The Business of Apparel – Details, episodes & analysis

BFCM (Black Friday Cyber Monday) doesn't have to mean burning your margins or chasing discount chaos. This episode of The Business of Apparel gives you a smarter, more profitable path.

Today, Rachel talks about creating a sustainable, profitable strategy for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Whether you're stocked and ready or still catching up, this playbook is your essential guide, ranging from inventory planning to messaging, email workflows, gift guides, and post-sale engagement strategies. We also cover what to do if you're choosing not to participate in BFCM and how to own that narrative with integrity and positivity.

This isn't about doing what everyone else is doing. It's about doing what works for your brand.

- BFCM logistics & inventory planning

- Alternatives to deep discounting

- Crafting intentional messaging & policies

- Email marketing and automation ideas

- Gift guides, style guides, and bundling

- Planning now for next year's success

- Navigating BFCM if you opt out

Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets

Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/the-board

Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course

To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn.

To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com. 

AI is reshaping how customers shop and how founders build. From virtual try-ons to AI-assisted sketching and content workflows. Today, Rachel shares how to use it wisely without sounding like a bot.

In this episode of the Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel breaks down the most practical ways apparel brands can leverage AI today, on both the consumer side (virtual try-ons that change how people buy) and the operator side (faster sketching, tech packs, and content support). She shares real tools she's testing or watching (On-Brand PLM, NewArc, Canva, Riverside Co-Pilot, Google Gemini), clear boundaries for accuracy and voice, and a warning: brands that ignore AI will fall behind, but brands that outsource their voice to it will, too.

- Virtual try-ons and how they'll impact conversion on brand sites

- AI in design: flat sketches, colorways, early 3D, and PLM workflows

- Tech-pack experimentation and where AI helps vs. where it still struggles

- Using AI for marketing (SEO titles, captions, content calendars, brainstorming)

- Maintaining authenticity with AI

- Social Media platform shifts toward original content with AI saturation

Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets

Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/the-board

Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course

To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn.

To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com. 

Think your team knows where the business is headed? Think again, unless you're holding company-wide meetings like this.

In this episode of the Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel walks us through exactly how she structures biannual "all hands" gatherings at Unmarked Street. From clarifying the mission and values to reviewing financials, team roles, and growth goals, this is the system that keeps everyone rowing in the same direction.

You'll hear how transparency builds trust, why she's implemented people-first policies like core hours, and what she's doing to grow both community and client base in the second half of 2025. Whether you're just starting to grow your team or already leading a growing fashion business, this "CEO minute" offers a full roadmap for how to lead with clarity, purpose, and results.

- How to structure effective mid-year or annual company meetings

- Communicating transparently with contractors and employees

- Creating a culture of reliability and ownership

- Strategic marketing pivots: what's working, what's not

- The power of people-first leadership in the apparel industry

Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/the-board

Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion-Dollar Apparel Brands FREE Course here!

Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course

To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn.

To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com. 

Streamlining the Future of Fashion with Apparelmark Co-founder, Andrew Drigola, Part 2

In the final part of this discussion, Rachel continues the conversation with entrepreneur Andrew Drigola, co-founder of Apparelmark and throw the spotlight on the critical aspect of running a successful apparel brand: the courage to hire experts to guide your journey, and avoid the pitfall of trying to go solo. We're talking about strategic hiring, forecasting inventory, and adhering to timelines - all vital in creating a thriving brand. Listen in as we unfold the proven system for brand success that doesn't involve hastily pushing products to the market.

Next, we dissect the heart of the fashion industry: strategy. It's not just about how your clothes look, but understanding your market and designing accordingly. We discuss the financials and prepare you for the reality of launching a fashion brand - with a budget range between $80,000 to $100,000. High returns and scalability are possible, but they come with perseverance, secure funding, healthy margins, and a solid business plan to avoid future fundraising. We don't shy away from the challenges; we embrace them because it's all part of the fashion journey, which involves careful strategy and financial planning. But fear not, we're here to encourage strategic planning, leveraging expertise, and supporting the fashion community in these challenging times. Let's redefine what 'failure' means in the fashion industry and celebrate the power of resilience and innovation. 

If you are serious about growing your fashion brand drop us a line or contact us to get a free expert consultation on your project.

https://www.apparelmark.com/

https://www.instagram.com/apparelmark/

In this episode, you'll hear:

-The importance of delegating tasks to experts, particularly when it comes to tasks like inventory forecasting, understanding market trends, and timeline management in the fashion industry.

-Why a well-thought-out plan and securing sufficient funding is essential in starting a brand in the industry.

-A reflection on 2023 and the challenges faced by the industry in a post-COVID atmosphere.

-Resilience and perseverance is a must in these tough times, and be prepared for eventual recovery!

We can't wait to hear what you think of this episode!

Like, comment & subscribe to my YouTube channel and learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com

https://www.youtube.com/@unmarkedstreet/ 

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Connect with us:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/  https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346  https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet

https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/ 

Streamlining the Future of Fashion with Apparelmark Co-founder, Andrew Drigola, Part 1

In part one of this discussion, Rachel sits down with entrepreneur Andrew Drigola, co-founder of Apparelmark, and journey through his unconventional entry into the world of fashion entrepreneurship and his mission to deconstruct the industry's barriers. Andrew's unique perspective, fuelled by a passion sparked by his partner Cara, a former Lululemon associate, uncovers the behind-the-scenes challenges, secrets, and complexities of the fashion world. Their joint venture, Apparelmark, aims to empower other entrepreneurs, freelancers, and forward-thinkers navigating the fashion industry.

As business owners, we sometimes need to take a step back to see the bigger picture. This episode emphasizes the importance of outsourcing and how it can benefit your mental energy, allowing you to focus on your vision. We delve into how consulting agencies can take off some of that pressure, allowing smoother, more successful operations. We discuss how aligning with our client's goals can lead to stronger relationships and personal growth within the industry. Finally, we focus on the dynamics of freelancing. We highlight the importance of gaining corporate experience before stepping into the realm of freelance. We shed light on the potential of collaboration and growth within the industry, and the valuable contributions freelancers can make to both corporate and start-up brands. Stay tuned for an equally exciting part 2 of this discussion!

Apparelmark is a full-service technical design & development firm servicing startup, emerging and established apparel brands around the globe. Our small but nimble team designs for, manages, develops and executes an ever-increasing portfolio of brands in performance apparel, ready-to-wear, and accessories.

If you are serious about growing your fashion brand drop us a line or contact us to get a free expert consultation on your project.

https://www.apparelmark.com/

https://www.instagram.com/apparelmark/

In this episode, you'll hear:

-Andrew's unconventional story about his initial entry into the world of fashion.

-How outsourcing helps to protect your peace as a business owner - Step into your CEO role!

-The value of building lasting relationships within the industry.

-The role that corporate experience plays in freelancing.

We can't wait to hear what you think of this episode!

Like, comment & subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@unmarkedstreet/videos

Learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com
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Connect with us:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/
https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346
https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet
https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/

What I Would've Done Differently, A Journey of Gratitude and Growth

In this episode, Rachel tells us about a time when she found herself stretched thinly between her growing business, Unmarked Street, and her ambitions in the real estate industry. It was a chaotic period of juggling responsibilities, but it was also a time of tremendous growth and learning. This episode unpacks that journey, exploring the trials and triumphs, the mistakes and the lessons that have shaped Rachel as an entrepreneur.

We uncover the potent power of gratitude in transforming our daily experiences. We talk about the beauty in acknowledging the simple everyday joys and how it leads to a more fulfilled life. 

As we move forward, Rachel shares the pivotal decision of stepping away from real estate to fully commit to Unmarked Street. She outlines her three-pillar focus for 2024: client servicing, education, and sustainability advocacy in the apparel industry. We also discuss the Business of Apparel Podcast, an invaluable resource for fellow entrepreneurs offering insights, advice, and lessons. This episode is a treasure trove of entrepreneurial wisdom - a blend of personal experiences, hard-learned lessons, and forward-looking strategies. So, tune in and let's embark on this learning journey together.

In this episode, you'll hear:

-The power of establishing a gratitude practice, its purpose and how to start.

-One of the biggest things Rachel wishes she did differently while building Unmarked Street and how it was ultimately fueled by fear.

-How starting RTQ Apparel pulled focus away from Unmarked Street.

-Rachel's experience with coaching programs and reflects on how they affected her current focus.

-The three pillars for 2024 and remember…focus on one thing at a time!

We can't wait to hear what you think of this episode!

Like, comment & subscribe to my channel here:

https://www.youtube.com/@unmarkedstreet/

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Connect with us:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/
https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346
https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet
https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/

Harnessing the Power of Mindset with Mentor and Coach, Brigette Sobus

In this episode, Rachel engages in a transformative conversation with the dynamic Brigette Sobus, owner of the Power & Joy Coaching Academy. Brigette shares her enthralling journey from hair colorist to flourishing entrepreneur, underlining the vital role of mindset in both personal and professional realms. As we probe into the overlooked significance of mindset in corporate America, it becomes increasingly clear how mastering it can drastically change your life.

We then navigate the intriguing world of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). As the foundation of excellent communication and behavior modification, Brigette illustrates the power of NLP through the awe-inspiring success stories of her clients, Shelby and Mary. Their narratives reveal how shattering limiting beliefs and negative emotions can bring about a paradigm shift toward boundless success. The nuances of shifting one's mindset for success are highlighted, and Brigette's passion for the subject becomes truly infectious.

Brigette Sobus is the Power, Joy & Profits Mentor - and founder & CEO of the Power & Joy Coaching Academy, helping women and men reach their highest levels of success.

Her Powerful Breakthrough Sessions clear the stops, allowing you to own your power and take control of your future.  Her Power & Joy Coaching Academy trains coaches & consultants to achieve exponential growth for themselves and their clients.  She certifies coaches in 4 NLP Certifications in her in-demand 7-Day Intensives. She loves helping her clients reach bigger goals than they ever imagined and the success in life they dream about.

In this episode, you'll hear: 

-Brigette's background and how it inspired her to become a coach.

-One of the most important things that helped Brigette grow her business right away. 

-What is NLP?  The breakdown. 

-The first steps of learning to focus on your mindset.

-Behaviors you can adopt that will put you where you want to be.

We can't wait to hear what you think of this episode!

Like, comment & subscribe to my channel here:

https://www.youtube.com/@unmarkedstreet/

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Connect with us:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/
https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346
https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet
https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/

Connect with Brigette: https://www.instagram.com/brigettesobus/

All About Tech Packs, The Ultimate Guide

In this episode, Rachel is geeking out and spilling the secrets of creating a professional tech pack that successfully communicates your apparel design vision. With a tech pack, you can ensure your product meets the quality and production standards that you and your customers demand. Throughout the episode, Rachel offers insights into what details are critical to include in a tech pack, the essential tools for creating one, and the importance of specificity. 

We expand on the significance of flat sketch designs and the 'nine heads technique'. Learn the advantages of employing a style number over using English words when communicating with factories. Also, discover the key information to be included in the header of a tech pack and how to modify it as the tech pack progresses. 

We will also venture into the world of BOM's (Bills of Materials) for a tech pack. Understand the complexity of YKK codes and learn how to decipher the right combination code that your tech pack requires. We'll dive into the nitty-gritty of creating a measurement spreadsheet for your tech pack and how it could save you time and reduce back-and-forth emails. Rachel also shares additional insights on grade rules and graded measurements, and what to include in the tech pack to ensure a professional and complete product. 

Overall, this episode is a comprehensive guide to understanding and creating tech packs, ensuring you know exactly what to include in your tech pack to communicate clearly with factories, streamline the production process, and end up with a product that meets your high standards.  Don't forget, Unmarked Street can help you create your very own, professional tech pack.  Contact us for details!

In this episode, you'll hear:

-What exactly a tech pack is and the details of how it will protect you in your apparel business?

-The importance of having an accurate flat sketch.

-Tech pack breakdown, an explanation of what should be included.

-How to properly detail sketches inside the pack.

-BOM breakdown.

-Different schools of thought on measurement spreadsheets.

-The final pieces to round out an exceptional tech pack.

We can't wait to hear what you think of this episode!

Like, comment & subscribe to my channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@unmarkedstreet/videos

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Connect with us:

https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/
https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346
https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet
https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/

Mastering Supply Chain Management with Industry Expert, Brittney Tupa

In this episode, Rachel sits down with the extraordinary Brittney Tupa, a seasoned supply chain expert in the apparel industry. Her diverse career, spanning from the sparkling world of jewelry to the intricate world of product development, quality assurance, and supply chain management, is a fascinating narrative that demands attention. We delve deep into the importance of relationships in the business world, the various roles required in product creation, and Brittney's personal experiences during a time when "supply chain" became part of every conversation.

Venture with us as we navigate the labyrinth of supply chain management in the fashion industry, where the only thing constant is change. Brittney enlightens us on the significance of demand signals, forecasting, and lead times, especially in the face of a global pandemic that has shaken supply chain operations to the core. We'll also discuss the industry's adaptations and the precarious act of balancing the need for forecasting amidst an unpredictable environment. As we move forward in this discussion, we turn our attention to the critical element of vendor scorecards. Discover how this tool can be utilized in sourcing and quality assurance, rewarding successful vendors and identifying potential problems with those struggling. Get ready to gain a profound understanding of the apparel industry from an undisputed expert. 

Brittney is a leader in the operations space bringing almost a decade's worth of experience in consumer goods Supply Chain, Sourcing, Quality, and Project Management. With expertise in Apparel, she has worked for some of the biggest names in both the active and outdoor industries. 

In this episode, you'll hear:

- Brittney's multi-faceted journey towards working with the supply chain in the apparel industry.

- What is supply and demand and how it applies within the industry?

- "Supply Chain" became a household name during the pandemic.

- The shift towards sustainability.

- Vendor scorecards and how they help build good relationships.

We can't wait to hear what you think of this episode!

To connect with Brittney, visit her LinkedIn page here: http://linkedin.com/in/brittney-tupa

Like, comment & subscribe to the Unmarked Street YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@unmarkedstreet/videos

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Connect with us:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/
https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346
https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet
https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/

Elevating Your Apparel Brand with Evergreen Products

In this episode, Rachel is flying solo to talk about evergreen products for your apparel brand. We'll dive into how evergreen apparel product lines can boost your brand's market relevance, customer loyalty, and steady revenue. Our discussion unveils the secrets of keeping your products vibrant with new colors each season and the significant role of core brand colors in maintaining product novelty.  

We explore the art of cultivating brand loyalty and streamlining production stress through a reliable product line. Learn why regular check-ins with your manufacturer are vital to staying on top of your game. We also dive into the concept of steady revenue and the power of an evergreen apparel line in ensuring a constant flow of income. Closing the episode, we remind our budding entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners, about the everlasting importance of creating high-quality products.

In this episode, you'll hear:

-The definition of Evergreen in business and how it applies to the apparel industry.

-The importance of maintaining foundational products in your line.

-How to plan for the end-of-life for an evergreen product.

-Examples of great evergreen products and poor evergreen product handling within the industry.

We can't wait to hear what you think of this episode!

Like, comment & subscribe to my channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@unmarkedstreet/videos

Learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com
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Connect with us:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/
https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346
https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet
https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/