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. 1d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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)

  5. 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

  6. Jul 16

    Why Most Apparel Brands Don't Have a Revenue Problem

    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.

    Why Most Apparel Brands Don't Have a Revenue Problem

  7. Jul 10 ·  Bonus

    A Big Announcement for the Business of Apparel Community

    For years, we've been searching for a better way to help Apparel Ffounders bridge the gap between learning industry concepts and actually applying them inside their businesses.   That's exactly why we're launching Boardroom Notes, a brand-new weekly Substack newsletter designed to help founders take the lessons from the Business of Apparel podcast and turn them into practical action.   In addition to Boardroom Notes, you can also subscribe to In the Margins with Rachel Erickson, a behind-the-scenes newsletter documenting the journey of writing and releasing my first book, The Business of Apparel. Whether you're trying to improve your margins, make smarter business decisions, or get an inside look at the ideas shaping my upcoming book, you'll want to join us over on Substack at https://businessofapparel.substack.com   🤝 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.   Learn more at https://www.unmarkedstreet.com/

    A Big Announcement for the Business of Apparel Community

  8. Jul 9

    Why "Learning As You Go" Will Bankrupt You in the Fashion Industry

    When apparel founders fail to create a profitable business, it's not because they lack talent or great product ideas. They struggle because they're forced to navigate a highly technical industry through expensive trial and error, often making costly mistakes that could have been avoided with the right guidance. In this episode of the Business of Apparel podcast, Rachel shares the common challenges she's seeing apparel founders face and explains why learning the industry as you go can put your business at risk. Through real client stories, she breaks down how poor product development processes, weak financial planning, inaccurate pricing, and unclear production documentation can quickly lead to cash flow problems, wasted inventory, and even business closure. Rachel also explains why building strong operational systems early, tracking profitability instead of just revenue, and seeking expert support can dramatically reduce risk and help founders build profitable, sustainable brands. 📝 Today We're Covering: Why trial-and-error can become one of the most expensive ways to build an apparel brand Common product development mistakes that lead to costly production errors How tracking margins, not just revenue, is essential for long-term profitability Real examples of apparel founders who saved (or lost) tens of thousands of dollars based on key business decisions Why investing in the right systems and expert guidance can help prevent cash flow issues and accelerate growth   For apparel founders who are trying to build a profitable business without making costly mistakes, this episode offers practical lessons from real-world experiences. Rachel provides actionable insights to help entrepreneurs strengthen their operations, protect their cash flow, and make smarter decisions that position their brands for long-term success.   ➡️ Your Next Steps: Ask your questions: hello@unmarkedstreet.com Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/join Sign up for the Business of Apparel Goodbye Masterclass:https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/goodbye   ‼️ 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 "Learning As You Go" Will Bankrupt You in the Fashion Industry
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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
    183
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    The Business of Apparel