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 your existing apparel brand to the next level and create sustainable and unstoppable growth.Most founders "wing it" through launch & production, but scaling requires professional processes.On the show you'll learn:✅Profit-First Scaling: Financial architecture that protects your margins✅Production Excellence: Mastering fit, quality control, and factory relationships✅Operational Systems: Industry SOPs so your business can run without you✅Strategic Guidance: Real-world advice from experts with

The Business of Apparel is a arts podcast hosted by Rachel Erickson, with 181 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Rachel Erickson hosts The Business of Apparel, a arts show with 181 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #181

  If You Aren't Prepping BFCM Now, Your Q4 is in Trouble

  Aug 20, 202620 min

  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 that see the biggest results are the ones that start planning months in advance with a clear marketing strategy. I will walk you through how to create a successful Black Friday Cyber Monday strategy that attracts new customers, increases repeat purchases, and protects your profit margins. I'll share how to plan your product launches, discounts, marketing campaigns, customer service, and post-purchase follow-up while using key performance metrics to measure your success and improve future promotions. Today We're Covering: Why Black Friday and Cyber Monday planning should begin months in advance How to create a profitable BFCM marketing and promotional strategy The key metrics every apparel founder should track before, during, and after the sales weekend How to balance discounts with healthy profit margins and inventory goals Why customer retention, community building, and post-purchase nurturing are essential for long-term growth Whether you're preparing for your first Black Friday Cyber Monday promotion or looking to improve the results of future sales events, you'll gain practical strategies to help you plan with confidence, maximize revenue, and turn seasonal shoppers into loyal customers. ➡️ Your Next Steps: Say Good-Bye to $20,000 Apparel Brand Mistakes here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/goodbye Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/join Learn how we can help your business grow further: www.unmarkedstreet.com ‼️ 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 .

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  Episode #180

  The Fashion Industry is Purposely Hiding This From New Founders

  Aug 13, 202615 min

  Building an apparel brand can feel like an uphill battle, especially when you're competing against industry giants with resources, data, and strategies you don't have access to. While many founders assume they're simply missing a piece of the puzzle, the reality is that the apparel industry is far more competitive than most entrepreneurs realize, and understanding how it really works can change everything. In this episode, I pull back the curtain on an eye-opening experience from my corporate career that completely changed the way I view the apparel industry. I share what happened during a leadership meeting at one of the world's biggest apparel companies, why emerging brands were seen as a threat despite holding only a tiny fraction of the market, and how that experience inspired me to dedicate my career to helping independent apparel founders succeed with the insider knowledge they've never been given. Today We're Covering: Why even the biggest apparel brands pay close attention to emerging competitors What I learned inside a corporate strategy meeting focused on protecting market share Why so much of the advice available to apparel founders feels incomplete or unhelpful How understanding the industry's hidden dynamics can help you make smarter business decisions Why having experienced advisors and proven operational strategies gives small brands a competitive advantage Success in the apparel industry starts with understanding the realities behind the scenes. This episode will give you a new perspective on the challenges you're facing and remind you that success isn't about working harder. It's about understanding how the industry really operates and having the right guidance to navigate it. ➡️ Your Next Steps: Say Good-Bye to $20,000 Apparel Brand Mistakes here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/goodbye 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 .

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  Episode #178

  You're a Designer, Not a CEO (And It's Costing You)

  Jul 30, 202622 min

  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 growing it. Learning to delegate, trust your team, and focus on the bigger picture is what creates the foundation for long-term success. As I work to better understand the financial data behind my own business, build stronger leadership skills, and expand my team, I'm pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to transition from product designer to business owner. I explain why hiring before you feel ready, investing in expert guidance, and creating systems that empower your team can help you break through the growth ceiling that many apparel founders face. Today We're Covering: Why thinking of yourself as a product designer instead of a CEO can hold your business back How hiring and delegating create more opportunities for growth and profitability Why learning your business numbers is essential, even if finance isn't your strength How to build a leadership team that can grow alongside your apparel brand Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness, when scaling your company If you're still trying to wear multiple hats in your business, this episode will help you shift your mindset, embrace your role as CEO, and create a business that can grow beyond what you could accomplish on your own. ➡️ 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 .

  ListenShow Notes
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  Episode #177

  Why "Selling Out" Could Actually Bankrupt Your Brand

  Jul 23, 202620 min

  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 .

  ListenShow Notes
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  Episode #176

  Why Most Apparel Brands Don't Have a Revenue Problem

  Jul 16, 202621 min

  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 .

  ListenShow Notes

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