sure to help you create loyal customers who happily purchase from you again and again. Make sure you follow this podcast so you don't miss a single episode if you're running your own apparel business or looking to start!
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- 6 days ago19 min
Why "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 you've built at risk. In this episode we're breaking down why many apparel founders make costly mistakes after raising capital and explain how to use investment dollars strategically to build a stronger, more profitable business. We discuss why investing in education, hiring the right team, and testing products before scaling leads to better long-term results, while also exploring the dangers of chasing rapid growth and partnering with investors whose values don't align with your brand. 📝 Today We're Covering: Why raising investment capital isn't always the right move for apparel brands The smartest ways to invest funding to support sustainable growth Why buying more inventory too soon can hurt your business How to use product testing before scaling your apparel line The risks of partnering with investors who don't share your brand values Whether you're considering outside investment or simply planning your next stage of growth, this episode offers practical guidance to help you make smarter financial decisions to protect your brand and build a business that lasts. ➡️ Your Next Steps: Subscribe to the Apparel Founder's Boardroom Notes on Substack: https://substack.com/@businessofapparel Get in touch with me here: http://thebusinessofapparel.com/contact Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/join ‼️ Don't Miss These Episodes: Wholesale 101: https://youtu.be/lpezH1YwCyE Use AI in Your Apparel Brand: https://youtu.be/Dn9tjPNmfaw Grow a 7-Figure Apparel Business: https://youtu.be/rpQYDyo5Rao 🤝 Meet Rachel: Rachel Erickson is a Fractional COO, Apparel Industry Consultant, and founder of Unmarked Street and The Business of Apparel. With 20+ years in technical design and product development leadership, she sat at the executive table of a $25M apparel line and helped scale it to $60M in one year. After decades working inside major fashion companies, she learned the truth behind billion-dollar brands, and it's not about chasing trends or pumping out endless products. It's about building clean processes, tightly edited assortments, and obsessively focused customer targeting. Rachel helps founders and CEOs of performance apparel brands: ✅ Build lean, profitable product lines ✅ Streamline operations for growth ✅ Replace overwhelm with executive clarity ✅ Create garments that fit bodies in motion Whether you're just hitting $1M in revenue or trying to break through the $10M ceiling, Rachel will join you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading. Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-erickson-pmp/ and visit her website at www.unmarkedstreet.com.
- 1 weeks ago21 min
Why 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 profit margins, even brands generating millions of dollars in sales can struggle with cash flow, inventory purchases, hiring, and long-term growth. In this episode of the Business of Apparel podcast, Rachel explains why profitability, not revenue, is the most important metric every apparel founder should be tracking. She shares real examples of brands that looked successful on paper but ultimately failed because they ignored their margins, along with practical guidance for calculating profitability, understanding company-wide weighted margins, and making smarter inventory and pricing decisions. Rachel also discusses how experienced mentorship and the right financial systems can help founders avoid expensive mistakes and build brands that are positioned for sustainable, long-term success. 📝 Today We're Covering: Why focusing on revenue instead of profit can put your apparel brand at serious financial risk How to calculate and evaluate product and company-wide profit margins The warning signs that your inventory and purchasing decisions are hurting profitability Real examples of brands that succeeded or failed based on the financial decisions they made Why expert guidance and better financial systems can help you avoid costly mistakes and scale with confidence Whether you're just getting your business off the ground or you've been at it a while, this episode provides practical strategies for understanding the numbers behind your brand. You'll walk away with actionable steps to help you improve your margins, strengthen your decision-making, and create a business that's built for long-term growth rather than just impressive revenue. ➡️ Your Next Steps: Get the initial line planning template: http://thebusinessofapparel.com/gift Check out our resources here: http://thebusinessofapparel.com/shop Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/join ‼️ Don't Miss These Episodes: Wholesale 101: https://youtu.be/lpezH1YwCyE Use AI in Your Apparel Brand: https://youtu.be/Dn9tjPNmfaw Grow a 7-Figure Apparel Business: https://youtu.be/rpQYDyo5Rao 🤝 Meet Rachel: Rachel Erickson is a Fractional COO, Apparel Industry Consultant, and founder of Unmarked Street and The Business of Apparel. With 20+ years in technical design and product development leadership, she sat at the executive table of a $25M apparel line and helped scale it to $60M in one year. After decades working inside major fashion companies, she learned the truth behind billion-dollar brands, and it's not about chasing trends or pumping out endless products. It's about building clean processes, tightly edited assortments, and obsessively focused customer targeting. Rachel helps founders and CEOs of performance apparel brands: ✅ Build lean, profitable product lines ✅ Streamline operations for growth ✅ Replace overwhelm with executive clarity ✅ Create garments that fit bodies in motion Whether you're just hitting $1M in revenue or trying to break through the $10M ceiling, Rachel will join you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading. Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-erickson-pmp/ and visit her website at www.unmarkedstreet.com.
- 2 weeks ago4 min
A 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 their businesses. That's exactly why we're launching Boardroom Notes, a brand-new weekly Substack newsletter designed to help founders take the lessons from the Business of Apparel podcast and turn them into practical action. In addition to Boardroom Notes, you can also subscribe to In the Margins with Rachel Erickson, a behind-the-scenes newsletter documenting the journey of writing and releasing my first book, The Business of Apparel. Whether you're trying to improve your margins, make smarter business decisions, or get an inside look at the ideas shaping my upcoming book, you'll want to join us over on Substack at https://businessofapparel.substack.com 🤝 Meet Rachel: Rachel Erickson is a Fractional COO, Apparel Industry Consultant, and founder of Unmarked Street and The Business of Apparel. With 20+ years in technical design and product development leadership, she sat at the executive table of a $25M apparel line and helped scale it to $60M in one year. After decades working inside major fashion companies, she learned the truth behind billion-dollar brands, and it's not about chasing trends or pumping out endless products. It's about building clean processes, tightly edited assortments, and obsessively focused customer targeting. Rachel helps founders and CEOs of performance apparel brands: ✅ Build lean, profitable product lines ✅ Streamline operations for growth ✅ Replace overwhelm with executive clarity ✅ Create garments that fit bodies in motion Whether you're just hitting $1M in revenue or trying to break through the $10M ceiling, Rachel will join you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading. Learn more at https://www.unmarkedstreet.com/
- 2 weeks ago27 min
Why "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 navigate a highly technical industry through expensive trial and error, often making costly mistakes that could have been avoided with the right guidance. In this episode of the Business of Apparel podcast, Rachel shares the common challenges she's seeing apparel founders face and explains why learning the industry as you go can put your business at risk. Through real client stories, she breaks down how poor product development processes, weak financial planning, inaccurate pricing, and unclear production documentation can quickly lead to cash flow problems, wasted inventory, and even business closure. Rachel also explains why building strong operational systems early, tracking profitability instead of just revenue, and seeking expert support can dramatically reduce risk and help founders build profitable, sustainable brands. 📝 Today We're Covering: Why trial-and-error can become one of the most expensive ways to build an apparel brand Common product development mistakes that lead to costly production errors How tracking margins, not just revenue, is essential for long-term profitability Real examples of apparel founders who saved (or lost) tens of thousands of dollars based on key business decisions Why investing in the right systems and expert guidance can help prevent cash flow issues and accelerate growth For apparel founders who are trying to build a profitable business without making costly mistakes, this episode offers practical lessons from real-world experiences. Rachel provides actionable insights to help entrepreneurs strengthen their operations, protect their cash flow, and make smarter decisions that position their brands for long-term success. ➡️ Your Next Steps: Ask your questions: hello@unmarkedstreet.com Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/join Sign up for the Business of Apparel Goodbye Masterclass:https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/goodbye ‼️ Don't Miss These Episodes: Wholesale 101: https://youtu.be/lpezH1YwCyE Use AI in Your Apparel Brand: https://youtu.be/Dn9tjPNmfaw Grow a 7-Figure Apparel Business: https://youtu.be/rpQYDyo5Rao 🤝 Meet Rachel: Rachel Erickson is a Fractional COO, Apparel Industry Consultant, and founder of Unmarked Street and The Business of Apparel. With 20+ years in technical design and product development leadership, she sat at the executive table of a $25M apparel line and helped scale it to $60M in one year. After decades working inside major fashion companies, she learned the truth behind billion-dollar brands, and it's not about chasing trends or pumping out endless products. It's about building clean processes, tightly edited assortments, and obsessively focused customer targeting. Rachel helps founders and CEOs of performance apparel brands: ✅ Build lean, profitable product lines ✅ Streamline operations for growth ✅ Replace overwhelm with executive clarity ✅ Create garments that fit bodies in motion Whether you're just hitting $1M in revenue or trying to break through the $10M ceiling, Rachel will join you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading. Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-erickson-pmp/ and visit her website at www.unmarkedstreet.com.
- 3 weeks ago33 min
How 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 a culture that inspires people to keep growing. In this episode of the Business of Apparel podcast, Rachel sits down with Jason Daniel, founder of globally recognized activewear brand LSKD, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey from selling T-shirts at motocross events to leading a company with hundreds of employees and a worldwide customer base. Jason shares the story behind LSKD's "1% Better Every Day" philosophy, how discovering a deeper purpose transformed the trajectory of his business, and why community, culture, and continuous improvement have become the foundation of the brand's success. He also offers practical advice for founders looking to define their values, build stronger teams, and create brands that stand for something bigger than the products they sell. 📝 Today We're Covering: The origin of LSKD and how Jason turned a passion project into a global apparel brand Why finding a meaningful purpose is essential for long-term business success How strong company values help attract, retain, and develop great team members Why continuous learning, personal growth, and mentorship are critical for founders Practical steps apparel entrepreneurs can take to define their mission and build a values-driven brand For apparel founders navigating the challenges of growth and team building, this episode provides a powerful reminder that long-term success comes from a business rooted in purpose and community. Jason's story offers both inspiration and actionable strategies for entrepreneurs who want to build a brand that resonates deeply with customers, attracts exceptional team members, and creates lasting impact for years to come. ➡️ Connect with Jason and LSKD: Learn more about LSKD: http://lskd.co Find your next read in the LSKD library: https://www.lskd.co/pages/lskd-library Connect on IG @lskd and @jasondaniel__ ➡️ Connect with Rachel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-erickson-pmp/ Website: http://www.unmarkedstreet.com/ 🤝 Meet Rachel: Rachel Erickson is a Fractional COO, Apparel Industry Consultant, and founder of Unmarked Street and The Business of Apparel. With 20+ years in technical design and product development leadership, she sat at the executive table of a $25M apparel line and helped scale it to $60M in one year. After decades working inside major fashion companies, she learned the truth behind billion-dollar brands, and it's not about chasing trends or pumping out endless products. It's about building clean processes, tightly edited assortments, and obsessively focused customer targeting. Rachel helps founders and CEOs of performance apparel brands: ✅ Build lean, profitable product lines ✅ Streamline operations for growth ✅ Replace overwhelm with executive clarity ✅ Create garments that fit bodies in motion Whether you're just hitting $1M in revenue or trying to break through the $10M ceiling, Rachel will join you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading.
- Jun 25, 202620 min
The 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 bottleneck preventing your company from growing. In this episode of the Business of Apparel podcast, Rachel shares why every founder eventually reaches a point where they need to stop doing everything themselves and start building a team that supports long-term growth. Drawing from her own entrepreneurial journey, she explains the importance of hiring before you feel desperate, delegating strategically, and creating systems that allow your business, and your people, to thrive. She also gives a behind-the-scenes look at the concepts covered in the Scalable Team Blueprint masterclass and discusses how leadership, mentorship, and organizational planning all work together to build a stronger company. 📝 Today We're Covering: Why founder burnout is often caused by becoming the bottleneck in your business Why hiring before you think you need to can accelerate business growth How delegation creates space for CEOs to focus on higher-level strategy and vision How to create career growth opportunities that help employees stay engaged and loyal Why building your dream organizational chart is essential for scaling an apparel brand As you think through your vision for the future of your company, creating the right delegation flow is essential for success. This episode offers practical insights to help you step out of the day-to-day, lead with intention, and create a business that supports both your goals and the people who help bring your vision to life. ➡️ Your Next Steps: Join the Scalable Team Blueprint masterclass: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/team Learn about The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/join Sign up for the weekly newsletter here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/contact Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course ‼️ Don't Miss These Episodes: Wholesale 101: https://youtu.be/lpezH1YwCyE Use AI in Your Apparel Brand: https://youtu.be/Dn9tjPNmfaw Grow a 7-Figure Apparel Business: https://youtu.be/rpQYDyo5Rao 🤝 Meet Rachel: Rachel Erickson is a Fractional COO, Apparel Industry Consultant, and founder of Unmarked Street and The Business of Apparel. With 20+ years in technical design and product development leadership, she sat at the executive table of a $25M apparel line and helped scale it to $60M in one year. After decades working inside major fashion companies, she learned the truth behind billion-dollar brands, and it's not about chasing trends or pumping out endless products. It's about building clean processes, tightly edited assortments, and obsessively focused customer targeting. Rachel helps founders and CEOs of performance apparel brands: ✅ Build lean, profitable product lines ✅ Streamline operations for growth ✅ Replace overwhelm with executive clarity ✅ Create garments that fit bodies in motion Whether you're just hitting $1M in revenue or trying to break through the $10M ceiling, Rachel will join you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading. Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-erickson-pmp/ and visit her website at www.unmarkedstreet.com.
- Jun 18, 202616 min
How 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 team grows together or struggles with disengagement and poor performance. In this episode of the Business of Apparel podcast, Rachel explains why great leadership and effective employee management go hand in hand with preparing for the possibility of letting someone go. She shares how to set clear expectations and implement performance improvement plans that protect both your team culture and your business. Rachel also discusses how underperforming employees can impact morale and why retaining A-players sometimes requires making tough decisions. 📝 Today We're Covering: How to set employee expectations from day one Why KPIs and goal setting are essential for growing an apparel brand The benefits of quarterly performance reviews over annual reviews How to create and manage an effective Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) How to recognize disengagement and "rust out" inside your company Whether you're hiring your first employee or managing a growing team, this episode provides practical leadership strategies to help you build a stronger culture, support employee development, and make difficult personnel decisions with confidence and empathy. ➡️ Your Next Steps: Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/join Sign up for the weekly newsletter here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/contact Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course ‼️ Don't Miss These Episodes: Wholesale 101: https://youtu.be/lpezH1YwCyE Use AI in Your Apparel Brand: https://youtu.be/Dn9tjPNmfaw Grow a 7-Figure Apparel Business: https://youtu.be/rpQYDyo5Rao 🤝 Meet Rachel: Rachel Erickson is a Fractional COO, Apparel Industry Consultant, and founder of Unmarked Street and The Business of Apparel. With 20+ years in technical design and product development leadership, she sat at the executive table of a $25M apparel line and helped scale it to $60M in one year. After decades working inside major fashion companies, she learned the truth behind billion-dollar brands, and it's not about chasing trends or pumping out endless products. It's about building clean processes, tightly edited assortments, and obsessively focused customer targeting. Rachel helps founders and CEOs of performance apparel brands: ✅ Build lean, profitable product lines ✅ Streamline operations for growth ✅ Replace overwhelm with executive clarity ✅ Create garments that fit bodies in motion Whether you're just hitting $1M in revenue or trying to break through the $10M ceiling, Rachel will join you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading. Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-erickson-pmp/ and visit her website at www.unmarkedstreet.com.
- Jun 11, 202618 min
The 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 this episode of the Business of Apparel podcast, Rachel explains why attracting poor job candidates is often the result of a weak or generic job description rather than a lack of talent in the market. She shares how apparel brand owners can attract A-player employees by focusing less on qualifications and more on the outcomes, goals, and opportunities a role provides. 📝 Today We're Covering: Why being transparent about challenges actually attracts more ambitious professionals How to create clear 30-, 90-, and 365-day success plans The key elements of a compelling job description How to evaluate candidates and onboard them effectively with KPI-driven plans Details about my upcoming team-building workshop to learn more about hiring and employee management Listen in to discover how the right hiring process can transform the quality of candidates you attract and the future of your brand. ➡️ Your Next Steps: Register for my upcoming 3-day Scalable Team Blueprint workshop: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/team Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/join Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course ‼️ Don't Miss These Episodes: Wholesale 101: https://youtu.be/lpezH1YwCyE Use AI in Your Apparel Brand: https://youtu.be/Dn9tjPNmfaw Grow a 7-Figure Apparel Business: https://youtu.be/rpQYDyo5Rao 🤝 Meet Rachel: Rachel Erickson is a Fractional COO, Apparel Industry Consultant, and founder of Unmarked Street and The Business of Apparel. With 20+ years in technical design and product development leadership, she sat at the executive table of a $25M apparel line and helped scale it to $60M in one year. After decades working inside major fashion companies, she learned the truth behind billion-dollar brands, and it's not about chasing trends or pumping out endless products. It's about building clean processes, tightly edited assortments, and obsessively focused customer targeting. Rachel helps founders and CEOs of performance apparel brands: ✅ Build lean, profitable product lines ✅ Streamline operations for growth ✅ Replace overwhelm with executive clarity ✅ Create garments that fit bodies in motion Whether you're just hitting $1M in revenue or trying to break through the $10M ceiling, Rachel will join you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading. Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-erickson-pmp/ and visit her website at www.unmarkedstreet.com.
About The Business of Apparel
Rachel Erickson brings her 20 years of expertise in the apparel manufacturing industry to this show to inspire you to build your best brand yet. Each week, you'll hear from Rachel along with other industry experts who are shedding light on what is needed to build your own apparel line from scratch or to take your existing apparel brand to the next level and create sustainable and unstoppable growth. Rachel's big emphasis on proper techniques, sustainable practices and business clarity will be sure to help you create loyal customers who happily purchase from you again and again. Make sure you follow this podcast so you don't miss a single episode if you're running your own apparel business or looking to start!
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