The Business of Apparel Rachel Erickson

Grade Rules vs. Body Size Charts
In today’s episode, Rachel is addressing a topic that’s been garnering some questions from clients and social media followers, Grade Rules and how they’re different from Body Size Charts. Knowing this difference is a crucial aspect for any apparel brand looking to ensure their clothing fits their customers just right. Rachel goes through the distinctions between body size charts and garment grade rules, emphasizing the need for non-linear grade rules in apparel to accommodate the varied ways body proportions change with size. Brands like Alpine Parrot have mastered size charts, and have demonstrated how utilizing the standards set by industry leaders such as Alvanon and ASTM can aid in achieving a superior fit across all sizes.

 
In this episode, you’ll hear:
-How grade rules are very different from body size chart rules for a garment. 
-Body size charts are more informative for the customer!
-A garment grade rule should measure the garment, not necessarily a body.
-The fabric, amount of stretch, and constantly measuring how bodies are changing plays a huge part in grade rules!



We can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode! 
Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course
To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn.
To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com. 
 
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Learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com
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Let’s Nerd Out on Cycling Apparel!
In today’s episode, Rachel is taking us on a ride through the exciting world of cycling and apparel! With Rache’s background as a triathlete and experiences from a cycling-enthusiastic environment, we are bringing to light the importance of proper gear in this super-niche yet fascinating sport. We’ll also go through Rachel’s triathlon training to the nuances of different cycling genres.
Whether you're pedaling on a road bike, cruising to the beach, or navigating rugged mountain trails, there's something for every cyclist in this episode. We’ll also nerd out on the specifics of what to wear for each cycling adventure, from the casual tech tees for mountain bikers to the practicality of chamois shorts for long-distance riders.  We get to hear recommendations on choosing the right chamois shorts and why they're a game-changer for your riding comfort. We can’t stress enough the essential apparel for road riders while emphasizing the importance of visibility, warmth, and carrying necessary tools. This episode is a must-listen for any cycling (or apparel) enthusiast!



In this episode, you’ll hear:
-A little bit about cycling and how Rachel got involved with it.
-Share the road!!  We promise we are not here to piss you off!
-The different types of cycling and the appropriate apparel that coincide.
-What exactly is a chamois and why is it important?
-Other key pieces that are absolutely necessary for cycling.



We can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode!
Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course
Like, comment & subscribe to my channel here: 
https://www.youtube.com/@unmarkedstreet
Learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com
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Light the Fire in Your Apparel Business vs. Putting the Fire Out with Yushkova Design Founder, YAY
In today’s special episode, Rachel chats with industry maven Yevgeniya Yushkova, known to the industry as YAY.. With over two decades of apparel industry experience and a boutique approach to client relations, YAY articulates the unique challenges and successes that come with scaling strategies down from the corporate giants to the individual entrepreneur's atelier. She so generously imparts wisdom on the necessity of having a robust project management roadmap, designed to avoid the pitfalls that many new apparel brands encounter, paving the way for a journey marked by growth and sustainability.
The conversation eventually turns toward the transformative power of collaboration and system integration within the apparel business. Through a series of real-life examples, we unravel the tangled web of blame and inefficiency that often plagues multi-team processes. By asking yourself WHY and fostering communication across departments, we reveal how businesses can enhance their ultimate efficiency, reducing procurement times drastically and staying competitive. 
Rounding off the episode, we delve into the heart of fashion entrepreneurship with an in-depth look at the YAY Method, designed to empower up-and-coming fashion business owners. Beyond the allure of design and branding, these courses prioritize foundational planning and a deep dive into the operational dynamics of the industry, from supply chain management to value chain mapping.



In this episode, you’ll hear:
-The importance of having a process in advance to anticipate challenges instead of putting fires out constantly.
-Ask yourself at least 5 “whys” when you do experience a fire that needs to be put out.
-The most common root causes of “fires” in the industry.
-Knowing what is happening within your business is essential, no matter what role you have in the business.



We can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode!
Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course
Like, comment & subscribe to my channel here: 
https://www.youtube.com/@unmarkedstreet
Learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com
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Connect with us:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/
https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/
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Introducing a visionary leader and expert in the fashion industry - the founder of
Yushkova Design Inc. dba YAY Designs, providing fashion business coaching and
consulting services tailored specifically for startups in their initial phases or those
seeking expansion. As a boutique consulting business, YAY and her team dedicate their
focus to one large project at a time, partnering with mid to large-scale retail companies
with Private Label initiatives.
 
With over 25 years of invaluable industry experience, YAY brings a unique perspective
to the table. Her journey includes successfully building 14 multimillion-dollar Private-
label brands from the ground up. Having held executive roles on both the manufacturing
and retail sides of the industry, YAY’s understanding of the challenges and victories
inherent in building a successful fashion brand is unparalleled. Additionally, her Lean
Six Sigma Black Belt certification enables her to design and redesign end-to-end
processes to eliminate waste and drive profitability growth.
 
But YAY’s expertise isn’t just theoretical - it’s grounded in real-world experience. As a
solo entrepreneur, she faced the same hurdles and triumphs that many of her clients
encounter. From managing lean b

The Values That Define Who We Are
In today’s episode, Rachel opens up about a recent personal discovery based on a VIA (Values In Action) test that she took and how it led her to understand her true values. We reflect on the wealth of roles Rachel embraced in the industry, from technical design to product management, and how these varied experiences now empower the brands and corporations we support through Unmarked Street. The profound impact that recognizing love as her #1 core value has been monumental in pacing the path forward in personal and professional growth. 
Today’s current challenges within fashion are discussed as we move through the remaining values. Rachel gives her take on how the increased cost of living, particularly the rising price of groceries, is pushing consumers towards cheaper clothing options and how this shift is influencing the sustainable apparel market.



In this episode, you’ll hear:
-Allow us to reintroduce ourselves!
-How therapy has been a positive experience for Rachel and the role it played in determining core values.
-In-depth explanation of the values of Love, Learning, Honesty, Humor, and Hope.
-How can we impact the world more positively?



We can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode!
Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course
 
Like, comment & subscribe to my channel here: 
https://www.youtube.com/@unmarkedstreet
 
Learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com
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Connect with us:
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https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/
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International vs. Domestic Manufacturing, What You Need To Think About
In today’s episode, Rachel is exploring the nuanced debate of international versus domestic apparel manufacturing. Drawing from Rachel’s extensive experience, we tackle the pressing question of which manufacturing route is best for your apparel brand. We dig into the complexities of cost comparisons, not just focusing on base unit prices but expanding to the additional fees like customs and duties that can heavily influence overall expenses. Using a women's cycling jersey as a practical example, we illuminate how customs codes and duty rates are assigned and their subsequent impact on pricing.
 
In the realm of manufacturing quality and international shipping, we address common misconceptions and stress that quality isn't solely dependent on the location but on diligent research and forming solid relationships with manufacturers. Rachel is also busting myths about international production, particularly in China, and emphasize the need for visiting production sites to assure quality, regardless of whether they're domestic or overseas. 



In this episode, you’ll hear:
-Cost differences and what to consider when working with overseas manufacturers.
-An in-depth explanation of customs and duties fees.
-International shipping options, but be sure to explore the advantages of manufacturing locally.
-The big red flag for why you shouldn’t manufacture in a particular region.



We can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode!
Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course
 
Like, comment & subscribe to my channel here: 
https://www.youtube.com/@unmarkedstreet
 
Learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com
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Connect with us:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/
https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346
https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet
https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/

Getting Into Details About Project Management Certification
In today’s special episode, Rachel is shining light on the benefits of project management skills, specifically Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification in the apparel industry. We get into the details about what exactly PMP is and why it can bring value to your career and business. Rachel’s evolution at Specialized serves as a testament to how a robust project management toolkit can elevate one's professional journey, regardless of the industry.
 
The road to PMP certification is an intellectually rigorous one, and we’re pulling back the veil on that challenging endeavor. We recall those nights of intense study, the vast array of textbooks and flashcards, which is reality as Rachel prepped for the PMP exam. Rachel’s path, carved out of a background in fashion design, illustrates that a diverse foundation can not only meet the stringent PMP prerequisites but also enrich the field of project management with fresh perspectives.
 
As we guide you through the winding application process for PMP certification, Rachel shares the three stringent requirements for applying to take the exam and explores the profound impact that a project management mindset can have on your professional and personal life, all within the vibrant realm of the apparel industry.



In this episode, you’ll hear: 
-What Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is and why you should consider it. 
-How Rachel became involved in project management.
-What’s required for eligibility to take the exam?  The three requirements!
-A professional perspective on the benefits of having the certification.



We can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode!
For more information about PMP Certification, visit https://www.pmi.org/
Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course
 
Like, comment & subscribe to my channel here: 
https://www.youtube.com/@unmarkedstreet
 
Learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com
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Connect with us:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/
https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346
https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet
https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/