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What do Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani, and Sean Combs have in common? Besides their number one selling albums, these celebrities have been credited with launching their very own fashion line. Not too shabby, but how does someone without the capital, inside scoop, and a team of the best in the business achieve their dreams of breaking into fashion industry? Simply put, you've got to have the goods.

While ideas for trendsetting apparel and mind-blowing fashion shows are flooding your brain, it is important to know that as an entrepreneur you will need to educate yourself on the operating and financial ends of the business. Begin by formatting a professional business plan that includes every aspect of your company. Your plan should include production, delivery, marketing, and a realistic, projected income. Decide the type of specific clothing you will sell, such as women, men, teen or infant and conduct extensive research on that market. Identify and learn your consumers and competitors. This will provide you with the tools for building a successful enterprise. After finalizing your business plan, schedule an appointment with a local bank to review it and request an SBA (small business loan).

Start small and peddle your way into larger endeavors depending on the supply and demand of your clothing. To being with, you will need samples of eye-catching apparel from a small collection of roughly six pieces. This may include three shirts, two pants, and a dress. Design clothing by purchasing reputable fashion design software that expands on the process of pattern making, designing and techniques. This will bring your sketches to life and help you achieve your desired look. At this stage of the game, do not attempt to mass produce merchandise until you are confident it will sell. Hire local, home sewers to produce your clothing.

Request appointments with local retailers and buyers in order to present your impressive clothing line or create a stylish website to generate sales. Occupy a spot at a trade show and flip business cards to writers, editors, and other fashion related people. The point is to get exposure and create a buzz for your must-have items. Assemble a small fashion show at a local mall, boutique, or trendy caf to showcase your clothing line. Any form of exposure for models is always an incentive to walk the runway free of charge.

Once you have established a loyal clientele, you will need to stay afloat by keeping up with the latest trends and styles, networking, and pounding the pavement for more potential buyers. Implement a distribution plan and keep in mind, on-time delivery is the key to maintaining repeat customers.

If you lose your way throughout the competitive world of fashion, enroll in school at a credited fashion school or consider retaining a position at a boutique or retail store to learn the ins and outs of the business. New York and Los Angeles are among the best places to study your lifelong dream.

Learn more about this author, Natalie Braddock.
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