The Business of Apparel

Rachel Erickson
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Updated Biweekly

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 decades of experience No BS. Just proven frameworks you need to grow your brand. Follow the show so you don't miss an episode! Learn more from Rachel at TheBusinessofApparel.com/masterclasses and connect with her on Instagram @BusinessofApparel

  1. 5d ago

    The 4 Things That Instantly Prove You're an Amateur to Factories

    Getting a response from the manufacturer you want to work with can feel like a challenge, especially when you're building an apparel brand and still learning how the industry works. But sometimes, the way you approach a factory can be the very thing keeping you from getting a response. In this episode, I'm breaking down four things that can make you look like a beginner to manufacturers and suppliers, and what you should understand before you reach out. I'm sharing the questions you should be asking, the information you need to have prepared, and the tools that can help you build credibility and create stronger manufacturing partnerships. 📝 Today We're Covering: Why asking a manufacturer for their "best price" can be a major red flag What MOQ means and why it's so important to your budget and cash flow Why understanding lead times and a factory's production calendar is essential Why having a professional tech pack can completely change your conversations with manufacturers What information should be included in a tech pack, including garment measurements, construction details, and a bill of materials How asking the right questions can help you build stronger relationships with manufacturing partners The more you understand about how apparel production actually works, the more confidently you can approach the manufacturers and suppliers you want to work with. I hope this episode helps you feel more prepared, professional, and equipped to have better conversations as you build your apparel brand. ➡️ Your Next Steps: Learn about our product development services: http://unmarkedstreet.com/contact Say Good-Bye to $20,000 Apparel Brand Mistakes here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/goodbye Pre-order my book, The Business of Apparel, here! Pre-order the e-book version here! ‼️ 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.

    The 4 Things That Instantly Prove You're an Amateur to Factories

  2. Sep 3

    The Advice You Didn't Know You Needed (Office Hours Unlocked)

    One of my favorite things about running a membership is that I have the opportunity to give apparel brand founders direct access to experienced industry professionals who can help them navigate the challenges of launching, growing, and scaling a business. In this episode, I'm giving you an inside look at what happens during an Apparel Founders Board office hours meeting. I'm sharing a real preview of the conversations, questions, and resources that help our members make smarter decisions and navigate the many challenges that come with building and growing an apparel brand. 📝 Today We're Covering: What it's actually like inside an Apparel Founders Board office hours meeting The resources, templates, and curriculum I provide to Board members How I recommend apparel brands respond to rising shipping costs and changing market conditions What founders should consider when navigating ethics and sustainability in the apparel industry How to audit your time and identify the right roles to delegate or hire How I think about ROI and budget when hiring your first team members As an apparel brand founder, you don't have to navigate this journey alone. I hope this insider's look at the kind of practical questions, resources, and strategic advice available in the Board encourages you to join us! ➡️ Your Next Steps: Join The Board: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/join Pre-order my book, The Business of Apparel, here! Pre-order the e-book version here! Subscribe to the Apparel Founder's Boardroom Notes on Substack: substack.com/@businessofapparel ‼️ 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.

    The Advice You Didn't Know You Needed (Office Hours Unlocked)

  3. Aug 27

    Don't Read My New Book, "The Business of Apparel," Until You Do THIS

    Starting an apparel brand is a big investment, and taking the time to validate your idea before jumping into product development can save you time, money, and frustration down the road. As the launch of my book The Business of Apparel is right around the corner, I want to be sure you have a solid foundation for your brand before reading about how to start your business. I'm walking through the essential research I recommend doing before launching an apparel brand. I explain why researching your idea, understanding your potential customers, and creating a business plan can help you enter the apparel industry with a stronger foundation and a clearer path forward. 📝 Today We're Covering: How to vet an apparel product idea before investing in development What questions to include in customer surveys to guide product development How competitor research can help you understand pricing, products, and opportunities Why every apparel founder should consider creating a business plan How a SWOT analysis can help you identify your brand's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats Why thinking like a CEO from the beginning can set your apparel business up for long-term success If you're still developing your brand idea, or if you're looking forward to reading my new book The Business of Apparel, you need to know these practical steps in order to validate your concept, understand your customers, and build your brand with a stronger business foundation. ➡️ Your Next Steps: Pre-order my book, The Business of Apparel, here! Pre-order the e-book version here! Browse our resources: thebusinessofapparel.com/shop Join The Board: 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.

    Don't Read My New Book, "The Business of Apparel," Until You Do THIS

  4. Aug 20

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

    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.

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

  5. Aug 13

    The Fashion Industry is Purposely Hiding This From New Founders

    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.

    The Fashion Industry is Purposely Hiding This From New Founders

  6. Aug 6

    3 Female Founders Tell All: The Truth About Scaling Your Own Agency

    Leaving the security of a steady paycheck to build your own apparel business is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. The uncertainty of replacing your income, finding clients, and giving up traditional benefits can feel overwhelming, but the freedom, flexibility, and opportunity to build a business on your own terms can make it one of the most rewarding decisions you'll ever make. In this episode, I sit down with two former colleagues and friends, Sarah White and Kayla Clarot, to talk about our journeys from the corporate apparel world into running our own businesses. We share the lessons we learned working in a high-pressure environment, how those experiences shaped our leadership styles, and why creating businesses rooted in collaboration, flexibility, and kindness has become our mission. 📝 Today We're Covering: Why leaving a corporate career can be the catalyst for building a business that fits your life and values How high-pressure work environments can develop leadership skills that translate into entrepreneurship Why collaboration works better than competition to create a strong business How to lead with honesty, kindness, and clear communication while building a healthy team culture Why balancing ambition with your physical and mental well-being leads to more sustainable success Whether you're wondering if it's time to pursue your own apparel business or you're looking for encouragement as you navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, this conversation will remind you that your past experiences can become your greatest advantage in building a company on your own terms. ➡️ Connect with Sarah and Kayla: Sarah: https://www.theoutdoormerchant.com/ Kayla: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-clarot-58351b97/ ➡️ Connect with Rachel: Subscribe to the Apparel Founder's Boardroom Notes on Substack: https://substack.com/@businessofapparel Get in touch here: http://thebusinessofapparel.com/contact Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-erickson-pmp/ 🤝 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.

    3 Female Founders Tell All: The Truth About Scaling Your Own Agency

  7. Jul 30

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

    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.

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

  8. Jul 23

    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.

    Why "Selling Out" Could Actually Bankrupt Your Brand
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About

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 decades of experience No BS. Just proven frameworks you need to grow your brand. Follow the show so you don't miss an episode! Learn more from Rachel at TheBusinessofApparel.com/masterclasses and connect with her on Instagram @BusinessofApparel

Information

  • Creator
    Rachel Erickson
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    185
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    The Business of Apparel