The Business of Apparel Rachel Erickson

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
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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
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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/

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
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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/

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
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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/

Let’s Nerd Out on Cycling Apparel!
In today’s episode, Rachel is taking us on a ride through the exciting world of cycling and apparel! With Rache’s background as a triathlete and experiences from a cycling-enthusiastic environment, we are bringing to light the importance of proper gear in this super-niche yet fascinating sport. We’ll also go through Rachel’s triathlon training to the nuances of different cycling genres.
Whether you're pedaling on a road bike, cruising to the beach, or navigating rugged mountain trails, there's something for every cyclist in this episode. We’ll also nerd out on the specifics of what to wear for each cycling adventure, from the casual tech tees for mountain bikers to the practicality of chamois shorts for long-distance riders.  We get to hear recommendations on choosing the right chamois shorts and why they're a game-changer for your riding comfort. We can’t stress enough the essential apparel for road riders while emphasizing the importance of visibility, warmth, and carrying necessary tools. This episode is a must-listen for any cycling (or apparel) enthusiast!



In this episode, you’ll hear:
-A little bit about cycling and how Rachel got involved with it.
-Share the road!!  We promise we are not here to piss you off!
-The different types of cycling and the appropriate apparel that coincide.
-What exactly is a chamois and why is it important?
-Other key pieces that are absolutely necessary for cycling.



We can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode!
Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course
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/
 

Light the Fire in Your Apparel Business vs. Putting the Fire Out with Yushkova Design Founder, YAY
In today’s special episode, Rachel chats with industry maven Yevgeniya Yushkova, known to the industry as YAY.. With over two decades of apparel industry experience and a boutique approach to client relations, YAY articulates the unique challenges and successes that come with scaling strategies down from the corporate giants to the individual entrepreneur's atelier. She so generously imparts wisdom on the necessity of having a robust project management roadmap, designed to avoid the pitfalls that many new apparel brands encounter, paving the way for a journey marked by growth and sustainability.
The conversation eventually turns toward the transformative power of collaboration and system integration within the apparel business. Through a series of real-life examples, we unravel the tangled web of blame and inefficiency that often plagues multi-team processes. By asking yourself WHY and fostering communication across departments, we reveal how businesses can enhance their ultimate efficiency, reducing procurement times drastically and staying competitive. 
Rounding off the episode, we delve into the heart of fashion entrepreneurship with an in-depth look at the YAY Method, designed to empower up-and-coming fashion business owners. Beyond the allure of design and branding, these courses prioritize foundational planning and a deep dive into the operational dynamics of the industry, from supply chain management to value chain mapping.



In this episode, you’ll hear:
-The importance of having a process in advance to anticipate challenges instead of putting fires out constantly.
-Ask yourself at least 5 “whys” when you do experience a fire that needs to be put out.
-The most common root causes of “fires” in the industry.
-Knowing what is happening within your business is essential, no matter what role you have in the 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
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/
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Introducing a visionary leader and expert in the fashion industry - the founder of
Yushkova Design Inc. dba YAY Designs, providing fashion business coaching and
consulting services tailored specifically for startups in their initial phases or those
seeking expansion. As a boutique consulting business, YAY and her team dedicate their
focus to one large project at a time, partnering with mid to large-scale retail companies
with Private Label initiatives.
 
With over 25 years of invaluable industry experience, YAY brings a unique perspective
to the table. Her journey includes successfully building 14 multimillion-dollar Private-
label brands from the ground up. Having held executive roles on both the manufacturing
and retail sides of the industry, YAY’s understanding of the challenges and victories
inherent in building a successful fashion brand is unparalleled. Additionally, her Lean
Six Sigma Black Belt certification enables her to design and redesign end-to-end
processes to eliminate waste and drive profitability growth.
 
But YAY’s expertise isn’t just theoretical - it’s grounded in real-world experience. As a
solo entrepreneur, she faced the same hurdles and triumphs that many of her clients
encounter. From managing lean b