*Trying to be a Super Hero*

(Artwork by ComfortLove on Deviantart.com)

So when I started this blog, I was doing it as an informative step by step on starting a clothing/accessories line. Then the Creative Ambitions Night of Fashion was thrown at me, and I am attempting to seize the opportunity...

First I had planned on starting an accessory line and later a clothing line, but with the show, I am starting both a clothing line and an accessory line at once. My main focus right now is still on creating and making my accessory line successful. However, a lot has changed because of the show. The order of steps I had originally planned have been thrown all out of whack, but I guess that is how the industry, and life for that matter, goes. It has been a huge amount of work, I mean, I knew it was going to be, but DANG!! It has taken over every aspect of my life; I did expect it to do this, but I did believe that I would at least have time to breathe. HaHaHaaaaaa, I was wrong!

The Creative Ambitions show is in 35 days, and I wish I had at least 75 days! I still have so much to do!!! AAAAHHHHH!!!

Here is an updated plan on what I hope to accomplish in time for the show...

April 10- All garments completed, excluding a few zippers and closures

April 13- All zippers/closures completed

April 15- Logo designed, Business cards designed

April 16- Business cards ordered, Fictitious name filed online,Begin show accessories

April 19- Necessary legal documents applied for/ filed,

April 20- Etsy store completely ready to open

April 21- Website active, Facebook page active

April 28- Show jewelry/accessories completed excluding handbags

May 1- Etsy store open with very limited stock

May 4- Show handbags completed

May 3-6- Build stock for Etsy store, Last minute show details

May 7- CEATIVE AMBITIONS FASHION SHOW aka lose my mind & have a nervous breakdown

No personal calls or outings until after May 7!!! lol...seriously

(I do not claim ownership of the photo in this post)

Step by Step Plan: Draft 1

Alright Everybody,
Here is a list I made to simplify and break down the tasks in Chapter 2 of The Fashion Designer Survival Guide. Each tasks will eventually have to be broken down into smaller sections, but for now this will suffice. At least now the chapter seams far less mind-boggling! And that's always good!! lol

Chapter 2 Step by Step

1. Look for local classes provided by the Small Business Administration (SBA)
2. Write Rough Draft of Company Overview
3. Research my company's Market
4. Write Description of Target Customer
5. Write Draft of Sales Strategy
6. Research and list my Direct Competitors
7. Figure out and list my top three Indirect Competitors
8. Write Draft of Operations Plan
9. Complete First Draft of Business Plan
10. Check out Lawyers (for Setting up Business/Discussing Business Options)
11. Design Company Trademark
12. Talk to Small Business Owners about Starting my Business
13. Look into Bookkeeping and Accounting (Quick Books Pro?)
14. Talk to Lawyer
15. Financing Options

Note: This plan can and most likely will change, grow, and be updated at anytime, but of course I will post those changes so you guys can stay up to date about everything.

Chapter 2 is Killing Me!! :-)

Hey Hey Everybody!!

Read Chapter 2, and it kicked my butt! lol
This chapter detailed the basic first steps of starting a fashion line-- beginning with the business plan...

And the elements of the business plan are slightly overwhelming!! Gehlhar informs the reader on the Executive summary, Company Overview, Sales Plan, Operations, Financial Projections, lions, tigers, and bears... Oh my oh freaking my!! She adamantly insists that you write your company's business plan yourself because who better to make your company exactly what you dream it to be.

A section in the chapter informs the reader on deciding what type of company to set up, whether it be a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or variations of the three. Trademarking and choosing a perfect company name are briefly discussed, and hiring a business lawyer is greatly recommended. The chapter ends with a brief section informing the entrepreneur subjects including insurance, employees, hiring accountants etc.

The steps discussed in this chapter, I know, will be ridiculously difficult if I do not break them down into smaller tasks. So my goal for tonight is to break a few sections down and make a step by step list for myself. I will post it for here for everyone to see.