The Business of Apparel

Rachel Erickson
  • 5.0 (6)
  • FASHION & BEAUTY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Rachel Erickson brings her 20 years of expertise in the apparel manufacturing industry to this show to inspire you to build your best brand yet. Each week, you'll hear from Rachel along with other 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. Rachel's big emphasis on proper techniques, sustainable practices and business clarity will be sure to help you create loyal customers who happily purchase from you again and again. Make sure you follow this podcast so you don't miss a single episode if you're running your own apparel business or looking to start!

  1. 4D AGO

    Your SKU System Doesn't Have to Be Complicated

    Your SKU System Doesn't Have to Be Complicated Your SKU system does NOT need to be complicated...but it does need to be consistent. If you're an apparel brand owner setting up your Shopify backend, preparing for a 3PL, or scaling beyond self-fulfillment, this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast breaks down exactly how to structure your SKU numbers the right way from day one. In this short, tactical episode, Rachel simplifies SKU creation for clothing brands and explains why overengineering your numbering system can hurt your reports, your inventory accuracy, and your ability to scale. Whether you're fulfilling from your home office or preparing to work with a warehouse, this episode will help you avoid messy backend data and inventory confusion as your brand grows. Click here to get your FREE Smart SKU Generator: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/smart Sign up for the FREE Shopify Workshop here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/shopify-workshop Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com Key Moments: 00:00 SKUs Don't Need to Be Complicated 00:26 What a SKU Is & Why It Matters for Inventory 01:10 The 3 Must-Have Parts of a SKU 01:50 Do You Really Need SKUs/Barcodes If You Fulfill Yourself? 04:01 Why Warehouses/3PLs Require Scannable SKUs (Avoid Inventory Chaos) 04:59 Introducing 'The Board' Membership 06:19 Shopify Backend: Standardize SKUs to Keep Reports Clean 07:22 Free Smart SKU Generator + How to Use It 11:09 Wrap-Up: SKU vs UPC/Barcode + Next Steps   Watch The Business of Apparel Podcast: 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 We can't wait to hear what you think of this episode! Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course ABOUT RACHEL: Rachel Erickson—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, I've 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, I 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. I help 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, my team joins you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading.   To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn. To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.

    13 min

  2. FEB 19

    You Can't Scale a Mess: Fix Your Shopify Backend & Unlock Profitable Growth for Your Apparel Brand

    You Can't Scale a Mess: Fix Your Shopify Backend & Unlock Profitable Growth for Your Apparel Brand If your Shopify backend is messy, your growth will be too. In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel breaks down why clean backend data is the hidden key to scaling your apparel brand. If your reports are unreadable, your SKUs are inconsistent, and your product names are all over the place, you're making growth decisions blind. Rachel shares real brand audit stories, including one where 20 products turned into 100 report lines because of inconsistent naming, and explains how messy data can quietly cost you revenue, time, and clarity. You'll learn how to clean up your Shopify backend, standardize your SKU system, and finally pull reports you can actually use to make strategic, profitable decisions. If you're serious about scaling, this is where you start. Sign up for the FREE Shopify Workshop here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/shopify-workshop Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com Key moments: 00:00 Scaling Your Apparel Brand 00:28 Understanding Your Shopify Store 02:14 Masterclass and Workshop Announcements 02:50 Importance of Clean Data 06:21 Client Success Stories and Data Cleanup 11:24 Free Resources and Tools for Your Brand 16:33 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Shopify Workshop   Watch more of The Business of Apparel Podcast 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 We can't wait to hear what you think of this episode! Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course ABOUT RACHEL: Rachel Erickson—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, I've 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, I 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.   I help 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, my team joins you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading.   To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn. To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.

    24 min

  3. FEB 12

    3 Manufacturing Red Flags That Can Destroy Your Apparel Brand

    3 Manufacturing Red Flags That Can Destroy Your Apparel Brand If your manufacturer's quote feels too cheap or the turnaround time sounds unrealistically fast, this episode could save you tens of thousands of dollars. In this episode of the Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel breaks down three critical manufacturing red flags every apparel brand owner must know before signing with a factory. These are the costly mistakes that quietly kill margins, compromise quality, and leave founders with zero leverage when production goes wrong. You'll learn how professional factories actually operate, why "perfect samples" don't guarantee perfect production, and how to protect yourself with the right agreements, tech packs, and ownership structures, before it's too late. Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com Key Moments: 00:23 Understanding Manufacturing and Production Red Flags 01:54 The Importance of a Golden Sample 04:24 Protecting Yourself with Vendor Agreements 09:00 Owning Your Tech Pack and Patterns 12:41 Evaluating Manufacturer Transparency 18:06 Conclusion and Invitation to Join the Board 19:53 Final Thoughts and Contact Information   Watch more of The Business of Apparel Podcast 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 We can't wait to hear what you think of this episode! Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course ABOUT RACHEL: Rachel Erickson—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, I've 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, I 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. I help 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, my team joins you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading.   To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn. To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.

    21 min

  4. FEB 5

    Why Sustainable Apparel Brands Fail (And How Wildhaven Wools Is Doing It Right) with Julia Billings

    Why Sustainable Apparel Brands Fail (And How Wildhaven Wools Is Doing It Right) with Julia Billings What does it really take to build a sustainable apparel brand that lasts? In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel sits down with Julia Billings, founder and CEO of Wildhaven Wool, to unpack the real story behind building a values-driven kids apparel brand from Alaska, without cutting corners, chasing trends, or underpricing the product. Julia shares how she turned a personal need into a profitable brand, why merino wool is one of the most misunderstood materials in fashion, and what most founders get wrong about sustainability, pricing, and growth. This is an unfiltered conversation about long timelines, tough decisions, pricing with confidence, and why loving your idea is non-negotiable if you want to survive entrepreneurship. If you're building (or thinking about building) an apparel brand, and want to do it ethically, profitably, and with intention, this episode is required listening. Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com   Key Moments: 00:27 Julia Billings: Founder of Wildhaven Wools 00:54 The Origin of Wildhaven Wools 02:54 The Benefits of Merino Wool 04:28 Sustainability and Longevity in Kids' Clothing 06:42 Masterclass Announcement 07:54 Commitment to Sustainability 14:03 Advice for Aspiring Apparel Entrepreneurs 17:50 Overcoming Initial Hurdles 18:31 Starting Small and Understanding Your Customer 19:20 The Importance of Passion and Innovation 22:05 Believing in Your Vision Despite Doubts 25:02 Fail Fast and Learn from Failure 28:01 Pricing and Profitability 32:00 Community Impact and Final Thoughts   CONNECT WITH JULIA: Julia Billings is the founder of Wildhaven Wools, a sustainable children's clothing brand making merino wool base layers designed to expand as kids grow and fit for 3+ years. An Alaskan mom who believes deeply in the importance of raising kids in connection with nature, Julia started Wildhaven to make warm layers that could keep up with her rowdy kids all-day outdoor play, without harming the planet and its inhabitants in the process. Since starting her brand in 2022, Julia has grown Wildhaven from a home sewing operation to US-based commercial manufacturing and a business that pays her a paycheck and employs other women in her rural community. In addition, Wildhaven has helped thousands of customers outfit their kids in 100% natural ethical merino and live the core belief that all kids deserve a childhood spent outside and wild.   Website: https://wildhavenwools.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildhavenwools/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildhavenwools Watch more of The Business of Apparel Podcast 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 We can't wait to hear what you think of this episode! Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course ABOUT RACHEL: Rachel Erickson—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, I've 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, I 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.   I help 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, my team joins you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading.   To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn. To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.

    35 min

  5. JAN 29

    This Simple Calendar System Will Scale Your Clothing Brand

    This Simple Calendar System Will Scale Your Clothing Brand Is the #1 thing you're avoiding right now a timeline and calendar for your brand? In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel unpacks why building a detailed, backwards-planned timeline is the foundation of a successful and stress-free apparel brand. Whether you're selling direct-to-consumer or eyeing wholesale, understanding your calendar isn't just helpful, it's essential. Rachel details production schedules, fashion industry timelines, and the leadership mindset required to hit your dates and grow your brand. You'll also learn about the "invisible killer" of apparel businesses: poor decision-making at key milestones. Stick around to the end for crucial advice on Spring 2027 launch timelines and how The Board membership can give you insider tools and mentorship to level up your operations. Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction: The Importance of a Brand Timeline 00:33 Leveraging Fashion Calendars for Success 01:14 Building a Stress-Free Timeline 02:28 Decision Making and Leadership 04:24 The Importance of Timely Decisions 06:42 Masterclass: Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands 07:27 Commitment to Timelines in Leadership 07:49 Wholesale Buying Timelines 09:38 Planning for Spring Collections 18:46 The Board: Your Strategic Advantage 20:21 Direct to Consumer Strategies 23:20 Conclusion: Join the Board for Industry Insights Watch more of The Business of Apparel Podcast 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 We can't wait to hear what you think of this episode! Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course ABOUT RACHEL: Rachel Erickson—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, I've 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, I 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.   I help 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, my team joins you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading.   To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn. To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.

    27 min

  6. JAN 22

    Your Apparel Brand Is NOT For Everyone! Niche Down to Grow and Build Customer Loyalty

    Your Apparel Brand Is NOT For Everyone! Niche Down to Grow and Build Customer Loyalty In this episode of The Business of Apparel podcast, Rachel discusses why your apparel brand cannot be for everyone. Learn the critical strategy of niching down to a specific target market, which is essential for launching, growing, and scaling your business. Rachel explains that trying to create a product for everyone leads to making products for no one, highlighting the importance of focusing on one perfect target segment. She uses compelling examples, from nudist colonies to different types of runners, to illustrate how varied customer needs are. Discover how defining a clear customer avatar, like 'Kara', can guide all your business decisions, from product development to marketing, ensuring you build brand loyalty through superior fit and comfort. This approach helps attract new customer segments organically and build a profitable, fulfilling brand that stands the test of time. Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: The Reality of Target Markets 00:33 Understanding Your Target Market 02:26 The Importance of Niching Down 03:03 Masterclass and Community Support 04:26 Creating Brand Loyalty Through Fit 09:21 Defining Your Target Customer 12:41 The Power of a Clear Target Customer 17:58 Conclusion Watch more of The Business of Apparel Podcast 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 We can't wait to hear what you think of this episode! Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course ABOUT RACHEL: Rachel Erickson—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, I've 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, I 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.   I help 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, my team joins you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading.   To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn. To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.

    20 min

  7. JAN 15

    How to Instantly Upgrade Your Apparel Tech Sketches Using Adobe Illustrator

    How to Instantly Upgrade Your Apparel Tech Sketches Using Adobe Illustrator If you want manufacturers to take you seriously from the very first sketch, your tech drawings have to speak their language. In this episode of the Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel breaks down one of the most overlooked professional upgrades in apparel design...using stitch and symbol libraries in Adobe Illustrator. This is a live, step-by-step demo that shows how the best designers save time, reduce costly sample mistakes, and instantly elevate how their tech packs are received. You'll learn why manually drawing stitches is one of the biggest red flags manufacturers see, how stitch codes translate visually on garments, and how using the right tools can drastically reduce revisions, sampling costs, and production delays. Rachel also demonstrates how to download, install, and permanently save Illustrator libraries so they're always accessible, making your workflow faster and more professional every time you design. This episode is ideal for brand owners, designers, and technical designers who want their sketches to communicate clearly and confidently to factories. Download the Adobe Illustrator Sketch Libraries here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/shop Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Professional Tech Sketches 01:19 The Importance of Using Brush and Symbols Libraries 02:31 Creating Professional Tech Sketches with Adobe Illustrator 04:06 Exploring the Digital Tools and Libraries 07:50 Masterclass and Additional Resources 09:37 Demo: Importing and Using Brush and Symbols Libraries 14:30 Conclusion   Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/the-board 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.

    17 min

  8. JAN 8

    Why Pop-Ups and Trunk Shows Will Dominate Fashion in 2026 (and How to Use Them to Grow Your Brand)

    Why Pop-Ups and Trunk Shows Will Dominate Fashion in 2026 (and How to Use Them to Grow Your Brand) Pop-ups, trunk shows, and IRL brand experiences are back in a big way and 2026 is already shaping up to be the year they dominate the fashion and apparel space. In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel breaks down why in-person activations are becoming a non-negotiable strategy for growth, especially as AI-driven brands begin to lose their human touch. If you've been relying on digital alone, it's time to reconsider how you connect with your audience. Whether it's a curated trunk show, a farmer's market booth, or a major trade show appearance, Rachel shares how showing up in person can reveal real customer thoughts, boost community engagement, and help you future-proof your brand. If you're serious about scaling in 2026, this episode is for you. Come see us at MAGIC in Las Vegas, Feb. 17th & 18th, 2026: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/events Key Moments: Predictions for 2026 00:21 The Revival of Pop-ups and Trunk Shows 02:55 Benefits of In-Person Customer Engagement 04:34 Masterclass and Community Support 06:26 Leveraging AI and Personal Branding 09:42 Planning In-Person Events for 2026 15:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/the-board 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.

    18 min
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About

Rachel Erickson brings her 20 years of expertise in the apparel manufacturing industry to this show to inspire you to build your best brand yet. Each week, you'll hear from Rachel along with other 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. Rachel's big emphasis on proper techniques, sustainable practices and business clarity will be sure to help you create loyal customers who happily purchase from you again and again. Make sure you follow this podcast so you don't miss a single episode if you're running your own apparel business or looking to start!

Information

  • Creator
    Rachel Erickson
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    157
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    The Business of Apparel