1. Research, Research, Research…
I was glued to my computer. I researched the
design houses to practically every handbag label there was. How did
they become established? When did they become established? Who’s story
inspired me the most?
(This step is much needed, researching those who have done what you aspire to do will push you to overcome a lot of the obstacles you will come across in the future.)
2. I found my inspiration
The research process became very intimidating at first. Most of the
design houses were international, high end and extremely well known
companies. To save my self of worry I began researching handbag labels
in the US. I came across Kate Spade’s story and I was very inspired by how she got started.
3. Created my vision
I began brainstorming the aspects of my business. The brand name, sketches, logos, and figuring out what would make my brand different. These all came in to play in this step.
4. Created my first prototype
A fashion brand
without a product is nothing more than a book of sketches. I decided
that I was going to teach myself how to make handbags from start to
finish. My very first bag was made with nothing but a
leather needle, thread, and two different shades of leather. I made
this bag by hand without a machine which took me 16 hours. It wasn’t
easy but in order for me to continue to inspire myself I needed
something that I could actually touch and feel. I knew that this was
just the beginning but I had to start somewhere.
5. I invested in my business
When I started my business I had 5,000.00 saved. I began making my first investments in the brand.
I bought books on making handbags, and tons of leather in many jewel
tone shades. I convinced my first investor to buy me an industrial
sewing machine. It was HUGE, very
loud and took up most of my living room in my one bedroom apartment. I had no clue what I was doing but I jumped right in. I was determined to figure this thing out. (This step is extremely important. Find investors. Create a presentation with vision boards, any prototypes and a well written plan. You’ve got to let them see your vision in order to get them to invest.)
loud and took up most of my living room in my one bedroom apartment. I had no clue what I was doing but I jumped right in. I was determined to figure this thing out. (This step is extremely important. Find investors. Create a presentation with vision boards, any prototypes and a well written plan. You’ve got to let them see your vision in order to get them to invest.)
6. I asked plenty of questions
There came a point where the lady in the fabric section at Walmart and I were like best friends. She
would answer any question I had about sewing and I was soooo grateful!
Then I got creative, I figured that since upholstery shops were
experienced in working with leather they too would be a great resource.
In my mind I figured, if they can make a couch surely they can help me
learn to make a handbag. I couldn’t have been more right. I
went to a family owned upholstery shop just outside of Charlotte and
they were more than happy to help me with any questions I had. They
seemed excited and very intrigued that I had gone to such lengths to
figure out such a challenging task. (Figure out who you know that can
help in your area of fashion. If you have a graphic t-shirt line, seek
out a local screen printer. If you’re looking to create a line of
clothing look for a local seamstress who may be able to help with
prototypes.)
7. I began creating an entire collection
This is where all the hard work came in. My apartment looked like a factory. I
worked around the
clock to produce a collection so that I could not only prove to
myself that I could do it but to really allow others to see my vision. I didn’t just want to continuously talk about something that I wanted to happen “one day”. I knew that in order to get the
ball rolling I had to have a complete collection. I produced about 20
different bags over a span of about 9 months. (Create a cohesive
collection, keep in mind the time of year you plan on completing the project when choosing a color story to be sure that it falls in line with the time of year it will be, spring or fall.)
8. I came up with a plan to debut my collection
During the process of creating my collection I decided that I would have a fashion show to introduce the collection to my friends, family, professors, and really just anyone I came in contact with. I spread the word throughout The Art Institute as well as my community and had a lot of help from some friends I was attending school with. (This
does not necessarily have to be a huge production. A small debut in a
lounge type setting would work out perfectly. Be very conscious of your
budget. You’ll need it in the next steps.)
9. I began to market my brand
I began using social media to market my brand. I shouted it from the roof tops. Anyone
I came in contact with knew about Cristina Bijou bags. Through social
media I was discovered and invited to participate in a fashion show in
Beverly Hills CA. I leaped at the opportunity! This step required a lot of confidence in myself and my brand. If I didn’t believe in my product no one else would so that’s exactly what I did.
(Don’t be afraid to market your brand, even before your collection is complete. Give people something to look forward to by marketing the brand itself. Logo, vision board, technical sketches etc.)
10. Research, Research, Research
Once my collection was complete and my first two fashion shows had come and gone I began seeking a manufacturer. I knew that in order to take my brand to the next level I would need to have my designs professionally manufactured. Quality control is key in the production process. I knew without a doubt that this was the direction I needed to go in to live up to the other brands on the market that I intended on competing with.
These are the first ten things I did in creating my brand, it seems like a lot and at the time I felt as if I had come very far. Only to soon realize this was just the beginning. Stay tuned…
