13 answers
ISHIMWE
Student
Kigali, Rwanda
1
Question
Asked
3648 views
What should I focus on now to master marketing, branding, and business strategy — so I’ll be fully prepared to launch my fashion brand when the opportunity comes?
I’m a future fashion entrepreneur from Rwanda. I helped build a fashion brand from the ground up — working as a designer, creative director, social media developer, and product designer. I also used my art skills to increase the brand’s visual value and appearance.
Now I’m preparing to launch my own brand (based on my personal story) and planning to join university. I have no capital yet, but I’m determined to keep moving forward.
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13 answers
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
103
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hello ISHIMWE,
It is great to hear that you are starting to consider things like branding, marketing, and business strategies. These are very important aspects of any design brand. Firstly, consider what this brand is really meant to be. Take some time figuring out what the story behind it all is. Branding is not just a logo, it is an identity. It seems like you know you want to base it on your story, now it is time to see where the roots of it all come from. What are they? Why are you showing other people it? What do you want to take away/feel? How does it make you feel? Will is just be t-shirts or as risky as Rick Owens? These are examples of questions you can consider while you do this. This will form over time and might change as you do, but will less frequently the more you discover it. Make mood boards, draw sketches, write out thoughts, take pictures of things that can inspire what you are going for and put it all together. Do not think so hard as you can take things away if needed. As you are doing this you might have thoughts as to how your brand or logo or phrases etc. might want to be draw these out as well. If you can start to make prototypes start making some pieces. If not, it might be good to learn depending on what it is you are going for, or have someone help you. You can also start to consider who your target audience will be. Who is this for and why would they want to wear it or "need" it. You can also consider how environmentally conscious this brand will be as the fashion industry is one of the most wasteful. This is something that can be considered during marketing as well. The way your identity is will determine your target audience and how you will be marketing for this. When it comes to business, it is usually about who you know. If you do not know a lot of people, you might not be able to sell much. But if you know people, who know people then you have more to work with. This goes within business in person and on social media. Networking will be key for this which can be done online as well as in person so look for networking events.
Best of luck and just keep making!
It is great to hear that you are starting to consider things like branding, marketing, and business strategies. These are very important aspects of any design brand. Firstly, consider what this brand is really meant to be. Take some time figuring out what the story behind it all is. Branding is not just a logo, it is an identity. It seems like you know you want to base it on your story, now it is time to see where the roots of it all come from. What are they? Why are you showing other people it? What do you want to take away/feel? How does it make you feel? Will is just be t-shirts or as risky as Rick Owens? These are examples of questions you can consider while you do this. This will form over time and might change as you do, but will less frequently the more you discover it. Make mood boards, draw sketches, write out thoughts, take pictures of things that can inspire what you are going for and put it all together. Do not think so hard as you can take things away if needed. As you are doing this you might have thoughts as to how your brand or logo or phrases etc. might want to be draw these out as well. If you can start to make prototypes start making some pieces. If not, it might be good to learn depending on what it is you are going for, or have someone help you. You can also start to consider who your target audience will be. Who is this for and why would they want to wear it or "need" it. You can also consider how environmentally conscious this brand will be as the fashion industry is one of the most wasteful. This is something that can be considered during marketing as well. The way your identity is will determine your target audience and how you will be marketing for this. When it comes to business, it is usually about who you know. If you do not know a lot of people, you might not be able to sell much. But if you know people, who know people then you have more to work with. This goes within business in person and on social media. Networking will be key for this which can be done online as well as in person so look for networking events.
Best of luck and just keep making!
Maureen Sullivan
Regional Director of Sales
3
Answers
Reston, Virginia
Updated
Maureen’s Answer
Hello, I would suggest getting internships in established companies and learn from the ground up. One day you will have your line and need to hire a full staff, but the best leaders understand every aspect of what their staff has to do. If you can watch successful brands, you admire now and see how the operate on the inside you can learn and make capitol to launch your line.
Good Luck
Good Luck
Thank you so much, Maureen. Your advice truly inspired me, and I appreciate your time and encouragement.thank you!
ISHIMWE
Jacky Lau
Client Executive
13
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Jacky’s Answer
Hi ISHIMWE, it sounds like you're doing all the right things. I believe when you have a goal like yours, regardless of the industry, it's always best to learn directly from people who've done exactly what you want to do. If you feel like you're still missing information or there's a lot more to learn before you can begin--I would recommend you continue to learn. It may be useful to watch videos, read, and use ChatGPT to do more research. But networking, working for the right company/people will likely take you the farthest. Best of luck with everything, you're already on the right track!
Julie Mantey
Global Project Manager
22
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Julie’s Answer
Hi and I do not recommend you skip attending a University, given you already seemed motivated and have the desire.
No matter what degree or studies you choose, you will develop valuable analytic skills, network, learn how to learn and have that valuable degree/certificate when done. While studying, you can work part time on or off campus to help fund your studies and your launch.
You can consider choosing a degree that will help you in "mastering marketing, branding, and business strategy". And meet other entrepreneurs even if not in your passion areas.
Best wishes!
No matter what degree or studies you choose, you will develop valuable analytic skills, network, learn how to learn and have that valuable degree/certificate when done. While studying, you can work part time on or off campus to help fund your studies and your launch.
You can consider choosing a degree that will help you in "mastering marketing, branding, and business strategy". And meet other entrepreneurs even if not in your passion areas.
Best wishes!
Thank you so much, Julie, for your kind and thoughtful answer. Your words really touched me and gave me more hope and direction. I truly appreciate your encouragement about university and how you explained the value beyond just the degree. I’m very motivated to keep learning and growing, and your advice helps me stay focused. If possible, I would be grateful to stay connected with you as a student — your guidance means so much to me. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.
ISHIMWE
Violet Faber
Product Marketing Manager
2
Answers
Hertford, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Violet’s Answer
I think the most important step is to utilize social media as it is free. For example, TikTok is a great platform to promote your fashion brand as you can take inspiration from already successful creators. Also you can personalize your content to meet the specific audience you want to. A good way to start out might be messaging an influencer you feel resonates with your brand identity with a good following who might potentially want to promote an item of your clothing in exchange for a free item. But only do this if it is worth it for you and you feel it will benefit your brand. I think TikTok is particularly important for fashion as a lot of people now go to here to research items before buying. You don't have to spend a huge amount on creating these videos as an authentic approach usually attracts audiences more than scripted responses.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2438
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Much appreciate your passion on fashion and glad to hear you would like to be an entrepreneur.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Watch more fashion shows (can be on youtube) or different design
2. Attend fashion design related courses and management
3. Start doing your own design and seek for comments
4. Explore any opportunities to work in famous fashion house to understand the business model and establish people network. You can earn funding for your up as well.
5. Start the business online first
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Watch more fashion shows (can be on youtube) or different design
2. Attend fashion design related courses and management
3. Start doing your own design and seek for comments
4. Explore any opportunities to work in famous fashion house to understand the business model and establish people network. You can earn funding for your up as well.
5. Start the business online first
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thank you so much, Rebecca, for your kind and helpful advice. I really appreciate your time and the practical steps you shared — they gave me more clarity and motivation. May God bless you too, and thank you again from my heart.
ISHIMWE
Marty Meyer
General Manager
62
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Marty’s Answer
Hi Ishimwe --
Education is important. The fashion business, like all business, is just that -- a business.
Learning about business and marketing will help you actually launch and run a business -- there are many skills that go into getting a business of the ground, not the least of which are understanding how to make enough money to support getting your designs to market.
For free fashion advise, I recommend you watch YouTube videos from Bliss Foster and Tuba Avalon -- they are both a wealth of information on fashion and cost you nothing but your time.
Good luck -
Education is important. The fashion business, like all business, is just that -- a business.
Learning about business and marketing will help you actually launch and run a business -- there are many skills that go into getting a business of the ground, not the least of which are understanding how to make enough money to support getting your designs to market.
For free fashion advise, I recommend you watch YouTube videos from Bliss Foster and Tuba Avalon -- they are both a wealth of information on fashion and cost you nothing but your time.
Good luck -
Thank you so much, Marty. I truly appreciate your time and the advice you shared. Your reminder that fashion is also a business really opened my eyes, and the resources you recommended mean a lot. I’m grateful for your support — thank you from the bottom of my heart.
ISHIMWE
Lindsey Flagg
Marketing Content Specialist
18
Answers
Crown Point, Indiana
Updated
Lindsey’s Answer
I recommend studying business, fashion, and marketing in some combination while attending school. For example, you could focus on a multi-disciplinary degree, or major in business with minors in fashion and marketing. There are different options depending on what you want to gain from your education and what your chosen institution offers. If you have an idea of where to go to university, you could talk to the admissions team or an advisor there and see what suggestions they have.
In the meantime, consider studying the areas you mentioned—business, branding, and marketing—online. Canva has some new courses that are excellent for learning visual marketing strategies and branding principles. You may also find some of Alison's free course and diploma offerings helpful; you can study marketing and business in a no-cost, risk-free environment. Studying entrepreneurship may also be of benefit to you.
I agree with Julie's answer; do not skip school if you already have plans to attend university. You will meet professors, fellow students, and others to network with who can give you inspiration and advice regarding your business. You may also be able to find flexible options that allow you to work on your business and study at the same time, such as part-time programs or online study.
Good luck in your business and university endeavors!
In the meantime, consider studying the areas you mentioned—business, branding, and marketing—online. Canva has some new courses that are excellent for learning visual marketing strategies and branding principles. You may also find some of Alison's free course and diploma offerings helpful; you can study marketing and business in a no-cost, risk-free environment. Studying entrepreneurship may also be of benefit to you.
I agree with Julie's answer; do not skip school if you already have plans to attend university. You will meet professors, fellow students, and others to network with who can give you inspiration and advice regarding your business. You may also be able to find flexible options that allow you to work on your business and study at the same time, such as part-time programs or online study.
Good luck in your business and university endeavors!
Thank you so much, Lindsey, for your detailed and thoughtful advice. I truly appreciate how you took the time to guide me with practical suggestions — especially about courses and learning platforms I can start with now. Your support means a lot to me, and your encouragement about combining fashion, business, and marketing really helped me see my path more clearly. From the bottom of my heart, thank you — and I hope I can continue learning from amazing professionals like you as I move forward.
ISHIMWE
robert heaton
Project manager
4
Answers
Metairie, Louisiana
Updated
robert’s Answer
I would honestly make a big buzz surrounding the idea almost teasing the concept.
This would create a market for your brand
With apparel you want a strong demand before you have a product
Think about it like making yourself and your brand a consumer target
This concept parallels targeting a consumer market
In my experience this strategy is more successful for unique products
Create the image of your brand
Promote the brand image
Get strong demand for the brand
Drop the product with high demand
Analyze how to tweak the brand to better fit the market demand
This would create a market for your brand
With apparel you want a strong demand before you have a product
Think about it like making yourself and your brand a consumer target
This concept parallels targeting a consumer market
In my experience this strategy is more successful for unique products
robert recommends the following next steps:
Laura Gomez Madrigal
Marketing
10
Answers
Heredia, Heredia Province, Costa Rica
Updated
Laura’s Answer
I see that you have very good knowledge and skill development. Networking is key to growth in any field, so I recommend you start a strong development there, looking for people who support you in growing professionally and teach you as mentors and, in another segment, people who help you grow your business, who recommend you or with whom you can initially make alliances while you are growing and making yourself known.
Let's remember that everything is by reference, when we look for something we generally ask acquaintances, we also search on the Internet, but it gives us more peace of mind to go with someone who has already been referred to me because it gives us more confidence, so networking is key.
Let's remember that everything is by reference, when we look for something we generally ask acquaintances, we also search on the Internet, but it gives us more peace of mind to go with someone who has already been referred to me because it gives us more confidence, so networking is key.
James Hernandez
Account Manager
20
Answers
Heredia, Heredia Province, Costa Rica
Updated
James’s Answer
I highly recommend this book: How to Start a Home-based Professional Organizing Business.
This book guides you through every step of creating and managing a successful home-based organizing business. It covers everything from figuring out start-up costs and attracting clients to staying profitable even when times are tough. Whether you're new to the idea of a home business or already skilled in organizing and want to be your own boss, this book will help you build a successful business. You'll find helpful charts and worksheets, like a checklist for start-up costs, a client intake form, an assessment visit agreement, a sample invoice, and a marketing plan worksheet.
This book guides you through every step of creating and managing a successful home-based organizing business. It covers everything from figuring out start-up costs and attracting clients to staying profitable even when times are tough. Whether you're new to the idea of a home business or already skilled in organizing and want to be your own boss, this book will help you build a successful business. You'll find helpful charts and worksheets, like a checklist for start-up costs, a client intake form, an assessment visit agreement, a sample invoice, and a marketing plan worksheet.
Asta DEKINIENĖ
Business dvelopment
2
Answers
Vilnius, Vilnius County, Lithuania
Updated
Asta’s Answer
Begin by setting a clear goal for what you want to achieve and when. Then, make a simple action plan with steps and a timeline to reach it. Stay disciplined and work on it every day. Learning about business and marketing is important and will help you grow your own business. Connect with fashion industry communities and build a network with key people who can teach you valuable insights.
M.S. Gumelar
Author I Digital Artist
10
Answers
Denpasar, Indonesia
Updated
M.S.’s Answer
True. Any successful business is fundamentally built on mastering marketing theory and practical business strategies. Attending university is not necessary—you should invest your money in launching your business instead. If you need to enhance your skills, consider taking courses and obtaining certifications rather than pursuing a university degree.
When you self-fund your business, it is referred to as the "bootstrap stage." If you require additional capital, you can seek funding from angel investors, such as family or friends—this is known as the "pre-seed stage." As your business grows and gains traction, you can pursue further funding at the seed stage.
Having skills in fashion and art is valuable and allows you to follow your passion in the industry. However, the most critical factors for sustaining and expanding your business are mastering marketing, branding, and business strategy. You're on the right path.
When you self-fund your business, it is referred to as the "bootstrap stage." If you require additional capital, you can seek funding from angel investors, such as family or friends—this is known as the "pre-seed stage." As your business grows and gains traction, you can pursue further funding at the seed stage.
Having skills in fashion and art is valuable and allows you to follow your passion in the industry. However, the most critical factors for sustaining and expanding your business are mastering marketing, branding, and business strategy. You're on the right path.
Thank you so much, M.S.Gumelar, for your honest and helpful advice. It gave me confidence and clarity about my next steps. I really appreciate your guidance, and I hope I can stay connected and continue learning from you in the future.
ISHIMWE