Go from overwhelmed apparel founder making costly trial-and-error decisions to a founder with the expert guidance, systems, and industry knowledge to scale profitably.
Rachel Erickson brings her 20 years of expertise in the apparel manufacturing industry to The Business of Apparel podcast to inspire you to build your best brand yet. Each week, you'll hear from Rachel along with our industry experts who are shedding light on what is needed to build your own apparel line from scratch or to take your existing apparel brand to the next level and create sustainable and unstoppable growth.
Most founders "wing it" through launch & production, but scaling requires professional processes.
On the show you'll learn:
✅Profit-First Scaling: Financial architecture that protects your margins
✅Production Excellence: Mastering fit, quality control, and factory relationships
✅Operational Systems: Industry SOPs so your business can run without you
✅Strategic Guidance: Real-world advice from experts with decades of experience
No BS. Just proven frameworks you need to grow your brand. Follow the show so you don't miss an episode!
Learn more from Rachel at TheBusinessofApparel.com/masterclasses and connect with her on Instagram @BusinessofApparel
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Building and Scaling an Apparel Brand With a Purpose, featuring Kelly Roach
Episode 187
Thursday, October 1, 2026 • Duration 34:39
Starting an apparel brand can require far more time, money, and patience than you might expect, and unfortunately there may be plenty of expensive lessons to learn along the way.
In this episode, I'm bringing back a conversation with entrepreneur Kelly Roach, a former NFL cheerleader and Fortune 500 executive turned 8-figure+ entrepreneur empowering thousands around the globe to achieve financial and lifestyle freedom through entrepreneurship. Kelly shares openly about the biggest mistakes she made when launching her apparel brand, Give Her Courage, along with what she learned and how she would do things differently. She is passionate about inspiring girls and women to reach incredible goals, both through her apparel line and her strategic coaching.
📝 Today We're Covering:
Why launching with too many products can make it harder to build momentum
How to test demand for your designs before investing in a lengthy and expensive custom development process
Realistic timelines of apparel development, including how samples, revisions, overseas vendors, ports, and tariffs can affect them
How inventory quantities affect your overall startup budget
Why you need a separate budget for marketing and advertising
The importance of building wholesale relationships to get your product in front of potential buyers
Why product quality, fit, and customer loyalty are essential to building a brand that can grow over the long term
Kelly's journey offers a valuable look at some of the financial and strategic realities that come with building an apparel brand. From testing your concept to planning your long term goals, this conversation is packed with lessons that can help you approach the apparel business with a clear understanding of what it takes to get a product to market and build a sustainable brand.
Rachel Erickson is a Fractional COO, Apparel Industry Consultant, and founder of Unmarked Street and The Business of Apparel. With 20+ years in technical design and product development leadership, she sat at the executive table of a $25M apparel line and helped scale it to $60M in one year.
After decades working inside major fashion companies, she learned the truth behind billion-dollar brands, and it's not about chasing trends or pumping out endless products. It's about building clean processes, tightly edited assortments, and obsessively focused customer targeting.
Rachel helps founders and CEOs of performance apparel brands:
✅ Build lean, profitable product lines
✅ Streamline operations for growth
✅ Replace overwhelm with executive clarity
✅ Create garments that fit bodies in motion
Whether you're just hitting $1M in revenue or trying to break through the $10M ceiling, Rachel will join you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading.
Why Your Online "Factory" is Actually an Expensive Middleman
Thursday, September 24, 2026 • Duration 16:09
When you're working with an apparel manufacturer, it's important to know exactly who you're communicating with. Sometimes the person you think is part of the factory may actually be a sourcing agent working between you and the manufacturer.
Agents aren't necessarily a bad thing, but understanding how that relationship works can have a major impact on your costs, communication, and control over your production. I'm breaking down what apparel sourcing agents do, how they fit into the relationship between a brand and a manufacturer, and what you should know about the additional costs that can come with working through an agent.
📝 Today We're Covering:
What apparel sourcing agents do and how they fit between brands and manufacturers
The potential benefits of working with an agent, especially when sourcing multiple types of products or working across different manufacturing regions
How agent fees can affect your FOB costs and why you should understand exactly what you're paying for
Why detailed, line-by-line cost breakdown sheets are an important tool for evaluating your manufacturing costs
How to compare fabric prices and yields and work directly with your mill to verify pricing
Why maintaining a relationship with your manufacturer can reduce risk and give you more visibility into your production
Whether you choose to work directly with a manufacturer or through an agent, the most important thing is understanding how your sourcing relationships actually work. Knowing who is on your team, what they're responsible for, and how money and communication flow through those relationships can help you make better business decisions and avoid expensive surprises as your apparel brand grows.
There are a lot of opinions about where you should and shouldn't manufacture apparel, but the truth is that no single region of the world is automatically good or bad for apparel production. What matters is finding the right manufacturing partner for your specific product, quantities, timeline, and business needs.
In this episode, I'm breaking down some of the biggest misconceptions about apparel manufacturing by region and talking about all the factors that should go into your decision about choosing a manufacturer. I'm also sharing a real example of a client project where we've run into unexpected sourcing challenges, even with 25 years of industry experience behind us.
📝 Today We're Covering:
Why you shouldn't assume that an entire country or region is bad for apparel manufacturing
The differences between woven and knit fabrics and why those differences can affect your sourcing options
The advantages and challenges of domestic manufacturing, including smaller MOQs and "Made in the USA" opportunities
Why tariffs, duties, shipping costs, and transit times can make overseas manufacturing more complicated right now
How working with an experienced sourcing partner can help you navigate difficult manufacturing challenges
There is no single best region for apparel manufacturing. The right choice depends on your product, your quantities, your sourcing needs, your timeline, and the manufacturing partner you're able to find. I hope this episode gives you a more nuanced perspective on where apparel can be produced and reminds you that finding the right partner can make a huge difference for your brand in the long run.
The 4 Things That Instantly Prove You're an Amateur to Factories
Episode 184
Thursday, September 10, 2026 • Duration 14:35
Getting a response from the manufacturer you want to work with can feel like a challenge, especially when you're building an apparel brand and still learning how the industry works. But sometimes, the way you approach a factory can be the very thing keeping you from getting a response.
In this episode, I'm breaking down four things that can make you look like a beginner to manufacturers and suppliers, and what you should understand before you reach out. I'm sharing the questions you should be asking, the information you need to have prepared, and the tools that can help you build credibility and create stronger manufacturing partnerships.
📝 Today We're Covering:
Why asking a manufacturer for their "best price" can be a major red flag
What MOQ means and why it's so important to your budget and cash flow
Why understanding lead times and a factory's production calendar is essential
Why having a professional tech pack can completely change your conversations with manufacturers
What information should be included in a tech pack, including garment measurements, construction details, and a bill of materials
How asking the right questions can help you build stronger relationships with manufacturing partners
The more you understand about how apparel production actually works, the more confidently you can approach the manufacturers and suppliers you want to work with. I hope this episode helps you feel more prepared, professional, and equipped to have better conversations as you build your apparel brand.
The Advice You Didn't Know You Needed (Office Hours Unlocked)
Episode 183
Thursday, September 3, 2026 • Duration 39:50
One of my favorite things about running a membership is that I have the opportunity to give apparel brand founders direct access to experienced industry professionals who can help them navigate the challenges of launching, growing, and scaling a business.
In this episode, I'm giving you an inside look at what happens during an Apparel Founders Board office hours meeting. I'm sharing a real preview of the conversations, questions, and resources that help our members make smarter decisions and navigate the many challenges that come with building and growing an apparel brand.
📝 Today We're Covering:
What it's actually like inside an Apparel Founders Board office hours meeting
The resources, templates, and curriculum I provide to Board members
How I recommend apparel brands respond to rising shipping costs and changing market conditions
What founders should consider when navigating ethics and sustainability in the apparel industry
How to audit your time and identify the right roles to delegate or hire
How I think about ROI and budget when hiring your first team members
As an apparel brand founder, you don't have to navigate this journey alone. I hope this insider's look at the kind of practical questions, resources, and strategic advice available in the Board encourages you to join us!
Don't Read My New Book, "The Business of Apparel," Until You Do THIS
Episode 182
Thursday, August 27, 2026 • Duration 19:18
Starting an apparel brand is a big investment, and taking the time to validate your idea before jumping into product development can save you time, money, and frustration down the road.
As the launch of my book The Business of Apparel is right around the corner, I want to be sure you have a solid foundation for your brand before reading about how to start your business. I'm walking through the essential research I recommend doing before launching an apparel brand. I explain why researching your idea, understanding your potential customers, and creating a business plan can help you enter the apparel industry with a stronger foundation and a clearer path forward.
📝 Today We're Covering:
How to vet an apparel product idea before investing in development
What questions to include in customer surveys to guide product development
How competitor research can help you understand pricing, products, and opportunities
Why every apparel founder should consider creating a business plan
How a SWOT analysis can help you identify your brand's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
Why thinking like a CEO from the beginning can set your apparel business up for long-term success
If you're still developing your brand idea, or if you're looking forward to reading my new book The Business of Apparel, you need to know these practical steps in order to validate your concept, understand your customers, and build your brand with a stronger business foundation.
If You Aren't Prepping BFCM Now, Your Q4 is in Trouble
Episode 181
Thursday, August 20, 2026 • Duration 19:38
Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be some of the most profitable days of the year for your apparel brand, but success doesn't happen by accident. The brands that see the biggest results are the ones that start planning months in advance with a clear marketing strategy.
I will walk you through how to create a successful Black Friday Cyber Monday strategy that attracts new customers, increases repeat purchases, and protects your profit margins. I'll share how to plan your product launches, discounts, marketing campaigns, customer service, and post-purchase follow-up while using key performance metrics to measure your success and improve future promotions.
📝 Today We're Covering:
Why Black Friday and Cyber Monday planning should begin months in advance
How to create a profitable BFCM marketing and promotional strategy
The key metrics every apparel founder should track before, during, and after the sales weekend
How to balance discounts with healthy profit margins and inventory goals
Why customer retention, community building, and post-purchase nurturing are essential for long-term growth
Whether you're preparing for your first Black Friday Cyber Monday promotion or looking to improve the results of future sales events, you'll gain practical strategies to help you plan with confidence, maximize revenue, and turn seasonal shoppers into loyal customers.
The Fashion Industry is Purposely Hiding This From New Founders
Episode 180
Thursday, August 13, 2026 • Duration 15:13
Building an apparel brand can feel like an uphill battle, especially when you're competing against industry giants with resources, data, and strategies you don't have access to. While many founders assume they're simply missing a piece of the puzzle, the reality is that the apparel industry is far more competitive than most entrepreneurs realize, and understanding how it really works can change everything.
In this episode, I pull back the curtain on an eye-opening experience from my corporate career that completely changed the way I view the apparel industry. I share what happened during a leadership meeting at one of the world's biggest apparel companies, why emerging brands were seen as a threat despite holding only a tiny fraction of the market, and how that experience inspired me to dedicate my career to helping independent apparel founders succeed with the insider knowledge they've never been given.
📝 Today We're Covering:
Why even the biggest apparel brands pay close attention to emerging competitors
What I learned inside a corporate strategy meeting focused on protecting market share
Why so much of the advice available to apparel founders feels incomplete or unhelpful
How understanding the industry's hidden dynamics can help you make smarter business decisions
Why having experienced advisors and proven operational strategies gives small brands a competitive advantage
Success in the apparel industry starts with understanding the realities behind the scenes. This episode will give you a new perspective on the challenges you're facing and remind you that success isn't about working harder. It's about understanding how the industry really operates and having the right guidance to navigate it.
3 Female Founders Tell All: The Truth About Scaling Your Own Agency
Episode 179
Thursday, August 6, 2026 • Duration 47:11
Leaving the security of a steady paycheck to build your own apparel business is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. The uncertainty of replacing your income, finding clients, and giving up traditional benefits can feel overwhelming, but the freedom, flexibility, and opportunity to build a business on your own terms can make it one of the most rewarding decisions you'll ever make.
In this episode, I sit down with two former colleagues and friends, Sarah White and Kayla Clarot, to talk about our journeys from the corporate apparel world into running our own businesses. We share the lessons we learned working in a high-pressure environment, how those experiences shaped our leadership styles, and why creating businesses rooted in collaboration, flexibility, and kindness has become our mission.
📝 Today We're Covering:
Why leaving a corporate career can be the catalyst for building a business that fits your life and values
How high-pressure work environments can develop leadership skills that translate into entrepreneurship
Why collaboration works better than competition to create a strong business
How to lead with honesty, kindness, and clear communication while building a healthy team culture
Why balancing ambition with your physical and mental well-being leads to more sustainable success
Whether you're wondering if it's time to pursue your own apparel business or you're looking for encouragement as you navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, this conversation will remind you that your past experiences can become your greatest advantage in building a company on your own terms.
You're a Designer, Not a CEO (And It's Costing You)
Episode 178
Thursday, July 30, 2026 • Duration 21:48
Stepping into the role of CEO requires more than designing great products. It means shifting your mindset from working in your apparel brand to leading and growing it. Learning to delegate, trust your team, and focus on the bigger picture is what creates the foundation for long-term success.
As I work to better understand the financial data behind my own business, build stronger leadership skills, and expand my team, I'm pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to transition from product designer to business owner. I explain why hiring before you feel ready, investing in expert guidance, and creating systems that empower your team can help you break through the growth ceiling that many apparel founders face.
📝 Today We're Covering:
Why thinking of yourself as a product designer instead of a CEO can hold your business back
How hiring and delegating create more opportunities for growth and profitability
Why learning your business numbers is essential, even if finance isn't your strength
How to build a leadership team that can grow alongside your apparel brand
Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness, when scaling your company
If you're still trying to wear multiple hats in your business, this episode will help you shift your mindset, embrace your role as CEO, and create a business that can grow beyond what you could accomplish on your own.
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Rachel Erickson is a Fractional COO, Apparel Industry Consultant, and founder of Unmarked Street and The Business of Apparel. With 20+ years in technical design and product development leadership, she sat at the executive table of a $25M apparel line and helped scale it to $60M in one year.
After decades working inside major fashion companies, she learned the truth behind billion-dollar brands, and it's not about chasing trends or pumping out endless products. It's about building clean processes, tightly edited assortments, and obsessively focused customer targeting.
Rachel helps founders and CEOs of performance apparel brands:
✅ Build lean, profitable product lines
✅ Streamline operations for growth
✅ Replace overwhelm with executive clarity
✅ Create garments that fit bodies in motion
Whether you're just hitting $1M in revenue or trying to break through the $10M ceiling, Rachel will join you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading.
Rachel Erickson is a Fractional COO, Apparel Industry Consultant, and founder of Unmarked Street and The Business of Apparel. With 20+ years in technical design and product development leadership, she sat at the executive table of a $25M apparel line and helped scale it to $60M in one year.
After decades working inside major fashion companies, she learned the truth behind billion-dollar brands, and it's not about chasing trends or pumping out endless products. It's about building clean processes, tightly edited assortments, and obsessively focused customer targeting.
Rachel helps founders and CEOs of performance apparel brands:
✅ Build lean, profitable product lines
✅ Streamline operations for growth
✅ Replace overwhelm with executive clarity
✅ Create garments that fit bodies in motion
Whether you're just hitting $1M in revenue or trying to break through the $10M ceiling, Rachel will join you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading.
Rachel Erickson is a Fractional COO, Apparel Industry Consultant, and founder of Unmarked Street and The Business of Apparel. With 20+ years in technical design and product development leadership, she sat at the executive table of a $25M apparel line and helped scale it to $60M in one year.
After decades working inside major fashion companies, she learned the truth behind billion-dollar brands, and it's not about chasing trends or pumping out endless products. It's about building clean processes, tightly edited assortments, and obsessively focused customer targeting.
Rachel helps founders and CEOs of performance apparel brands:
✅ Build lean, profitable product lines
✅ Streamline operations for growth
✅ Replace overwhelm with executive clarity
✅ Create garments that fit bodies in motion
Whether you're just hitting $1M in revenue or trying to break through the $10M ceiling, Rachel will join you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading.
Rachel Erickson is a Fractional COO, Apparel Industry Consultant, and founder of Unmarked Street and The Business of Apparel. With 20+ years in technical design and product development leadership, she sat at the executive table of a $25M apparel line and helped scale it to $60M in one year.
After decades working inside major fashion companies, she learned the truth behind billion-dollar brands, and it's not about chasing trends or pumping out endless products. It's about building clean processes, tightly edited assortments, and obsessively focused customer targeting.
Rachel helps founders and CEOs of performance apparel brands:
✅ Build lean, profitable product lines
✅ Streamline operations for growth
✅ Replace overwhelm with executive clarity
✅ Create garments that fit bodies in motion
Whether you're just hitting $1M in revenue or trying to break through the $10M ceiling, Rachel will join you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading.
Rachel Erickson is a Fractional COO, Apparel Industry Consultant, and founder of Unmarked Street and The Business of Apparel. With 20+ years in technical design and product development leadership, she sat at the executive table of a $25M apparel line and helped scale it to $60M in one year.
After decades working inside major fashion companies, she learned the truth behind billion-dollar brands, and it's not about chasing trends or pumping out endless products. It's about building clean processes, tightly edited assortments, and obsessively focused customer targeting.
Rachel helps founders and CEOs of performance apparel brands:
✅ Build lean, profitable product lines
✅ Streamline operations for growth
✅ Replace overwhelm with executive clarity
✅ Create garments that fit bodies in motion
Whether you're just hitting $1M in revenue or trying to break through the $10M ceiling, Rachel will join you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading.
Rachel Erickson is a Fractional COO, Apparel Industry Consultant, and founder of Unmarked Street and The Business of Apparel. With 20+ years in technical design and product development leadership, she sat at the executive table of a $25M apparel line and helped scale it to $60M in one year.
After decades working inside major fashion companies, she learned the truth behind billion-dollar brands, and it's not about chasing trends or pumping out endless products. It's about building clean processes, tightly edited assortments, and obsessively focused customer targeting.
Rachel helps founders and CEOs of performance apparel brands:
✅ Build lean, profitable product lines
✅ Streamline operations for growth
✅ Replace overwhelm with executive clarity
✅ Create garments that fit bodies in motion
Whether you're just hitting $1M in revenue or trying to break through the $10M ceiling, Rachel will join you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading.
Rachel Erickson is a Fractional COO, Apparel Industry Consultant, and founder of Unmarked Street and The Business of Apparel. With 20+ years in technical design and product development leadership, she sat at the executive table of a $25M apparel line and helped scale it to $60M in one year.
After decades working inside major fashion companies, she learned the truth behind billion-dollar brands, and it's not about chasing trends or pumping out endless products. It's about building clean processes, tightly edited assortments, and obsessively focused customer targeting.
Rachel helps founders and CEOs of performance apparel brands:
✅ Build lean, profitable product lines
✅ Streamline operations for growth
✅ Replace overwhelm with executive clarity
✅ Create garments that fit bodies in motion
Whether you're just hitting $1M in revenue or trying to break through the $10M ceiling, Rachel will join you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading.
Rachel Erickson is a Fractional COO, Apparel Industry Consultant, and founder of Unmarked Street and The Business of Apparel. With 20+ years in technical design and product development leadership, she sat at the executive table of a $25M apparel line and helped scale it to $60M in one year.
After decades working inside major fashion companies, she learned the truth behind billion-dollar brands, and it's not about chasing trends or pumping out endless products. It's about building clean processes, tightly edited assortments, and obsessively focused customer targeting.
Rachel helps founders and CEOs of performance apparel brands:
✅ Build lean, profitable product lines
✅ Streamline operations for growth
✅ Replace overwhelm with executive clarity
✅ Create garments that fit bodies in motion
Whether you're just hitting $1M in revenue or trying to break through the $10M ceiling, Rachel will join you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading.
Rachel Erickson is a Fractional COO, Apparel Industry Consultant, and founder of Unmarked Street and The Business of Apparel. With 20+ years in technical design and product development leadership, she sat at the executive table of a $25M apparel line and helped scale it to $60M in one year.
After decades working inside major fashion companies, she learned the truth behind billion-dollar brands, and it's not about chasing trends or pumping out endless products. It's about building clean processes, tightly edited assortments, and obsessively focused customer targeting.
Rachel helps founders and CEOs of performance apparel brands:
✅ Build lean, profitable product lines
✅ Streamline operations for growth
✅ Replace overwhelm with executive clarity
✅ Create garments that fit bodies in motion
Whether you're just hitting $1M in revenue or trying to break through the $10M ceiling, Rachel will join you as an embedded operations and product partner—running fittings, line plans, tech packs, and vendor communications so you can get back to leading.
