One of the most valuable assets any startup can have in its portfolio is good advice from those who have successfully battled the same issues these entrepreneurs now face. In our previous episode the ladies spoke about Luxury In Times Of Crisis: How Crime London Reacted To The Impact Of COVID-19 In today’s episode article, Crime London‘s successful business owners Jessica & Lisa Kistermann share their hard-earned wisdom with Women On Topp’ readers debating the 5 do’s and don’t when starting a fashion brand.
The top 5 things you want to do when starting a fashion brand.
1. IDENTIFY YOUR VISION
A concept, an original idea. That source of inspiration – you have to find a focal point
2. FIND YOUR TEAM
Surrounding yourself with people that are creative and have a high taste level. You need to be part of a creative network that pushes your work further
3. KNOW YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE
A great way to test out whether or not your products will sell is to start with a small batch of a few products. Then see how those sell and you can either remake a similar product or edit the pattern you started with to wind up with something that customers want even more.
4. STORY IS WHAT CONNECTS
understanding the power of storytelling in any medium, whether it’s sneakers, ballgowns, or stylish yet affordable furniture. The story behind the product is what engages people and helps to form lasting emotional bonds.
5. DON’T EXPECT SUCCESS TO HAPPEN OVERNIGHT
Today’s culture of instant sharing means that brands can explode into cult phenomenons overnight – but it’s important to know this won’t always be the case. Social media triggers people to want success to happen fast, but it happens at a certain pace. It’s a good thing to just put your head down and get on with it. It takes years to be successful, it’s not something that happens overnight. Work hard, and you will be rewarded
Top things you want to avoid when starting a fashion brand.
1. DON’T LET YOUR DREAMS BE DREAMS – JUST DO IT
2. CONSISTENCY
Don’t change your look frequently, consistency is key. Always be true to your look but don’t forget to keep things fresh. Change it what evolves you forward
3. FOCUSING ONLY ON THE PRODUCT
Because your idea is the initial spark of your business, it’s easy to get lost, focusing solely on the product itself, becoming obsessed with detail and not being able to see the bigger picture.
Although the product is absolutely crucial, you need to see the brand as a business, looking at it on a bigger scale and remember to focus also on everything else that comes with building and launching a successful business.
4. START TOO BIG
Starting small and niche doesn’t mean your business will stay that way. Focusing and perfecting a small range of products, aimed at a defined, specific target customer enables you to create a strong base to build and grow your brand step by step.
Join the discussion!