The Fashion Startup

Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert®
  • 5.0 (1)
  • FASHION & BEAUTY
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

If you're looking to start a fashion brand but don't know how then you're in the right place. The go-to podcast for aspiring fashion brand founders is hosted by expert & fashion startup mentor, Michelle Ramsay, who shares advice and knowledge from her 20 year career in the industry. Each episode dives into the real-life journeys of fashion startup founders & brings you insights from guest experts in areas vital for your brand’s success—from marketing & manufacturing to finance & sustainable production. The Fashion Startup is your ultimate resource for building a brand with impact. Tune in!

  1. 11/26/2025

    Ep17: Fashion Design That Solves Problems

    Ready to start your fashion brand? Grab my free Fashion Brand Launch Blueprint to see the proven steps to get started. Have you ever thought, “Someone really needs to fix this” about a product, garment or accessory that just doesn’t work the way you need it to? In this episode, I’m talking about the founders who take that thought and actually do something with it. These are the innovators who create functional, problem solving fashion products that genuinely make life better for the people who use them. I’m sharing why the best design always begins with a problem, why frustration often sparks the most successful ideas and why you absolutely belong in the fashion industry even if you’ve never studied fashion or worked in it. I talk through real examples from inside my studio, from the triathlete who designed his own kit bag, to Tailored Athlete, to Nixi Body. Each of these founders started with a lived problem and trusted themselves enough to create the solution. I’m also diving into the fear that so many first time fashion founders have about entering the industry. Most people imagine fashion as a glossy, intimidating world, but the truth is very different. Innovation almost always comes from outsiders who understand the gap in the market better than anyone else. If you’ve been sitting on a practical, functional or niche idea, this episode will help you see why that idea might be more powerful than you think. I also talk about why niche products are often easier to sell, why speaking to a specific customer is an advantage and the question I always ask every founder. How would you feel if someone else launched your idea before you? Your answer usually tells you everything you need to know about your next step. If you’ve been waiting for permission to get started, this episode is your reminder that the fashion industry needs more problem solvers, more practical thinkers and more people willing to fix what isn’t working. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and the question I always ask founders 03:00 Why design is really problem solving 07:30 Real examples from my own clients 15:00 Why you do belong in the fashion industry 22:00 The power of niche products 26:00 The risk of waiting for someone else to launch your idea 30:00 How it feels to launch a life changing product 35:00 Final thoughts and next steps About The Fashion Startup The Fashion Startup is the go to podcast for first time founders who want the courage and know how to start their own fashion brand. Hosted by me, Michelle Ramsay, The Fashion Expert, designer and mentor to hundreds of startup founders. Subscribe and review Follow The Fashion Startup on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and leave a review to help more future founders discover the show. Follow Instagram: @thefashionexpertuk Website: www.thefashionexpert.com

    17 min

  2. 11/13/2025

    Ep16: How To Launch A Petite Womenswear Brand

    Ready to start your fashion brand? Grab my free ⁠⁠Fashion Brand Launch Blueprint⁠⁠ to see the proven steps to get started. In this episode of The Fashion Startup, I’m joined by Barbara Chowaniec, founder of Fosho Petite, a Dublin-based womenswear brand creating timeless, perfectly proportioned pieces for women 145–155 cm tall. Barbara shares the real side of starting a fashion brand from scratch – the challenges, breakthroughs, and mindset shifts that helped her go from idea to launch in just twelve months. We talk about how she spotted a gap in the market for elegant petite clothing, what it’s like to transition from a full-time job to becoming your own boss, and why mentorship and self-discipline are key to a smooth journey. What you’ll learn: How Barbara turned a frustration into a fashion business Why self-discipline was the hardest part of being your own boss How mentorship simplified her startup journey massively What to expect from the first year of brand building Why your first launch doesn’t have to be perfect Chapters00:00 – Introduction01:27 – Meet Barbara04:10 – Finding a Gap in the Market06:29 – The Lightbulb Moment09:17 – From Idea to Action11:35 – Becoming Your Own Boss13:30 – The Power of Mentorship18:35 – Building a Brand in a Year22:45 – The Launch Mindset27:38 – Barbara’s Top 3 Tips for New Founders34:09 – Where to Find Fosho Petite Links mentioned:Fosho Petite: foshopetite.comInstagram: @foshopetiteTikTok: @foshopetite About Fosho Petite:Fosho Petite is a Dublin-based womenswear brand founded by Barbara Chowaniec. Designed specifically for women 145–155 cm tall, Fosho Petite creates timeless, elegant pieces that celebrate proportion, comfort, and confidence – with no compromises. About The Fashion Startup:The Fashion Startup is the go-to podcast for first-time founders who want the courage and know-how to start their own fashion brand. Hosted by Michelle Ramsay, The Fashion Expert®, designer and mentor to hundreds of startup founders. Subscribe & review:Follow The Fashion Startup on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and leave a review to help more future founders discover the show.

    36 min
  3. Ep16: Why Your Fashion Startup Brand Reset Is Now

    09/17/2025

    Ep16: Why Your Fashion Startup Brand Reset Is Now

    Ready to start your fashion brand? Grab my free ⁠Fashion Brand Launch Blueprint⁠ to see the proven steps to get started. September is the perfect reset for fashion entrepreneurs. In this episode, I explore why this month feels like a fresh start in the fashion industry and how first-time founders can harness the momentum. From overcoming self-doubt to setting clear, realistic goals, I’ll walk you through a framework to plan the next four months and keep your fashion brand launch on track. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why September is the “new year” of fashion entrepreneurshipHow to align your fashion brand with the industry’s natural rhythmThe mindset shifts to overcome barriers and get startedPractical tips for goal setting and planning your next steps00:00 Embracing the September Reset 03:40 Aligning with the Fashion Industry's Rhythm 07:50 Reflecting and Planning for Success 12:35 Dreaming Big: Setting Future Goals 15:26 Taking Action Now Whether you’re in the early stages of your fashion startup or looking for a motivational boost, this episode will help you reignite your spark and move forward with confidence. Ready to start your journey? Grab my free Fashion Brand Launch Blueprint to see the proven steps to get started. Or you can book a free and friendly chat with me to see how I can help you launch your brand by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠clicking here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast to be notified of new episodes and give it a 5-star rating and review to help me see which content you love. See you in the front row! Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert® ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thefashionexpert.com⁠⁠⁠

    16 min
  4. Ep15: What Holds Fashion Startups Back With Raquel Braganza Empowerment Lifecoach

    06/05/2025

    Ep15: What Holds Fashion Startups Back With Raquel Braganza Empowerment Lifecoach

    In this episode of the fashion startup I’m joined by empowerment lifecoach Raquel Braganza to talk all things mindset and what's holding you back as a fashion founder. We cover so much inspiring content such as the inner critical voice, saying yes to your dreams, waiting for that "right" time to start and overcoming fear to embrace something new. Raquel also has a special gift for you so make sure to liten to the end. You can find out more about Raquel here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠I⁠NSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠LINKEDIN⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ If you'd like to contact Raquel to take advantage of her free gift for the first 3 listeners, or any other enquiries you can email her joy@raquelbraganzalifecoach.com If you're considering launching a clothing line and you're not sure where to start you can download my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠free launch plan for fashion startups here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ It's the blueprint I use with my clients and it covers all the stages involved from idea to launch. Or you can book a free and friendly chat with me to see how I can help you launch your brand by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠clicking here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast to be notified of new episodes and give it a 5-star rating and review. See you in the front row! Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert® ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thefashionexpert.com⁠⁠⁠

    40 min
  5. Ep14: Branding For Fashion Startups With The Ideas Club® Agency

    05/15/2025

    Ep14: Branding For Fashion Startups With The Ideas Club® Agency

    In this episode of the fashion startup I’m joined by branding experts Scott and Shona Watson from creative agency The Ideas Club. A Glasgow based agency helping bring creative ideas to life. The duo share some gold on choosing a brand name, how a brand identity is more than just. logo and some of the startup mistakes to avoid. You can find out more about The Ideas Club here: ⁠⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠I⁠NSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LINKEDIN⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ If you're considering launching a clothing line and you're not sure where to start you can download my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠free launch plan for fashion startups here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ It's the blueprint I use with my clients and it covers all the stages involved from idea to launch. Or you can book a free and friendly chat with me to see how I can help you launch your brand by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠clicking here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast to be notified of new episodes and give it a 5-star rating and review. See you in the front row! Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert® ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thefashionexpert.com⁠⁠⁠

    35 min
  6. Ep13: Wholesale For Fashion Brands With Therese From Small Business Collaborative

    11/26/2024

    Ep13: Wholesale For Fashion Brands With Therese From Small Business Collaborative

    In this episode of the fashion startup I’m joined by retail and whoesale expert Therese Oertenblad of Small Business Collaborative who works with purpose-led, product-based business owners who want to grow their wholesale and create consistent income. Therese shares her wisdom and advice for fashion startups who want to explore the world of wholesale and we chat about how to get started and what important things to consider. You can find out more about Small Business Collaborative here: ⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠ ⁠ ⁠I⁠NSTAGRAM⁠⁠ ⁠⁠LINKEDIN⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠ If you're considering launching a clothing line and you're not sure where to start you can download my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠free launch plan for fashion startups here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ It's the blueprint I use with my clients and it covers all the stages involved from idea to launch. Or you can book a free and friendly chat with me to see how I can help you launch your brand by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠clicking here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast to be notified of new episodes and give it a 5-star rating and review. See you in the front row! Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert® ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thefashionexpert.com⁠⁠⁠

    33 min
  7. Ep12: Launching A Menswear Brand With Sorsa

    11/05/2024

    Ep12: Launching A Menswear Brand With Sorsa

    In this episode of the fashion startup I’m joined by founders of Sorsa menswear Sarah Jane and John who share what it’s been like for them creating their debut collection. Having just recently launched, the duo share their struggles in the beginning, the key to unlocking those, navigating the design and manufacture process and their top tips for first time founders. You can find out more about Sorsa Menswear here: ⁠WEBSITE ⁠ ⁠INSTAGRAM⁠ ⁠TIKTOK FACEBOOK If you're considering launching a clothing line and you're not sure where to start you can download my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠free launch plan for fashion startups here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ It's the blueprint I use with my clients and it covers all the stages involved from idea to launch. Or you can book a free and friendly chat with me to see how I can help you launch your brand by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠clicking here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast to be notified of new episodes and give it a 5-star rating and review. See you in the front row! Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert® ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thefashionexpert.com⁠⁠⁠

    27 min
  8. Ep11: Launching A Luxury Resortwear Brand With Lore Buta

    10/10/2024

    Ep11: Launching A Luxury Resortwear Brand With Lore Buta

    In this episode of The Fashion Startup I’m joined by founder Loredana Buta who has recently launched the luxury resortwear collection Lore Buta. Loredana shares her unique approach to her brand and business model, overcoming imposter syndrome as a new founder, being transparent with your collection and tips to minimising the overwhelm of starting a clothing line. You can find out more about Lore Buta here: WEBSITE INSTAGRAM PINTEREST If you're considering launching a clothing line and you're not sure where to start you can download my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠free launch plan for fashion startups here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ It's the blueprint I use with my clients and it covers all the stages involved from idea to launch. Or you can book a free and friendly chat with me to see how I can help you launch your brand by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠clicking here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast to be notified of new episodes and give it a 5-star rating and review. See you in the front row! Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert® ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thefashionexpert.com⁠⁠⁠

    34 min
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About

If you're looking to start a fashion brand but don't know how then you're in the right place. The go-to podcast for aspiring fashion brand founders is hosted by expert & fashion startup mentor, Michelle Ramsay, who shares advice and knowledge from her 20 year career in the industry. Each episode dives into the real-life journeys of fashion startup founders & brings you insights from guest experts in areas vital for your brand’s success—from marketing & manufacturing to finance & sustainable production. The Fashion Startup is your ultimate resource for building a brand with impact. Tune in!

Information

  • Creator
    Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert®
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert®
  • Show Website
    The Fashion Startup