Bonus: The $200K Reality Check: Why Starting a Fashion Brand Costs More Than You Think

Think you can launch a fashion line with a few thousand dollars? You might want to think again. In this eye-opening bonus episode, Rachel Erickson breaks down the real cost of building a successful fashion brand—and spoiler alert: it’s not cheap.After crunching the numbers, Rachel discovered that $200,000 is the magic number to hit profitability by year three. But where does all that money actually go? She walks us through the financial roadmap, from inventory costs to hiring a team, and reveals why many brands run out of cash before they even get off the ground.Beyond just the numbers, she also shares creative ways to fund your brand without drowning in debt . From freelancing to grants (and even unexpected funding strategies), she lays out real, practical solutions for making your dream brand a reality.If you’ve ever thought about launching your own line or working with clients who are, this episode is a must-listen. Press play now to hear the real numbers and learn how to set yourself—or your clients—up for long-term success in the fashion industry!Resources:021: How to Get Funding for Your Fashion StartupAbout Rachel:After 20 years of working for corporate apparel brands across the U.S., Rachel took a leap of faith and launched her own business consulting company in October 2021. Now, through her company, Unmarked Street, she partners with a variety of apparel brands, offering expertise in development, production, project management, and industry insights. With a vast network of connections across the industry and a deep passion for teaching and sharing knowledge, Rachel is excited to share her insights and experiences with the community!Connect with Rachel:Email her at: hello@unmarkedstreet.comVisit her website: Unmarked StreetVisit her website: The Business of ApparelFollow on InstagramConnect on LinkedIn Listen to her PodcastSubscribe to her YouTube Channel 🎟️ Register for my training on April 24th: The Secret to Remote Clients and a Steady Paycheck in Fashion — now updated for 2025! Sign up  at www.sewheidi.com/live

Om Podcasten

This is a show for burnt-out fashion designers (and TDs, PDs, patternmakers and beyond) who want more flexibility while still doing work they love. As a freelance fashion designer, you can build your fashion career on your own terms. Freelancing in fashion is the only way to get freedom in your day (instead of being tied to a desk). Whether you want to earn extra money on the side, fund your fashion brand, or replace your salary, the FDGP podcast will help you get there. Listen in for actionable tips and strategies to kickstart or grow your career as a freelance fashion designer, build your confidence, and create the life you want. Hosted by $100k+ fashion freelancer Sew Heidi, the show features interviews and strategy sessions with successful freelance fashion designers from around the world who've ditched toxic fashion jobs and taken control of their own destinies. This is the only place to get REAL insights from REAL freelancers who have built REAL careers on their own terms. (Formerly the Successful Fashion Freelancer podcast.)