The Barbie movie is taking over the world. Have you seen it yet?  Back in 2006, I did an essay about Barbie for NPR's This I Believe series, titled A Grown-Up Barbie.  Like many girls, I learned to sew so I could make clothes for my Barbie. The essay is about how the blond-haired, blue eyed Malibu Barbie affected my red-haired, freckled self -- and my career as a fashion designer.  An excerpt: "I consider myself a feminist and I feel like a moron admitting it, but it's true: I believe in Barbie. For me, as a kid, Barbie was about cool clothes, a cool job, cool friends and cool accessories: the airplane, the apartment building and the camper. I learned to sew so I could make outfits for Barbie and her friends, who took turns being the airplane pilot, the doctor, the fashion designer. Barbie was never about Ken. He was always a little dusty and in the corner."  Show Notes &amp; Links:  https://fashionbrainacademy.com/barbie/  The original NPR essay recording:  https://www.npr.org/2006/05/22/5419659/a-grown-up-barbie   This I Believe book:  https://thisibelieve.org/store/this-i-believe-paperback/

The Barbie movie is taking over the world. Have you seen it yet? Back in 2006, I did an essay about Barbie for <a href="https://www.npr.org/2006/05/22/5419659/a-grown-up-barbie" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">NPR's This I Believe</a> series, titled A Grown-Up Barbie.  Like many girls, I learned to sew so I could make clothes for my Barbie. The essay is about how the blond-haired, blue eyed Malibu Barbie affected my red-haired, freckled self -- and my career as a fashion designer. An excerpt: "I consider myself a feminist and I feel like a moron admitting it, but it's true: I believe in Barbie. For me, as a kid, Barbie was about cool clothes, a cool job, cool friends and cool accessories: the airplane, the apartment building and the camper. I learned to sew so I could make outfits for Barbie and her friends, who took turns being the airplane pilot, the doctor, the fashion designer. Barbie was never about Ken. He was always a little dusty and in the corner." Show Notes &amp; Links:  <a href="https://fashionbrainacademy.com/barbie/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://fashionbrainacademy.com/barbie/</a> The original NPR essay recording:  <a href="https://www.npr.org/2006/05/22/5419659/a-grown-up-barbie" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.npr.org/2006/05/22/5419659/a-grown-up-barbie</a> This I Believe book:  <a href="https://thisibelieve.org/store/this-i-believe-paperback/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://thisibelieve.org/store/this-i-believe-paperback/</a>

Barbie Fashion Designer - My NPR Essay

My guest today is SO HONEST about the struggles of his first clothing line and what he's doing differently the second time around.   Grant Janke is a former network engineer who hated his job and decided one day to quit to start a business - even though he didn't have a clue what business it would be. He's currently working on his second clothing business -- this one in the mountain bike apparel niche, called El Roo Bike.  Grant shares his failures, struggles, and the ways he thought things would go.   "I spent all this money trying to develop this artwork for these stupid damn t shirts and no one liked them." I had to have the perfect pattern. I had to have the perfect material. I had to have the perfect artwork. I had to have the perfect this...  Meanwhile,months are going by, and I'm not making any progress. I was stuck in that concept phase and the dollars just keep going and going and going. I was totally of the "build it and they will come" mentality. Which did not happen. I had no customers.  Week one, I was dead in the water and couldn't run any ads. I'm serious, my ads ran on Facebook for like, a day. I'm still in the stumble phase, but the stumbles are getting easier to recover from.   Show Notes and Links:  https://fashionbrainacademy.com/grant/   El Roo website:  https://elroo.bike/

My guest today is SO HONEST about the struggles of his first clothing line and what he's doing differently the second time around.  Grant Janke is a former network engineer who hated his job and decided one day to quit to start a business - even though he didn't have a clue what business it would be. He's currently working on his second clothing business -- this one in the mountain bike apparel niche, called El Roo Bike. Grant shares his failures, struggles, and the ways he thought things would go.  <ul> <li>"I spent all this money trying to develop this artwork for these stupid damn t shirts and no one liked them."</li> <li>I had to have the perfect pattern. I had to have the perfect material. I had to have the perfect artwork. I had to have the perfect this... </li> <li>Meanwhile,months are going by, and I'm not making any progress. I was stuck in that concept phase and the dollars just keep going and going and going.</li> <li>I was totally of the "build it and they will come" mentality. Which did not happen. I had no customers. </li> <li>Week one, I was dead in the water and couldn't run any ads. I'm serious, my ads ran on Facebook for like, a day.</li> <li>I'm still in the stumble phase, but the stumbles are getting easier to recover from.</li> </ul> Show Notes and Links:  <a href="https://fashionbrainacademy.com/grant/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://fashionbrainacademy.com/grant/</a> El Roo website:  <a href="https://elroo.bike/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://elroo.bike/</a>

(Startup Story) First One to Fail Wins & Other Hard-Learned Lessons w/ Grant from El Roo Bike

Want to make today your make BETCH?! Seriously - I've been testing out a new morning routine and I gotta tell ya… I might look the same… but I am a completely 100% it’s-a-flippin’-miracle new person. This is working GREAT for me and I’m getting so much more accomplished.  I’ve tweaked my SIMPLE morning routine so I now have time &amp; focus for my most important work -- and then time for meditation, exercise, and self-care — totally guilt free! xo - Jane Credit: This morning routine is something I learned from @realcraigballantyne but in all honesty, I didn’t read his book (though I bought it). I watched a few of his videos, and the "work first" part of what I’m doing is a version of what he teaches.  https://fashionbrainacademy.com

Want to make today your make BETCH?! Seriously - I've been testing out a new morning routine and I gotta tell ya… I might look the same… but I am a completely 100% it’s-a-flippin’-miracle new person. This is working GREAT for me and I’m getting so much more accomplished.  I’ve tweaked my SIMPLE morning routine so I now have time &amp; focus for my most important work -- and then time for meditation, exercise, and self-care — totally guilt free! xo - Jane Credit: This morning routine is something I learned from @realcraigballantyne but in all honesty, I didn’t read his book (though I bought it). I watched a few of his videos, and the "work first" part of what I’m doing is a version of what he teaches. <a href="https://fashionbrainacademy.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://fashionbrainacademy.com</a>

Best Morning Routine I’ve Ever Tried

I have a habit of ordering books online and promptly NOT reading them. I want to read them, I plan on it, but I don't always do it.  The 5 books I recommend in this episode I have read cover to cover and I believe every clothing, fashion, or acccessories designer would benefit from.   1 that's just for fun -- for anyone who loves fashion and/or old-school NYC stories (I've given it to dozens of clients over the years)   2 for sewn product expertise, manufacturing truths &amp; resources    1 that's an HONEST journey of a very successful designer and the BS she had to put up wit    And the last one is for every entrepreneurs on the planet. This one will save you a crapload of frustration - especially for those of us designer/maker types.     Links to all books back on the blog:  https://fashionbrainacademy.com/5books1  Our best selling course: Create a profitable clothing or accessoreis line - https://fashionbrainacademy.com/launch/

I have a habit of ordering books online and promptly NOT reading them. I want to read them, I plan on it, but I don't always do it.  The 5 books I recommend in this episode I have read cover to cover and I believe every clothing, fashion, or acccessories designer would benefit from. <ul> <li> 1 that's just for fun -- for anyone who loves fashion and/or old-school NYC stories (I've given it to dozens of clients over the years) </li> <li> 2 for sewn product expertise, manufacturing truths &amp; resources </li> <li> 1 that's an HONEST journey of a very successful designer and the BS she had to put up wit </li> <li> And the last one is for every entrepreneurs on the planet. This one will save you a crapload of frustration - especially for those of us designer/maker types.  </li> </ul> Links to all books back on the blog:  <a href="https://fashionbrainacademy.com/5books1" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://fashionbrainacademy.com/5books1</a> Our best selling course: Create a profitable clothing or accessoreis line - <a href="https://fashionbrainacademy.com/launch/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://fashionbrainacademy.com/launch/</a>

5 Must-Read Books for Fashion Entrepreneurs

Today we cover what NOT to do with your clothing, accessories, or jewelry business. There's so much advice out there about starting a growing a fashion business and a lot of it is outdated and unrealistic.   We discuss:   are fashion shows a waste of time and money or good for getting exposure? designing for seasons &amp; sticking to a fashion calendar how some fashion designers are actually planning for your products to become obsolete quickly creating full fashion collections vs. dropping new products when you want to professional, slick photoshoots vs. user generated content &amp; customer pics carrying inventory and finding customers to buy it  **This topic was inspired by Steve Chou of "My Wife Quit Her Job" and his episode about Outdated Ecommerce Tips. Thanks, Steve!

Today we cover what NOT to do with your clothing, accessories, or jewelry business. There's so much advice out there about starting a growing a fashion business and a lot of it is outdated and unrealistic.  We discuss:  <ul> <li>are fashion shows a waste of time and money or good for getting exposure?</li> <li>designing for seasons &amp; sticking to a fashion calendar</li> <li>how some fashion designers are actually planning for your products to become obsolete quickly</li> <li>creating full fashion collections vs. dropping new products when you want to</li> <li>professional, slick photoshoots vs. user generated content &amp; customer pics</li> <li>carrying inventory and finding customers to buy it</li> </ul> **This topic was inspired by Steve Chou of "My Wife Quit Her Job" and <a href="https://mywifequitherjob.com/episode466/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">his episode</a> about Outdated Ecommerce Tips. Thanks, Steve!

Outdated Fashion Business Practices You Can Stop Doing

In this episode, I share 5 things I did right with my clothing line and 5 things I did wrong.   I made so many mistakes, and yet my business was still profitable. I'm quite embarrassed about some of the things I reveal in this episode but my goal is to be really honest with you, so here goes.   In this episode:   The embarrassing mantra I posted on my fridge for all to see No safety net and no plan B - a good thing or a bad thing? Selling to upper middle class white chicks (with hella body issues) and how they differ from other groups of women  Losing focus, copying others (*cringe), and needing help I refused to ask for If I started over again today, what I'd definitely NOT do  In our best-selling online class, you can learn how to set up a profitable clothing or accessories buisness:   https://fashionbrainacademy.com/launch/  Show Notes &amp; Links:   https://fashionbrainacademy.com/why/

In this episode, I share 5 things I did right with my clothing line and 5 things I did wrong.  I made so many mistakes, and yet my business was still profitable. I'm quite embarrassed about some of the things I reveal in this episode but my goal is to be really honest with you, so here goes.  In this episode:  <ul> <li>The embarrassing mantra I posted on my fridge for all to see</li> <li>No safety net and no plan B - a good thing or a bad thing?</li> <li>Selling to upper middle class white chicks (with hella body issues) and how they differ from other groups of women </li> <li>Losing focus, copying others (*cringe), and needing help I refused to ask for</li> <li>If I started over again today, what I'd definitely NOT do</li> </ul> In our best-selling online class, you can learn how to set up a profitable clothing or accessories buisness:  <a href="https://fashionbrainacademy.com/launch/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://fashionbrainacademy.com/launch/</a> Show Notes &amp; Links:  <a href="https://fashionbrainacademy.com/why/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://fashionbrainacademy.com/why/</a>

Why My Clothing Line Beat the Odds and Was a Success

Why do so many creative entrepreneurs struggle to sell their products? When I first started my clothing line, I really did think that people would just FIND me and my products. If the product is good, people will notice, right? Bwaaahaaaahaaaa.   Selling often FEELS hard but it doesn't have to. Today you'll learn 2 simple things you can start doing immediately to make selling ten times easier.   The course mentioned for apparel and accessories designers:  https://fashionbrainacademy.com/launch Show Notes:  https://fashionbrainacademy.com/hard/

Why do so many creative entrepreneurs struggle to sell their products? When I first started my clothing line, I really did think that people would just FIND me and my products. If the product is good, people will notice, right? Bwaaahaaaahaaaa.  Selling often FEELS hard but it doesn't have to. Today you'll learn 2 simple things you can start doing immediately to make selling ten times easier.  The course mentioned for apparel and accessories designers:  <a href="https://fashionbrainacademy.com/launch" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://fashionbrainacademy.com/launch</a> Show Notes:  <a href="https://fashionbrainacademy.com/hard/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://fashionbrainacademy.com/hard/</a>

Why It's Hard to Sell

Want some quick sales? Here are 5 things you can do right away to get some $$.   Many of us work last-minute so if you've put off planing your promotions, this is for you. I taped it with Memorial Day weekend in mind but most of these marketing &amp; sales tactics can be used any time.  LMK which one of these 5 your choose! I LOVE hearing from you.  @janehamillchi brain@fashionbrainacademy.com  Show Notes &amp; Links:  https://fashionbrainacademy.com/5waysweekend

Want some quick sales? Here are 5 things you can do right away to get some $$.  Many of us work last-minute so if you've put off planing your promotions, this is for you. I taped it with Memorial Day weekend in mind but most of these marketing &amp; sales tactics can be used any time. LMK which one of these 5 your choose! I LOVE hearing from you. <ul> <li>@janehamillchi</li> <li><a href="mailto:brain@fashionbrainacademy.com">brain@fashionbrainacademy.com</a></li> </ul> Show Notes &amp; Links:  <a href="https://fashionbrainacademy.com/5waysweekend" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://fashionbrainacademy.com/5waysweekend</a>

5 Ways to Make Money This Weekend

I was walking with a friend who owns her a business and she asked me... "Should I hire a business coach?" I make my living coching &amp; teaching creative entrepreneurs how to sell more products online. You'd think my immediate answer would be an immediate yes.  It wasn't.   Instead, I told her why I just hired a new business coach for myself with the hopes that my 3 reasons could help her decide if a coach is something she wants right now.   Will a coach help her make more money? Feel less like the lonely entrepreneur? Make a plan and stick to it? Let's unpack it...  Show notes: https://fashionbrainacademy.com/business-coach

I was walking with a friend who owns her a business and she asked me... "Should I hire a business coach?" I make my living coching &amp; teaching creative entrepreneurs how to sell more products online. You'd think my immediate answer would be an immediate yes. It wasn't.  Instead, I told her why I just hired a new business coach for myself with the hopes that my 3 reasons could help her decide if a coach is something she wants right now.  Will a coach help her make more money? Feel less like the lonely entrepreneur? Make a plan and stick to it? Let's unpack it... Show notes: <a href="https://fashionbrainacademy.com/business-coach" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://fashionbrainacademy.com/business-coach</a>

Should I Hire a Business Coach?

How often should I send emails to my list? I get this question ALL THE TIME. There are so many different answers that it will make your head explode. Today, I'll give you an HONEST answers to this and other questions that I've gotten about emails. Here’s what I cover…  How often should I send emails to my list? What’s the best time to send an email?  Is buying an email list a good idea? Is there any real difference between a new email list and an older list?  Next week, I'll go over more of your questions about sending emails. Get the show notes here: https://fashionbrainacademy.com/sendemails

How often should I send emails to my list? I get this question ALL THE TIME. There are so many different answers that it will make your head explode. Today, I'll give you an HONEST answers to this and other questions that I've gotten about emails. Here’s what I cover… <ul> <li>How often should I send emails to my list?</li> <li>What’s the best time to send an email? </li> <li>Is buying an email list a good idea?</li> <li>Is there any real difference between a new email list and an older list?</li> </ul> Next week, I'll go over more of your questions about sending emails. Get the show notes here: <a href="https://fashionbrainacademy.com/?p=23439&amp;preview=true" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://fashionbrainacademy.com/sendemails</a>

How Often Should I Email My List?

We teach product-based business owners who don't know how to market themselves how to get consistent traffic &amp; sales online.

Love Jane and all her wisdom! Entertaining and informative

Amazing!!! everything you need

As a startup, I always get at least one bit of advice out of each podcast...if not lots of advice!!

Great podcast!

Jane Hamill | Podcast

I know when I first started my womenswear line I was very confused about how to get an IDEA from my head turned into an actual viable product that I could sell. There’s a lot to do and you can't just Google that info up! This podcast discuss the steps to starting a successful clothing or accessory line, the biggest mistakes designers make, and what I wish I knew when I started.   For a step by step guide to becoming a successful designer click here:  http://fashionbrainacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/white-outfit-Copy-1024x731-1.jpg

I know when I first started my womenswear line I was very confused about how to get an IDEA from my head turned into an actual viable product that I could sell. There’s a lot to do and you can't just Google that info up! This podcast discuss the steps to starting a successful clothing or accessory line, the biggest mistakes designers make, and what I wish I knew when I started.   For a step by step guide to becoming a successful designer click here: <a href="http://fashionbrainacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/white-outfit-Copy-1024x731-1.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> http://fashionbrainacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/white-outfit-Copy-1024x731-1.jpg</a>

How to Launch A Successful Fashion Business 

Will my business succeed? SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: http://fashionbrainacademy.com/nicole/ I was looking for a fresh perspective on "the state of the independent fashion design business" so I reached out to Nicole Giordano from Startup Fashion. Nicole is always game to help, we hopped on an interview. and then she SPILLED IT - the true, fresh perspective of startup fashion designers right now.  Here's what we cover:  Starting your clothing line with a signature product, not a full collection The traditional fashion calendar is broken - the internet happened What designers are doing NOW in Nicole's community and what's working A new approach to selling wholesale to boutiques Running your business like a business The monthly framework for assessing your business As a business owner, excitement and fear are the SAME feeling One brand's brilliant strategy to get started with sales Content marketing - is it worth your time? 

Will my business succeed? SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: <a href="http://fashionbrainacademy.com/nicole/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://fashionbrainacademy.com/nicole/</a> I was looking for a fresh perspective on "the state of the independent fashion design business" so I reached out to Nicole Giordano from Startup Fashion. Nicole is always game to help, we hopped on an interview. and then she SPILLED IT - the true, fresh perspective of startup fashion designers right now.  Here's what we cover: <ul> <li>Starting your clothing line with a signature product, not a full collection</li> <li>The traditional fashion calendar is broken - the internet happened</li> <li>What designers are doing NOW in Nicole's community and what's working</li> <li>A new approach to selling wholesale to boutiques</li> <li>Running your business like a business</li> <li>The monthly framework for assessing your business</li> <li>As a business owner, excitement and fear are the SAME feeling</li> <li>One brand's brilliant strategy to get started with sales</li> <li>Content marketing - is it worth your time?</li> </ul>

What Are the Signs That One Fashion Business Will Succeed and Another Won't? Interview with Nicole from Startup Fashion

Kirsten Skoglund

"Sometimes people are really, truly insane. But you're in retail so you stay nice no matter what. Retail Lesson number one -- the magic is in being nice." There's what you think it will be like to own a retail store and then there's the every day reality. I owned a women's boutique for 14 years and let me tell ya, it's not for wusses. It's more fun than you ever imagined and it's waaaaayyyyyy harder than you ever imagined.  My guest today tells us what it's really like to own and operate a boutique. Kirsten Skoglund owned a knitting shop with her sister for 10 years in Minnesota. Like most people who go into retail, she never thought she would. She's a former HR executive who had a passion for knitting - and a business was launched. Kirsten is funny, smart, and honest in this interview. She's also the new accountability coach (woot!woot!) in my Imperfect Action membership. She ROCKS.  Some snippets from the interview:  "It can be pretty lonely being a retail store owner because you really don't have a whole lot of people to talk to. Yeah. I mean, there's a lot of loneliness with entrepreneurship in general." "Sometimes people are really, truly insane. But you're in retail so you stay nice. No matter what. Retail Lesson number one -- the magic is in being nice." "I didn't have any systems for that (hiring), and I'm kind of embarrassed about that. I was always looking for people who could sell. I would go to the drive through and someone would be really good at selling me a hamburger and I would ask them if they wanted to come work at my store." Planning became very, very important. I was pulled kicking and screaming to the planning process and really learned to embrace it. If I planned, I could sell more! And it really did help keep all of the craziness out of my brain. Well, not all of it."  Show Notes and Links:  www.janehamill.com/10things10years

"Sometimes people are really, truly insane. But you're in retail so you stay nice no matter what. Retail Lesson number one -- the magic is in being nice." There's what you think it will be like to own a retail store and then there's the every day reality. I owned a women's boutique for 14 years and let me tell ya, it's not for wusses. It's more fun than you ever imagined and it's waaaaayyyyyy harder than you ever imagined.  My guest today tells us what it's really like to own and operate a boutique. Kirsten Skoglund owned a knitting shop with her sister for 10 years in Minnesota. Like most people who go into retail, she never thought she would. She's a former HR executive who had a passion for knitting - and a business was launched. Kirsten is funny, smart, and honest in this interview. She's also the new accountability coach (woot!woot!) in my Imperfect Action membership. She ROCKS.  Some snippets from the interview: <ul> <li>"It can be pretty lonely being a retail store owner because you really don't have a whole lot of people to talk to. Yeah. I mean, there's a lot of loneliness with entrepreneurship in general."</li> <li>"Sometimes people are really, truly insane. But you're in retail so you stay nice. No matter what. Retail Lesson number one -- the magic is in being nice."</li> <li>"I didn't have any systems for that (hiring), and I'm kind of embarrassed about that. I was always looking for people who could sell. I would go to the drive through and someone would be really good at selling me a hamburger and I would ask them if they wanted to come work at my store."</li> <li>Planning became very, very important. I was pulled kicking and screaming to the planning process and really learned to embrace it. If I planned, I could sell more! And it really did help keep all of the craziness out of my brain. Well, not all of it."</li> </ul> Show Notes and Links:  <a href="http://www.janehamill.com/10things10years" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.janehamill.com/10things10years</a>

Retailer Secrets: 10 Lessons from 10 Years in Retail with Kirsten Skoglund

I get this question all the time...  "How do I create content and keep up a blog when I have so little time?" If you're running a product-based business you know how many details there are to take care of all the time -- shipping, customer service, packaging, social media, inventory control...the list goes on. This episode covers how to create content for your brand without having it take over your life. I share all my quick-and-dirty secrets for content marketing that doesn't overwhelm you.  Show Notes and Links:  janehamill.com/content Ready to get serious about your marketing and sales?  The "Sell More Products Online" course: janehamill.com/smpo

I get this question all the time... "How do I create content and keep up a blog when I have so little time?" If you're running a product-based business you know how many details there are to take care of all the time -- shipping, customer service, packaging, social media, inventory control...the list goes on. This episode covers how to create content for your brand without having it take over your life. I share all my quick-and-dirty secrets for content marketing that doesn't overwhelm you.  Show Notes and Links:  <a href="http://janehamill.com/content" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">janehamill.com/content</a> Ready to get serious about your marketing and sales?  The "Sell More Products Online" course: <a href="http://janehamill.com/smpo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">janehamill.com/smpo</a>

How Do I Create Content When I Have No Time?

I don’t think I can even count as high as the number of mistakes I made with my clothing line and retail store. I mean, I was GREEN when I started! Trial and error was just a way of life for me back then and it really cost me — in terms of time, money, and energy. Today I discuss three of my biggest mistakes to help you avoid them as a fashion designer, maker, or entrepreneur! 

I don’t think I can even count as high as the number of mistakes I made with my clothing line and retail store. I mean, I was GREEN when I started! Trial and error was just a way of life for me back then and it really cost me — in terms of time, money, and energy. Today I discuss three of my biggest mistakes to help you avoid them as a fashion designer, maker, or entrepreneur!

My Three Biggest Mistakes as a Fashion Designer 

Unfortunately we can't read our buyers minds. As fashion designers and entrepreneurs we need our buyers to survive. In today's podcast you'll learn what keeps a buyer from writing an order for your line, their three pet peeves about working with emerging designers, why buyers are not completely honest with you, and how to overcome buyers' objections. Get inside the buyers mind, and more importantly GET INTO THEIR STORES!  You NEED to hear the truth.   So you can tweak your line.   So you can learn what (if anything) you’re doing wrong.   So you can get the order!

Unfortunately we can't read our buyers minds. As fashion designers and entrepreneurs we need our buyers to survive. In today's podcast you'll learn what keeps a buyer from writing an order for your line, their three pet peeves about working with emerging designers, why buyers are not completely honest with you, and how to overcome buyers' objections. Get inside the buyers mind, and more importantly GET INTO THEIR STORES!  You NEED to hear the truth.   So you can tweak your line.   So you can learn what (if anything) you’re doing wrong.   So you can get the order!

The Dirty Truth: A Trip Into the Buyer's Brain

Zoe Hong

My special guest is a fashion industry insider and breath of fresh air on the interwebs. I came across on of Zoe's videos on Facebook and immediately loved her. Zoe's YouTube channel has over 185,000 subscribers and in her videos she makes NO apologies and just tells it like it is. Zoe doesn't mince words and today's episode is no different - 5 ugly truths about working in the fashion industry.  Show Notes and Links: http://janehamill.com/zoehong/

My special guest is a fashion industry insider and breath of fresh air on the interwebs. I came across on of Zoe's videos on Facebook and immediately loved her. Zoe's YouTube channel has over 185,000 subscribers and in her videos she makes NO apologies and just tells it like it is. Zoe doesn't mince words and today's episode is no different - 5 ugly truths about working in the fashion industry.  Show Notes and Links: <a href="http://janehamill.com/zoehong/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://janehamill.com/zoehong/</a>

5 Ugly Truths About Working in the Fashion Industry with Zoe Hong (Part 1)

Erika Neumayer

Today's guest, Erika Neumayer, went from working in her parents' living room with no sales and a crappy website to completely supporting herself with her online business in her own studio -- making a real profit. The coolest part is that Erika's niche is so tiny and unusual that it proves ANYONE can be successful in ANY niche.  

Today's guest, Erika Neumayer, went from working in her parents' living room with no sales and a crappy website to completely supporting herself with her online business in her own studio -- making a real profit. The coolest part is that Erika's niche is so tiny and unusual that it proves ANYONE can be successful in ANY niche.

How to From No Online Sales to a Profitable Business That Supports You (in a TINY Niche) with Erika Neumayer 

In this episode of the Jane Hamill podcast, I talk about the WRONG way to start a fashion brand. The 5 mistakes I list today are all ones I’ve made myself with my retail store and womenswear line. I really hope today’s podcast saves you some trouble – and money.

In this episode of the Jane Hamill podcast, I talk about the WRONG way to start a fashion brand. The 5 mistakes I list today are all ones I’ve made myself with my retail store and womenswear line. I really hope today’s podcast saves you some trouble – and money.

Five Mistakes New Designers Make 

Paul Klein

Ever wonder why some creative entrepreneurs succeed and others struggle? On this episode of the Fashion Brain podcast, we talk about ALL creatives, not just fashion designers. We cover ways to sell your work, 3 things that every creative needs to do to be successful, and how to sell your work. My guest is Paul Klein. Paul is an art mentor and he runs a 12 week online for artists to de-mystify the art world. My sister (an artist) took the class and LOVED it. She introduced me to Paul and that was my lucky day. Paul Klein also works with TED Fellows, writes for Huffington Post and ArtLetter and ran his own cutting edge Chicago gallery for 30 years. Basically, he’s the go-to guy in Chicago when it comes to the art world.

Ever wonder why some creative entrepreneurs succeed and others struggle? On this episode of the Fashion Brain podcast, we talk about ALL creatives, not just fashion designers. We cover ways to sell your work, 3 things that every creative needs to do to be successful, and how to sell your work. My guest is Paul Klein. Paul is an art mentor and he runs a 12 week online for artists to de-mystify the art world. My sister (an artist) took the class and LOVED it. She introduced me to Paul and that was my lucky day. Paul Klein also works with TED Fellows, writes for Huffington Post and ArtLetter and ran his own cutting edge Chicago gallery for 30 years. Basically, he’s the go-to guy in Chicago when it comes to the art world.

Being A Successful Creative Entrepreneur With Paul Klein

Social media. All the different platforms...all the options...all the updates...you can lose yourself in it pretty quickly. There's so much noise out there, so much competition, so many people vying for your customer's attention. How do you get it? In this episode, my goal is to clarify a few things for you. I think this podcast will help you relax a bit and do a BETTER job on social without doing more stuff. Because doing more and being busier is not necessarily better. In the end, you want to enjoy your business and make good money. I want to help you accomplish those 2 goals. Show notes and discussion on the blog:  https://janehamill.com/social/ Our monthly business coaching program, Imperfect Action, is here:  https://janehamill.com/imperfect/

Social media. All the different platforms...all the options...all the updates...you can lose yourself in it pretty quickly. There's so much noise out there, so much competition, so many people vying for your customer's attention. How do you get it? In this episode, my goal is to clarify a few things for you. I think this podcast will help you relax a bit and do a BETTER job on social without doing more stuff. Because doing more and being busier is not necessarily better. In the end, you want to enjoy your business and make good money. I want to help you accomplish those 2 goals. Show notes and discussion on the blog:  <a href="https://janehamill.com/social/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://janehamill.com/social/</a> Our monthly business coaching program, Imperfect Action, is here:  <a href="https://janehamill.com/membership" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://janehamill.com/imperfect/</a>

Why Isn't My Social Media Working?

"If you would have told me a year ago about everything I'd accomplish this last year, I would NOT have believed you... And the biggest thing is I just pushed myself. I pushed myself in any way, shape or form. Ohhhhh, it was so scary and gross, but I did it.  And now those things don't seem so bad, you know. You uplevel your  fear factor, and then you wonder - why was I even worried about that?" In the last 12 months, Jackie went from a full-time corporate fashion design to working full-time on her business, Dyetology.com. In this episode, she tells us the details of what she did to make this truly a BREAKTHROUGH year for her.  ...About making the hard decisions and doing things that were SO outside her comfort zone she felt like barfing. ...About finally getting consistent with marketing her clothing and accessories line and the difference it's made. ...How she was worried about "bothering" people with her marketing but now she's so over that. ...About doing craft shows and markets and SELLING THE CRAP out of her line. And so much more.  I hope you love Jackie as much as I do. :)  Discussion and Show Notes on the blog: janehamill.com/jackie/  The monthly business coaching program Jackie mentioned: janehamill.com/membership/ 

"If you would have told me a year ago about everything I'd accomplish this last year, I would NOT have believed you... And the biggest thing is I just pushed myself. I pushed myself in any way, shape or form. Ohhhhh, it was so scary and gross, but I did it.  And now those things don't seem so bad, you know. You uplevel your  fear factor, and then you wonder - why was I even worried about that?" In the last 12 months, Jackie went from a full-time corporate fashion design to working full-time on her business, <a href="http://Dyetology.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dyetology.com</a>. In this episode, she tells us the details of what she did to make this truly a BREAKTHROUGH year for her.  ...About making the hard decisions and doing things that were SO outside her comfort zone she felt like barfing. ...About finally getting consistent with marketing her clothing and accessories line and the difference it's made. ...How she was worried about "bothering" people with her marketing but now she's so over that. ...About doing craft shows and markets and SELLING THE CRAP out of her line. And so much more.  I hope you love Jackie as much as I do. :) Discussion and Show Notes on the blog: <a href="https://janehamill.com/jackie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">janehamill.com/jackie/</a> The monthly business coaching program Jackie mentioned: <a href="https://janehamill.com/membership/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">janehamill.com/membership/</a>

A Breakthrough Year in Business - How Jackie Did It

Boaz David

In today's podcast I interview Boaz David, founder of Human B, in New York. Boaz is a total BOSS at helping designers get apparel products made. He shares his insights into the pros and cons of domestic vs. overseas manufacturing, what types of products "should" be made WHERE, what newbie entrepreneurs should be doing before they get products made, and so much more.    I ran my own production for my clothing line for over 14 years and I'll tell ya, even I learned new things from this episode!     You can check out Show Notes and join the discussion over on my blog:    http://fashionbrainacademy.com/overseas-vs-domestic-apparel-manufacturing

In today's podcast I interview Boaz David, founder of Human B, in New York. Boaz is a total BOSS at helping designers get apparel products made. He shares his insights into the pros and cons of domestic vs. overseas manufacturing, what types of products "should" be made WHERE, what newbie entrepreneurs should be doing before they get products made, and so much more.    I ran my own production for my clothing line for over 14 years and I'll tell ya, even I learned new things from this episode!     You can check out Show Notes and join the discussion over on my blog:   <a href="http://fashionbrainacademy.com/overseas-vs-domestic-apparel-manufacturing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://fashionbrainacademy.com/overseas-vs-domestic-apparel-manufacturing</a>

Apparel Manufacturing: Overseas vs. Domestic Production with Boaz David

Today's episode will help you understand why more people aren't buying from you and what you can do about it. Yesterday, a client told me something that disturbed me. She didn't say anything wrong, but she told me about a key learning point that she JUST learned. A real aha moment. She's actually happy about it because it explains to her why more people aren't buying from her site and she's making a plan to fix it. But I'm like... You JUST learned that? I've been preaching and teaching that concept, ad nauseam, for years!! Where did I go wrong that she only really "heard" it yesterday? Where did I go wrong??? So I'm gonna shout out the "why they don't buy" concept in today's episode so there's not one more person who doesn't get it - 'cuz it could be hurting your business. If you're not selling as much as you'd like, you may be having the same issue my client was having. If you only listen to ONE podcast of mine ever, evah, EVAH, MAKE IT THIS EPISODE! &lt;-- note the all caps and, yes, I'm yelling at you because you need to learn this shizzle today! Show Notes and Discussion on the Blog: https://janehamill.com/fortyeight/

Today's episode will help you understand why more people aren't buying from you and what you can do about it. Yesterday, a client told me something that disturbed me. She didn't say anything wrong, but she told me about a key learning point that she JUST learned. A real aha moment. She's actually happy about it because it explains to her why more people aren't buying from her site and she's making a plan to fix it. But I'm like... You JUST learned that? I've been preaching and teaching that concept, ad nauseam, for years!! Where did I go wrong that she only really "heard" it yesterday? Where did I go wrong??? So I'm gonna shout out the "why they don't buy" concept in today's episode so there's not one more person who doesn't get it - 'cuz it could be hurting your business. If you're not selling as much as you'd like, you may be having the same issue my client was having. If you only listen to ONE podcast of mine ever, evah, EVAH, MAKE IT THIS EPISODE! &lt;-- note the all caps and, yes, I'm yelling at you because you need to learn this shizzle today! Show Notes and Discussion on the Blog: <a href="https://janehamill.com/?p=4222&amp;preview=true" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://janehamill.com/fortyeight/</a>

Why They Don't Buy

Do you want a website that looks great to your eyes? Or do you want a website that MAKES YOU MONEY? I think I know the answer. In today's episode, I'm going to teach you the 6 main things your site needs to do to increase your conversion rate. I want to help you to support your family, to pay your bills, pay yourself, go on vacation, and enjoy your life. Let's do it! Show notes and links:  janehamill.com/conversionspodcast/

Do you want a website that looks great to your eyes? Or do you want a website that MAKES YOU MONEY? I think I know the answer. In today's episode, I'm going to teach you the 6 main things your site needs to do to increase your conversion rate. I want to help you to support your family, to pay your bills, pay yourself, go on vacation, and enjoy your life. Let's do it! Show notes and links:  <a href="https://janehamill.com/conversionspodcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">janehamill.com/conversionspodcast/</a>

6 Tips to Increase Website Conversions (Part 1)

I recently got this question from a Shopify store owner...  "My sales are growing steadily (we did almost 300K online last year) but we’re still not very profitable. I need to grow my sales to have better cash flow. What’s the BEST way to grow my business so I can be profitable? Maybe I need to focus more in Instagram?” *Is it Instagram stories?  *Is it getting more Press?  *Is it viral YouTube videos?  *Is it FB ads? *Is it hiring an SEO expert? All of these things CAN work - and they do. But it's not any of these that will help you truly take your business to the next level. The BEST way to grow your online store is to bring your focus to 4 specific aspects of your business. This podcast covers the four ways.  Enjoy! Jane

I recently got this question from a Shopify store owner... "My sales are growing steadily (we did almost 300K online last year) but we’re still not very profitable. I need to grow my sales to have better cash flow. What’s the BEST way to grow my business so I can be profitable? Maybe I need to focus more in Instagram?” *Is it Instagram stories?  *Is it getting more Press?  *Is it viral YouTube videos?  *Is it FB ads? *Is it hiring an SEO expert? All of these things CAN work - and they do. But it's not any of these that will help you truly take your business to the next level. The BEST way to grow your online store is to bring your focus to 4 specific aspects of your business. This podcast covers the four ways.  Enjoy! Jane

What's the BEST Way to Grow My Online Store? (#AskJanesBrain)

14 years of owning a retail store and still, every year, every single year, the Holiday Season seemed to creep up on me.  Did I order enough inventory? Did I order decorations? Gift wrap? What products do I want to sell? What events am I participating in?  All the stuff to do. I want you to have a record-breaking season and if you wait until the last minute, it ain't gonna happen. Ask me how I know... "Plans are nothing; planning is everything." - Dwight D. Eisenhower Great holiday sales start NOW. Enjoy this episode! Show notes and discussion on the blog:  https://janehamill.com/maximize/ My monthly coaching program, Imperfect Action: https://janehamill.com/membership/

14 years of owning a retail store and still, every year, every single year, the Holiday Season seemed to creep up on me. <ul> <li>Did I order enough inventory?</li> <li>Did I order decorations?</li> <li>Gift wrap?</li> <li>What products do I want to sell?</li> <li>What events am I participating in?</li> </ul> All the stuff to do. I want you to have a record-breaking season and if you wait until the last minute, it ain't gonna happen. Ask me how I know... "Plans are nothing; planning is everything." - Dwight D. Eisenhower Great holiday sales start NOW. Enjoy this episode! Show notes and discussion on the blog:  <a href="https://janehamill.com/maximize/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://janehamill.com/maximize/</a> My monthly coaching program, Imperfect Action: <a href="https://janehamill.com/membership/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://janehamill.com/membership/</a>

6 Ways to Prep for the Holiday Season

We're diving back into our discussion with Zoe Hong on the 5 Ugly Truths about the Fashion Industry. If you missed the first episode, you can listen as a podcast or watch the video interview at this link:  http://janehamill.com/zoehong/   In this episode, Zoe touches on the last 2 Truths.  4. It's About Who You Know 5. If You are Not Implementing Sustainability You are Already Behind. These last two Truths are especially valuable and necessary to understand for those wishing to succeed in the Fashion Industry - or any industry really. www.janehamill.com/zoehong2

We're diving back into our discussion with Zoe Hong on the 5 Ugly Truths about the Fashion Industry. If you missed the first episode, you can listen as a podcast or watch the video interview at this link:  <a href="http://janehamill.com/zoehong/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">http://janehamill.com/zoehong/</a> In this episode, Zoe touches on the last 2 Truths.  4. It's About Who You Know 5. If You are Not Implementing Sustainability You are Already Behind. These last two Truths are especially valuable and necessary to understand for those wishing to succeed in the Fashion Industry - or any industry really. <a href="http://www.janehamill.com/zoehong2" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.janehamill.com/zoehong2</a>

Part II with Zoe Hong: 5 Ugly Truths About Working in the Fashion Industry and What to Do about Them

Sarah Liller

Today you're going to meet San Francisco clothing designer, Sarah Liller. What I love about Sarah is that she's SO HONEST and willing to share her struggles, her wins, and the behind-the-scenes reality of running her apparel business. Sarah is one of my "Sell More Products Online" students and someone who takes real ACTION on what she learns. In this interview, Sarah breaks down the exact steps she took in the last 9 months to make her online shop actually convert to money in the bank. Sarah always had confidence in her product and she knew it sold well in retail stores. But getting online sales was proving to be a big challenge for her. SO... In the last 9 months, she started doing things differently in her business. She switched from Squarespace to Shopify (huge win), she did her first NYC Trade Show, she got a rep, opened new wholesale accounts (and is getting re-orders) and she went from "I have no idea who my customer is and no idea what I'm doing online" to "it's working!" and getting consistent sales. SEE THE IMAGES AND GET THER SHOW NOTES AND LINKS HERE:  https://janehamill.com/sarah/

Today you're going to meet San Francisco clothing designer, Sarah Liller. What I love about Sarah is that she's SO HONEST and willing to share her struggles, her wins, and the behind-the-scenes reality of running her apparel business. Sarah is one of my "Sell More Products Online" students and someone who takes real ACTION on what she learns. In this interview, Sarah breaks down the exact steps she took in the last 9 months to make her online shop actually convert to money in the bank. Sarah always had confidence in her product and she knew it sold well in retail stores. But getting online sales was proving to be a big challenge for her. SO... In the last 9 months, she started doing things differently in her business. She switched from Squarespace to <a href="https://www.shopify.com/?ref=jane-hamill" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Shopify</a> (huge win), she did her first NYC Trade Show, she got a rep, opened new wholesale accounts (and is getting re-orders) and she went from "I have no idea who my customer is and no idea what I'm doing online" to "it's working!" and getting consistent sales. SEE THE IMAGES AND GET THER SHOW NOTES AND LINKS HERE:  <a href="https://janehamill.com/sarah/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://janehamill.com/sarah/</a>

Getting Consistent Sales with San Francisco Fashion Designer Sarah Liller

Dana Jaunzemis

Today's guest is my business hero. Dana Jaunzemis runs her business in a completely different way than most people. She makes business choices based on what she wants, on the data and sales she sees, and on simplicity. Learning from Dana has changed my life - for reals. The first things Dana does when she buys a business is first, set an action goal to double daily orders, then focus only on high margin products, and finally, understand the customer. She is spectacularly focused on these 3 things.  You're going to LOVE this episode. Show notes, discussion, and links are here:  https://janehamill.com/dana1/ Our monthly business coaching program, Imperfect Action, is here:  https://janehamill.com/imperfect

Today's guest is my business hero. Dana Jaunzemis runs her business in a completely different way than most people. She makes business choices based on what she wants, on the data and sales she sees, and on simplicity. Learning from Dana has changed my life - for reals. The first things Dana does when she buys a business is first, set an action goal to double daily orders, then focus only on high margin products, and finally, understand the customer. She is spectacularly focused on these 3 things.  You're going to LOVE this episode. Show notes, discussion, and links are here:  <a href="https://janehamill.com/dana1/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://janehamill.com/dana1/</a> Our monthly business coaching program, Imperfect Action, is here:  <a href="https://janehamill.com/imperfect/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://janehamill.com/imperfect</a>

(Part 1) Doubling Your Daily E-commerce Orders with Dana Jaunzemis 

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