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How do you start a buisness
I'm 17 years old and I want to major in fashion in college and start my own business but I don't honestly know how to get it started #buisness
13 answers
Updated
Justin’s Answer
Great question! Being an entrepreneur is an amazing experience and you will learn an incredible amount along the way!
There's lots of great advice posted above about setting up the business, analyzing the marketplace, and competition, but a quick way to begin building something that you're passionate about can be as easy getting your work, ideas, and thoughts out there. There's a great article about the marketplace moving to a Passion Economy (https://andrewchen.co/passion-economy/) and you can begin to build a following across channels and platforms that serve your interest. That could include Medium, Tumblr, Instagram, a blog, etc. This type of creation gives you a lot of freedom to explore your own voice, what you want to create, and what your business might look like while testing the waters to see what approach and designs gain traction. Once you have a following, you can shift that into a business and explore what different business models might serve you best.
Best of luck, and don't be afraid to try, explore, and learn along the way!
There's lots of great advice posted above about setting up the business, analyzing the marketplace, and competition, but a quick way to begin building something that you're passionate about can be as easy getting your work, ideas, and thoughts out there. There's a great article about the marketplace moving to a Passion Economy (https://andrewchen.co/passion-economy/) and you can begin to build a following across channels and platforms that serve your interest. That could include Medium, Tumblr, Instagram, a blog, etc. This type of creation gives you a lot of freedom to explore your own voice, what you want to create, and what your business might look like while testing the waters to see what approach and designs gain traction. Once you have a following, you can shift that into a business and explore what different business models might serve you best.
Best of luck, and don't be afraid to try, explore, and learn along the way!
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Douglas’s Answer
I embrace your entrepreneur spirit. After you get your formal education in fashion, suggest you get some business experience within your industry before you strike out on your own. This will permit you an opportunity to discover unmet needs within your industry, develop contacts, and enhance your business savvy.
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Patricia’s Answer
I am the wife of an entrepreneur and the easiest and most simply answer to your question is to become an expert on whatever business/products you are looking for to work with. Being and entrepreneur is not easy and you are every role in your company until you grow enough and can hire the talent you need.
It takes research and a lot of hours to start. It takes a lot of failure as well. Entrepreneurs at heart learn from every failure and never give up but they know when to switch gears if something is not working.
it can be very rewarding but not without its frustrations. Social Media is a huge driver for research so i would suggest studying ways to use socail media to gather ideas and learn what is missing out there.. how can you be innovative.
It takes research and a lot of hours to start. It takes a lot of failure as well. Entrepreneurs at heart learn from every failure and never give up but they know when to switch gears if something is not working.
it can be very rewarding but not without its frustrations. Social Media is a huge driver for research so i would suggest studying ways to use socail media to gather ideas and learn what is missing out there.. how can you be innovative.
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Brenda’s Answer
The college that I attended had a Fashion Design and Merchandising program. I would look for this type of program when you are reviewing colleges to attend. Also take a lot of business and marketing classes while you are in school. Plus you will meet a lot of new people that are interested in that field and that type of training which should help you a lot in knowing how to get started.
Updated
Lamecca’s Answer
Hi there -
I can tell you how to start a business but it'll take more than a quick answer. You'll need to do a lot of research, especially in your field of study. The best tool I can suggest that has endless resources is YouTube. There are a lot of entrepreneurs who can provide insight on how to begin. Believe in yourself and your vision Dinkaria.
Good luck and I'm sure you'll do well.
I can tell you how to start a business but it'll take more than a quick answer. You'll need to do a lot of research, especially in your field of study. The best tool I can suggest that has endless resources is YouTube. There are a lot of entrepreneurs who can provide insight on how to begin. Believe in yourself and your vision Dinkaria.
Good luck and I'm sure you'll do well.
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Starting a business is the easy part. You simply come up with a name for your idea and set it up as a sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation. The hard part is knowing your customer base and how you're going to reach them. Without the customers, the business is worthless. Sometimes it's best to work in that field before venturing out on your own, to get the necessary contacts that you will need to have a successful business.
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Jim’s Answer
Hello, Dinkaria - - I do not have expertise in the fashion area, but I have assisted others in beginning their business. The process of transforming a concept into a marketable good or service is pretty detailed and arduous, but may be quite satisfying and rewarding.
The mechanics of establishing a business plan forces you to consider the full spectrum of what it takes. A good business plan serves as both a guide and sounding board for progress. There are many good books on the topics and I found the SCORE website really helpful (score.org) . . . and free. SCORE also provides an opportunity for direct mentoring.
I recommend creating an outline of the major sections of a business plan and then sketching in what you know now and what you need to research and develop. Then prioritize the research and development and put it on a timeline.
You may find that collaborating with someone who has already established the legal, accounting, marketing, supply and production process, distribution elements is an effective alternative to starting off by yourself. There is a whole spectrum of options available from running your own business and applying your talents as an employee. Consider what your goals are and what the practical trade-offs are.
Good luck!
The mechanics of establishing a business plan forces you to consider the full spectrum of what it takes. A good business plan serves as both a guide and sounding board for progress. There are many good books on the topics and I found the SCORE website really helpful (score.org) . . . and free. SCORE also provides an opportunity for direct mentoring.
I recommend creating an outline of the major sections of a business plan and then sketching in what you know now and what you need to research and develop. Then prioritize the research and development and put it on a timeline.
You may find that collaborating with someone who has already established the legal, accounting, marketing, supply and production process, distribution elements is an effective alternative to starting off by yourself. There is a whole spectrum of options available from running your own business and applying your talents as an employee. Consider what your goals are and what the practical trade-offs are.
Good luck!
Updated
Alwyn’s Answer
Hello Dinkaria,
I suggest that you research the fashion industry to determine a niche that you can be competitive in. Contact a business organization for mentorship advice (this is a good site for free business advice: https://www.score.org/) on how to start and run a business. Get advice from people who’ve lad companies and managed people. I can tell you from personal experience that a business plan is a must-have not only as a basis for structuring a company but also for securing investment capital and/or loans to launch a business. Your business plan would be a living document that you’d refer to and revise as changes in your company happen. Hope this helps.
I suggest that you research the fashion industry to determine a niche that you can be competitive in. Contact a business organization for mentorship advice (this is a good site for free business advice: https://www.score.org/) on how to start and run a business. Get advice from people who’ve lad companies and managed people. I can tell you from personal experience that a business plan is a must-have not only as a basis for structuring a company but also for securing investment capital and/or loans to launch a business. Your business plan would be a living document that you’d refer to and revise as changes in your company happen. Hope this helps.
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Nadia’s Answer
Apart from all great ideas that have already been mentioned, I would focus on the product itself. Fashion is a wide topic - it can be designing clothes, being a personal shopper/stylist, sewing etc. Try to find your area of interest and then, move to the next step, which is finding your niche. Check where is the demand, what is needed or... where you can influence people and "create" their demand. Be up to date - regularly check fashion blogs, YouTube channels, magazines and try to get in touch with other people that are passionate about this topic. Nowadays, networking seems to be key to become successful, not only in the fashion industry :)
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Emesha’s Answer
Hi Dinkaria, this is a great question! With a plan, creativity and hard work you can do anything. Just a few things to consider- what need do you see that isn't currently on the market, you need a business plan that identifies your goals, who will you market your brand to, Name your brand and design your logo, how much will charge and set realistic goals. To help you with your research on starting your business check out the articles below. You got this, best of luck to you!
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-start-a-fashion-brand
https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/basics/the-business-of-fashion-basics-1-setting-up-your-own-fashion-business-what-do-i-need-to-know-first
https://www.designhill.com/design-blog/top-10-tips-on-starting-a-successful-fashion-design-business/
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-start-a-fashion-brand
https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/basics/the-business-of-fashion-basics-1-setting-up-your-own-fashion-business-what-do-i-need-to-know-first
https://www.designhill.com/design-blog/top-10-tips-on-starting-a-successful-fashion-design-business/
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Tomiwa’s Answer
This is a great question! My advice to you would be doing a large amount of research. Read about individuals who are already thriving in the area you are interested in. Read about what made them successful, how they run their company, and their own struggles. I have some friends with small clothing companies and these are the things they did initially to help them start up. It is also very helpful to find a group of people you can brainstorm and work with.
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Mallory’s Answer
Hi Dinkaria- this is a great goal to have!
Starting a business is definitely never easy, but with the right tools and mindset you can strive to success.
Here are some tips on how to start a business:
Conduct Market Research
Write a business plan
Fund your business
Pick your location
For more information I recommend checking out this article from the SBA.
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/10-steps-start-your-business/
Good luck to you!
Starting a business is definitely never easy, but with the right tools and mindset you can strive to success.
Here are some tips on how to start a business:
Conduct Market Research
Write a business plan
Fund your business
Pick your location
For more information I recommend checking out this article from the SBA.
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/10-steps-start-your-business/
Good luck to you!
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