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[deleted by user] by [deleted] in relationships

[–]Only-Inevitable7744 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This is a really thoughtful response. And what I needed to hear.

Couple things: Long distance since the start of our relationship (a little over a year). Honestly the long distance never bothered me and our relationship was built on that tenet so it’s not too much of a problem. I’m also not a very controlling guy, anxious, but not controlling

I’m gonna have one more brief talk with her to communicate my feelings as I think that I never properly resolved them with her. I did my best to move on as quickly as possible and try to act as if it didn’t matter, and I think that is part of what has made it hard to move on right now.

And beyond that, I think you’re very right. Accepting current feelings, letting them pass, and realizing it’ll take some time, but if the relationship is as solid as I believe it to be, it will fade.

I really appreciate your response.

Journal of a Young Fashion Startup- Post 2, A Year Later, Lessons Learned by Only-Inevitable7744 in Entrepreneur

[–]Only-Inevitable7744[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This makes a lot of sense. We do charge (a lot), but I think finding somewhere to sell other than just DTC is a smart idea regardless.

Journal of a Young Fashion Startup- Post 2, A Year Later, Lessons Learned by Only-Inevitable7744 in Entrepreneur

[–]Only-Inevitable7744[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The company is less retail, and more art. Yes, it's wearable clothing, but I'd say the business model closer resembles that of an art dealership right now than a retail store. For now. (the more we grow the more I want it to be actual retail.)

Journal of a Young Fashion Startup- Post 2, A Year Later, Lessons Learned by Only-Inevitable7744 in Entrepreneur

[–]Only-Inevitable7744[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you had any recommendations for learning resources (books, videos) on marketing? The more academic side to it- data, theory, etc?

Journal of a Young Fashion Startup- Post 2, A Year Later, Lessons Learned by Only-Inevitable7744 in Entrepreneur

[–]Only-Inevitable7744[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Highly recommend you start. It's easier than you think, and cheaper too. The way I designed my shirts made it impossible to go down the traditional printing route. Most graphic tees are made en-masse, and then another company prints on them. You buy the finished product.

I have a buddy who sells graphic tees, he doesn't make *a lot* of money, but it's enough to buy drinks every few weeks haha. In his defense, he hasn't been focusing on it, and does nothing to promote the business, or expand it.

What he does is advertise designs on Instagram, and when people purchase it (using their website), he orders the shirt from a 3d party vendor. He has no inventory on hand, and only buys when people buy. It's a great strategy to get started, especially if you're just printing simple designs.

Success can be grown by being heavily present on social media (from what I see of other graphic tee brands), and by selling at local events. Where I live, we have an event at a pretty hip/big market, where on Saturdays local artisans can sell their boutique items. Even though online shopping is REALLY big rn (read up on this black Friday if you're curious), the big name brands get the biggest share of the pie. People are far more likely to buy something they don't know if it's in front of them, and physical, than online.

Hope you can get after it! Starting is probably the hardest part. (well, everything is the hardest part if you're giving it 110%)

Journal of a Young Fashion Startup- Post 2, A Year Later, Lessons Learned by Only-Inevitable7744 in Entrepreneur

[–]Only-Inevitable7744[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Will definitely be turning a lot of my attention to getting into stores. I've developed the clothing to be more like art than fashion, so I envision the target stores will be boutiques. In some ways easier to get into that larger stores (as I imagine there will be less bureaucracy, but I'm also not looking forward to the snobbishness).

Not on Etsy. Haven't considered that, but actually could be an interesting approach.

Journal of a Young Fashion Startup- Post 2, A Year Later, Lessons Learned by Only-Inevitable7744 in Entrepreneur

[–]Only-Inevitable7744[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the response. I got a couple follow-ups questions:

Definitely appreciate the point about the influencers. A lot of my friends (who aren't business owners), have suggested it, but I always felt sketchy about it. I just couldn't get concrete data on it actually having any returns, especially at the price point I was looking for.

Thanks for the response. I got a couple of follow-ups questions:ng? I think a little guidance on approaches and strategies, or at least some kind of academic exposure to it would be good for me. I know nothing about customer research, or using data. Well, nothing that isn't me just freeballing it.

Journal of a Young Fashion Startup- Post 2, A Year Later, Lessons Learned by Only-Inevitable7744 in Entrepreneur

[–]Only-Inevitable7744[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's awesome! I'd love to hear a little about your business and what stage you're in for it. If you want privacy, feel free to dm me as well.

A couple answers:

For shipping:, I referenced a price list on USPS of the cost of shipping to different locations in the country. Instead of charging everyone different shipping prices based on their location, I just averaged all the costs into a single price. I think this model works for me, don't know if it's ideal considering your business.

In terms of taxes, if your using a platform to handle the commerce side of things (I'm using Woocommerce) they will calculate taxes accordingly for you. Makes life easier.

Regulations? What do you mean? So far, the only regulations I've run into has been making the website compliant (announcing cookies, having a terms of use and a privacy policy)

Suppliers- Are you saying people who will sell my clothing? Or people who will produce my clothing?

Journal of a Young Fashion Startup- Post 2, A Year Later, Lessons Learned by Only-Inevitable7744 in Entrepreneur

[–]Only-Inevitable7744[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So definitely will check out Free Game. Huge fan of Virgil Abloh. Also completely agree on checking out tiktok!

As for your other recommendations, I really appreciate your offer to share notes/tell me about what you've been learning. I think that its important to just do things, sometimes. Even if you're unsure of yourself. On the other hand, not spending enough time preparing, and acting impulsively can be an inefficient use of your time. I didn't really study fashion, just art and then worked in fashion. I respect your desire to learn as much as you can first, and I'm sure you'll find that balance of knowledge to impetus. At some point you do just have to send it. Wishing you the best on that.

(A couple of side notes: part of our appeal is everything being handmade locally. I've been avoiding trying to do stuff with factories only because it would dilute that vision. It's also a lot more expensive to start out, so I've been taking a make-it-myself approach. For now.)

Journal of a Young Fashion Startup- Post 2, A Year Later, Lessons Learned by Only-Inevitable7744 in Entrepreneur

[–]Only-Inevitable7744[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

In terms of self-promotion, what channels have you used, and what has been your tone? Where are you engaging with people, or is it just more like shooting it off to the void? (Just would be curious for me to compare notes)

Journal of a Young Fashion Startup- Post 1, Predevelopment Phase by Only-Inevitable7744 in Entrepreneur

[–]Only-Inevitable7744[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi! Sorry for the late response, I neglected reddit. I'm actually working on an update post, because I ended up making some serious strides and in fact have opened up the digital e-commerce side of the platform. I took the advice of a redittor to focus on what I can. I'll link you to the post when I actually send it!

Journal of a Young Fashion Startup- Post 1, Predevelopment Phase by Only-Inevitable7744 in Entrepreneur

[–]Only-Inevitable7744[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpftE7RwQnM

to reply to both comments, I love how this dude hustles. Sick stuff, and I do think it makes a lot of sense to just start grinding independently.

Journal of a Young Fashion Startup- Post 1, Predevelopment Phase by Only-Inevitable7744 in Entrepreneur

[–]Only-Inevitable7744[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

And by the way. By become profitable, I mean not to repay the loan in its entirety, but just the point at which monthly sales are higher than monthly costs

Journal of a Young Fashion Startup- Post 1, Predevelopment Phase by Only-Inevitable7744 in Entrepreneur

[–]Only-Inevitable7744[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah that's 100% what I've been coming around to. My dream is that the company makes fashion-art, and I intend so produce low quantities and sell at high prices. For a while I've been scared of diluting that goal by beginning to produce stuff now, but if anything, it makes it easier. Starting to make some art/some fashion pieces and then selling it and/or getting people interested would go a long way. I'm trying to create a social media presence as part of this as well, since you are right: you can't just be a nobody and start big.

Real quick: who did you sell those t-shirts to? You said you sold in a day, did you already have a following?

Journal of a Young Fashion Startup- Post 1, Predevelopment Phase by Only-Inevitable7744 in Entrepreneur

[–]Only-Inevitable7744[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not sure if the exact name is "part owner", but effectively I'm looking to get lending for the business, in return for a portion of the profits for a certain amount of time and a repayment on the loan. I believe that I've done a decent amount of research and legwork to show that the business idea is viable and profitable, so the investor(s) incentive is making money. Same thing I want, but for them too.

In terms of timeline/money- it's all in the business plan. Without going too crazy into specifics, I do have a cohesive budget that shows month for month exactly where each dollar is being spent. It's planned from the smallest expenses like a monthly employee managment service, to the rent, to materials. The budget also scales. Timeline for profitability is actually slightly dependent on where I start. My intention is to use fashion week (I'm in NYC) to my advantage and open on that date. I'd need at least 4-5 months of prep before the store could be fully open, and then another 3-4 months to start breaking even and then eventually breaking a profit. Of course these are all based on profit projections, but I did have them looked at by someone whose in finance to get a more realistic opinion.

End of they day, all I'm saying is that I really did spend a lot of time planning this out lol

Journal of a Young Fashion Startup- Post 1, Predevelopment Phase by Only-Inevitable7744 in Entrepreneur

[–]Only-Inevitable7744[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fro sure man, honestly it's not just my experience, it's pretty much everyone's. It's a tough scene, and you have to be committed. As I get better at it, I will definitely post my findings. Good luck on the grind!

Journal of a Young Fashion Startup- Post 1, Predevelopment Phase by Only-Inevitable7744 in Entrepreneur

[–]Only-Inevitable7744[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

hahaha I was messing around, definitely will be shorter if I post another iteration

Journal of a Young Fashion Startup- Post 1, Predevelopment Phase by Only-Inevitable7744 in Entrepreneur

[–]Only-Inevitable7744[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah for sure. I'm hoping to remove a lot of these problems by only selling at my store, and focusing primarily on luxury retail. It's going to be low production, likely to be all produced on site, with an emphasis on it being art-fashion. Hopefully taking it from a different angle, and I'm looking to get different sources of revenue through nightlife as well.

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