4 steps to opening up shop

By Erin Jourdan

Legendary designer Yves St. Laurent once said, "Dressing is a way of life."

If you have a love for fashion and an eye for design, consider making fashion a part of your everyday life...by starting your own line!

Check out our 4 steps to starting your own fashion line.

STEP 1: Go To School

Start by pursuing your degree in fashion design and merchandising. Take your pick from two- and four-year programs, but be sure to choose programs that offer a good mix of design and business classes.

Fashion design and merchandising programs can train you in the creative skills you need - like sketching, sewing, patternmaking - as well as the important business skills you'll need to get started on your line such as marketing and branding.

Find Fashion Design and Merchandising degrees.

STEP 2: Define Your Customer Base

Before starting production on your fashion line, there are a few things to think about.

• What's your signature item? Many designers start out with one fantastic item that they become known for, and grow from there.
• Do you want to cater to a certain subculture? Are you into the '40s swing dance set? Perhaps you're into the skater subculture? The key is to do what you know.
• Is there a need? Focusing on an underserved group can lead to big sales. Laurie Snyder noticed that kids in Southern California needed more sun protection, so she started her own line - Flap Happy Children's Clothing - that focuses on providing coverage for kids who are out in the sun.

Remember, you will be competing with major corporations who have international backing and a lot of money, so it's important to start small and focused.

Find schools offering Fashion classes now.

STEP 3 - Make it Happen

After getting your sketches to a seamstress and creating the samples it is time to get serious.

• Get funding. To get a business loan, many people receive early seed funding from family or friends. You can also look into a small business loan from your local bank or the U.S. Small Business Administration.
• Gather your samples. Create a look book or a portfolio of photographs and sketches that show your product line, brand, or company direction.
• Research. Do some digging to find the best prices for fabrics and manufacturing.
• Identify possible retailers. Approach major retailers to see if they will stock your clothing.

Find Fashion schools now.

Step 4 - Set Up Shop

As a designer starting your own line, you have several options.

• Option 1: Open your own storefront. Find a small, rentable retail space with enough room in the back that you can use as a workspace for making your own clothes. Working onsite also allows you to interact with customers and help out with fittings and alterations.
• Option 2: Go online. Create a website slash online store to showcase your creations - and sell them. Or join a website like www.etsy.com, which allows you to open a store and sell items to the general public on their site.
• Option 3: Rent booth space at local fairs and bazaars. It's a cheap and effective way to generate awareness of - and interest in - your designs.

Learn more about Fashion Design schools near you or online.