The Business of Apparel Rachel Erickson

How to Play The Office Politics Game
In today’s episode, Rachel diving right into corporate office politics and in the industry of apparel, Rachel has learned a thing or two about securing that next promotion or pay raise. It's a journey layered with challenges and requires a combination of strategy, education, and sometimes defensive measures when things go haywire. Rachel goes into how to distinguish yourself from your peers through self-motivated learning in a sector that rewards but doesn't always require it, and offers insights into how a savvy supervisor can be the key to shielding their team from the whirlwind of office politics.
Rachel also gets real about taming a fiery temperament and the transformative power of humility. The road to becoming an effective leader was paved with tough conversations, weekly sit-downs, and accepting the kind of feedback that can sting. Tune in for practical tips on tapping into company resources like tuition reimbursement to fuel your journey without emptying your wallet and why embracing criticism as a catalyst for growth is a move that will continue to provide value in your career for the long haul.



In this episode, you’ll hear:
-You have to learn how to play the corporate office politics game whether you want to or not.
-Actionable tips to set yourself apart and get ahead.
-Ask about tuition reimbursement for continued education!
-Document things being said and incidents if you’re having an issue as work.



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.
 
Like, comment & subscribe to my channel here: 
https://www.youtube.com/@unmarkedstreet
Learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com
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Connect with us:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/
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Tailoring to Modern Moms in The Apparel Industry with Magda Lasota
In today’s episode, Rachel is chatting with the very talented, Magda Lasota, the force behind MLM Brand!  When Magda traded her corporate badge for the entrepreneurial rollercoaster, she didn't just start a business; she sparked a movement for mothers in the workplace.  Magda recounts her evolution from a new mom in the corporate grind to an innovator in maternity apparel. She opens up about the postpartum challenges that led her to create a line of stylish nursing wear designed for the modern working mother. Magda's passion shines through as she discusses the support new moms need and how her brand aims to celebrate and empower them every day.
 
Building a brand from scratch is no small feat, especially when you're committed to sustainability and local production. Magda shares the behind-the-scenes of her journey with MLM Brand, from celebrating the complexities of manufacturing in LA to finding a sweet spot between ethical production costs and her company's core values. The conversation navigates the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and the crucial role of community backing for small businesses like hers. Magda's story is a testament to the resilience and dedication required to craft a brand that not only looks good but feels good—from the manufacturing floor to the boardroom to the playground.
Magdalena Lasota founded MLM BRAND in 2019 because she wanted to make the fourth trimester easier for moms by creating a collection of elevated, timeless maternity pieces. MLM Brand's mission is to create a fewer, better maternity wardrobe so you can feel good and focus on what truly matters in those early months, years of motherhood. MLM Brand's elevated high quality basics are thoughtfully designed to seamlessly fit into your pre-pregnancy style and to achieve stylish, comfortable, motherhood-friendly outfits — in the office and at the playground.
 
In this episode, you’ll hear:
-How being a mom in the corporate world inspired the MLM Brand.
-Get comfortable with things going wrong as an entrepreneur.
-What it’s really like to manufacture your apparel locally, as opposed to overseas.
-The story behind the innovative Preloved collection within MLM.
-The reality of the costs of returns that most people don’t think about.
 
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. 
 
To connect with Magda and the MLM brand: https://mlmbrand.com/
 
Like, comment & subscribe to my channel here: 
https://www.youtube.com/@unmarkedstreet
Learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com
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Connect with us:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/
https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346
https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet
https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/

Clean Out the Proverbial Closet: My Small Wardrobe is On Purpose!
In today’s episode, Rachel is addressing the digital trolls, encouraging us to clean out our proverbial closets by way of realizing that focusing on the negative comments is worthless, and the reasons why her wardrobe is intentionally small. Rachel shares real strategies to brush off the most unwelcome of digital feedback—yes, even those unsolicited "boob jokes" and those relentlessly negative comments. Maintaining focus on the positive comments to continue pedaling towards success is essentially highlighted in this episode.
When it comes to dressing for success in a sustainable way, Rachel’s got some ideas that are as stylish as they are responsible. We're talking about the chic intersection where business attire meets environmental consciousness, and how Rachel’s minimalist wardrobe choices reflect Unmarked Street's commitment to ethical fashion and professionalism. By choosing quality over quantity and supporting transparent brands, this episode unpacks the long-term financial and ethical gains of a sustainably-minded professional closet.



In this episode, you’ll hear:
-The types of comments coming in from the trolls - the boob jokes are getting old!
-For all of the negative comments, there are always positive comments highlighting the impact that is being made.
-The evolution of Rachel’s closet and why her wardrobe is so small.
-Shopping for high-quality garments vs. low-quality has so much more benefit in the long run…for you and the planet.



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. 
 
Like, comment & subscribe to my channel here: 
https://www.youtube.com/@unmarkedstreet
Learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connect with us:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/
https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346
https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet
https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/

Girl Math: Shatter the Stigma and Make It Work For You
In today’s episode, Rachel is approaching the ever-so-popular subject of Girl Math, the stereotype along with it and how to make it work FOR you.  We are reclaiming the term as a symbol of women's financial acumen. Rachel describes how, *gasp,* women are actually good with numbers! We will touch on Nicole Lapin's empowering reads and we navigate the misconceptions that often undermine women's abilities in math and money management. Here, being a 'boss bitch' is a badge of honor, symbolizing control over your own life and finances.
Further into our discussion, we explore the smart economics behind fashion and apparel investments and the long-term value of quality apparel. By applying the concept of cost-per-use, we shed light on how luxury items can align with your budgeting practices, ultimately supporting sustainable shopping habits. Rachel also shares valuable industry insights and describes how supporting sustainable brands can not only work for you, but also for the economy, and planet.

 
In this episode, you’ll hear:
-Guess what!?  Girls are good at math too!  Don’t buy into the stigma.
-Recommended reading from Nicole Lapin, the inspiration behind Rachel’s leadership style.
-How to figure out if an item is worth purchasing.
-Think about the quality of what you are purchasing.
-Supporting sustainable brands will help you, your budget, the planet, and so much more.



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. 
 
Like, comment & subscribe to my channel here: 
https://www.youtube.com/@unmarkedstreet
Learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connect with us:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/
https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346
https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet
https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/

How to Train for Running A Successful Business with Martha Schoenewe
In today’s episode, Rachel is sitting down with Martha Schoenewe, the creative force behind Tangent Tees, who joins us to weave her personal narrative of overcoming doubt to become a staunch advocate for runners and human beings of every shape and size. We will discover the vibrancy of community and empowerment that color Martha's journey, setting a new standard in the industry that celebrates diversity without penalizing it financially.
Both Rachel and Martha share stories of triumph over trials, and even learning, yes, learning how to love running. We dive into the art of perfecting your pitch, especially in the competitive ring of entrepreneurship. From the small victories like securing that dream domain to discerning between the must-haves and nice-to-haves, every detail matters. Whether you're stitching together the beginnings of your brand or scaling to new heights, this episode is your tailor-made guide to navigating the course of the apparel industry.
Martha Schoenewe is the founder and owner of Tangent Tees. At Tangent Tees, we believe running is for EVERYONE, regardless of size. We design bold, performance-driven apparel that celebrates your curves, supports your every stride, and lets you unleash your inner athlete. No more hiding, no more settling - join the movement and run your way, on your terms.
Tangent Tees was founded to connect people and communities through intentional inclusion. We offer plus-size athletic apparel so that everyone can feel that same sense of community and involvement with small group activities.
Community and people. We all belong.
 
In this episode, you’ll hear:
-The WHY behind Martha’s mission for starting Tangent Tees.
-Both Martha and Rachel hated running when they first started!
-Martha’s crazy history with running - a testament to how amazing the running community truly is.
-What helped Martha win her pitch competitions?
-How to appropriately build the foundation for your business.
 
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.
Like, comment & subscribe to my channel here: 
https://www.youtube.com/@unmarkedstreet
Learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connect with us:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/
https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346
https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet
https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/

To connect with Martha and the Tangent Tees brand: https://www.instagram.com/tangent_tees/
 

Grade Rules vs. Body Size Charts
In today’s episode, Rachel is addressing a topic that’s been garnering some questions from clients and social media followers, Grade Rules and how they’re different from Body Size Charts. Knowing this difference is a crucial aspect for any apparel brand looking to ensure their clothing fits their customers just right. Rachel goes through the distinctions between body size charts and garment grade rules, emphasizing the need for non-linear grade rules in apparel to accommodate the varied ways body proportions change with size. Brands like Alpine Parrot have mastered size charts, and have demonstrated how utilizing the standards set by industry leaders such as Alvanon and ASTM can aid in achieving a superior fit across all sizes.

 
In this episode, you’ll hear:
-How grade rules are very different from body size chart rules for a garment. 
-Body size charts are more informative for the customer!
-A garment grade rule should measure the garment, not necessarily a body.
-The fabric, amount of stretch, and constantly measuring how bodies are changing plays a huge part in grade rules!



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. 
 
Like, comment & subscribe to her channel here: 
https://www.youtube.com/@unmarkedstreet
Learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connect with us:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/
https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346
https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet
https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/