003: BUILDING A LUXURY FASHION BRAND FROM SCRATCH, STANDING OUT AND DOING SOMETHING DIFFERENT, HOW TO CREATE A COMMUNITY ONLINE, AND MORE WITH ASHLYN LAWRENCE OF CENTRE PIECE
Summary In this conversation, Ashlyn Lawrence, founder of the New York-based fashion brand Centerpiece, shares her journey from working in the fashion industry to launching her own brand. She discusses her background in sales, the challenges of starting a business without a design background, and the importance of customer feedback. Ashlyn emphasizes the significance of support from family and friends, her fears of failure, and the realities of managing cash flow as a new entrepreneur. The conversation also touches on the creative process, the importance of quality in fashion, and the unique offerings of her brand. In this engaging conversation, Ashlyn shares her journey of starting her fashion brand, Centerpiece, highlighting the emotional rewards of creation, the importance of social media authenticity, and the evolving landscape of the fashion industry. She discusses her experiences with photo shoots, connections made during Fashion Week, and the challenges of being a public figure on platforms like TikTok. Ashlyn emphasizes the significance of building a brand with meaning and community, while also offering valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the fashion space. Where to Find Ashlyn + Centre Piece IG: @centrepieceofficialTik Tok: @centrepiece_official_ Shop Centre Piece: https://centrepiececlothing.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ashlyn Lawrence and Centerpiece 03:14 Ashlyn's Journey: From Paris to Entrepreneurship 04:28 Gaining Confidence in Design 06:03 The Fast Track to Launching Centerpiece 07:10 Learning from Customer Feedback09:34Introducing Unique Fashion Pieces 10:59 Support Systems in Entrepreneurship 12:35 Facing Fears of Failure 14:07 A Day in the Life of a Fashion Brand Owner 16:39 Challenges of Cash Flow 18:10 Future Plans and Potential Investors 19:06 Navigating the Design Process 20:12 Sampling and Production Challenges 21:21 The Joy of Creation 23:15 Fashion Week Connections 25:44 Navigating Social Media Presence 27:20 The Power of Authenticity 30:37 Evolving Entrepreneurial Journeys 33:39 Building a Brand with Meaning 37:36 Advice for Aspiring Fashion Entrepreneurs Keywords: fashion, entrepreneurship, Ashlyn Lawrence, Centerpiece, design, cash flow, support system, customer feedback, unique fashion, fashion industry, social media, branding, creativity, community, TikTok, authenticity, business advice
