Starting your clothing line can seem like an impossible task if you’ve never done it before. That doesn’t mean you should give up on your dream! Many entrepreneurs have already made the jump from working as a hobbyist to a professional designer and are living their dream every day. In this guide, you’ll learn four important tips to help you start living yours.
Evaluate How Much It Will Cost
The beauty of a side-gig is that it can be as simple or complex as you’d like it to be and costs that go into these businesses can vary widely depending on your ambition. You don’t have to invest thousands in your design business right away for it to take off. Basic costs should include everything you need to make your design such as the sketch paper, material, and equipment. Additional costs to consider include a way to market your clothes, the cost of actually listing them on sites like Etsy, the cost of shipping them and any other costs associated with running a design business.
Only Buy Equipment You Need
Equipment can be expensive, especially if you’re not sure if your sewing hobby will take off immediately. If you’re just dabbling in sewing, make do with what you have. If you love making clothes and want to ramp up your hobby, then consider investing in key pieces of quality equipment that are essential for that particular skill. For example, if you need to get a new sewing machine to complete your first collection of shirts or dresses, it’s best to buy a model that will be able to improve your productivity and efficiency.
At the very beginning, you might just want to spend a few hundred dollars on better materials like fabric from higher-end brands like Decorative International Silk Inc. Over time, as you sell your designs and take on commissions, you’ll be able to pour more money back into your business.
Stay Organized
Whether you’re working from home or have a business space outside of your home, staying organized can be a challenge. Make it easier on yourself as a new business owner by keeping everything in one place and creating a system that works for you. For example, organizing all of your designing tools, patterns, and sketches will help you start each day with a clear head and focus on taking your business forward.
Market Your Designs Effectively
In your efforts to take your gig to the next level ask yourself, “how can I make great designs and get paid for them?” By learning the ins and outs of marketing in the fashion design industry, you’ll be well on your way to making your side gig a lucrative career.
With the right tools and strategies, starting your clothing line doesn’t have to be difficult or frightening. Use these four steps to help you get started on your journey to making a fashion line that people love.
