Starting a Baby Boutique & Clothing Line

We’re going to keep moving on up!

November 1st, 2008

Wow, how is everybody out there doing? I am happy to say I’m doing good, but it’s been a journey to get here. Sorry that I haven’t blogged so much lately. I’ve been on a mental roller-coaster ride, but I think I need to just suck it up and get used to it if I’m going to stay on this entrepreneurial route (and I am! I am! I am!)

The economy is no joke right now, and no laughing matter. So what do you do? Up your game and keep your spirits up while you’re at it. I know that’s easier said that done, but you have to fight for it. When I say up your game, I mean get up a little earlier and make more pitches to the press, commit an extra 30 minutes each day to business calls, and believe in yourself and your dreams and the good you are doing.

Are you in the starting phases of your clothing line? Are you planning on launching for Fall ‘09? Then you need to be in the sourcing and designing phase. Make sure you are getting your suppliers lined up, make sure you are getting your patterns made and tweaked. Your salesman’s samples, order forms, and linesheets need to be done by January. Fall ‘09 sales will run from February to May.

Are you trying to get sales now - maybe, like our graphic onesies and personalized blankets, you have “seasonless” products? Then you need to be making calls, calls, and more calls. Get the decision maker on the phone. One of the biggest things for me was to realize that I can focus on being a good “local” brand before worrying how big we are nationally. Get those face-to-face meetings. Get some sales reps if you feel you’re ready.

Are you considering starting a boutique? Or trying to keep the one you have alive? Look for unique brands that offer good price points. Consider consignment. I have talked to a few owners who say “I’m trying to get what I already have to sell” - well, honestly, if what you have right now isn’t selling, you better get something in that does. Small local designers might be willing to work out consignment or drop-ship deals with you. You’ll get a refresh on your inventory and you’ll start bringing in some money.

Most of all, we need to keep our spirits alive. I’ve been on a journey to do this and I can tell you that motivational books from the library have helped a lot. Going to a monthly business seminar helps a lot (I have the most motivational, profit increasing, keep-you-in-line business coach if anyone wants a reference. Email me: info@startupkidsline.com). And watching this seminar on happiness, given by Srikumar Rao for google, is one of the best ways you can spend an hour this weekend. It will change your life and your outlook and will motivate you to stay on the path towards making your dreams come true.

Keep your heads up. We can all do this, we can keep each other motivated, we can help each other!

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