Hey Everyone!
Alright, it's been a few days since I posted so here is what has been going on...
Last Thursday I attended the Starting a Business Seminar with my local Small Business Development Center. The seminar was very informative and covered all the general areas of starting a business, including writing a business plan, taxes, types of business entities etc. Overall it was a bit overwhelming, so much stuff to learn and figure out!! Thankfully the center offers more specific seminars and one on one counseling. I'm definitely going to need help with trademarking and branding, as well as, taxation, permits, and the legal process. They did give a CD with more information on it; I have yet to go through it.
Tomorrow I will be meeting with Tim, my friend that is heading the fashion show, about some questions/issues I have with the way the show is heading. Apparently the benefactor has been changed, and I am not to happy with that. Originally Tim was very enthusiastic about raising money for the American Cancer Society due the effect cancer has had in his own personal life. However, now I believe that too much power has been given to others working on the show. I would really like the show to be in support of his original dream. So we'll see how the meeting goes tomorrow. Pray it goes well!
Lastly, I received a new serger as a gift. Yay!! I will be experimenting with it in the next few weeks, and it better work well!!! lol I am so excited to have it!
Other than that, I have just been working on show garments and commissioned pieces.
Have a fantastic weekend!
Workin' on Dreams!
Rehcy Row in 365 Days to Runway, the life, times, and a little nonsensical nonsense of an up and coming fashion designer
Showing posts with label small business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label small business. Show all posts
20 February 2010
11 February 2010
Another Work In Progress
Here's a peek at a garment I'm working on for the fashion show. It's been work, work, work, keeping up with my accessory line, clients, and working on garments for the show. I don't think I even know what sleep is anymore!
Also to remind you, today I will be attending the Starting a Business Seminar with my area's Small Business Development Center. It will be held at the University of West Florida Fort Walton campus. I'll inform everyone on how it goes.
30 January 2010
Meetings & Construction
Hey Hey!!
Been a few days since I last posted so it's about time to update everyone on what's been going on...
This past week I met with Jessica, the person who will be helping provide models for the fashion show, for the first time. She runs her own model promotion company. However, I did forget to get the name of the company. I will have to do that and let everyone know. The meeting was for me to give her a good description of the size and look I would like my models to be.
The rest of the week has been spent working on garments for the show. For a few days, I had to work through a headache, but all is well now!! No excuses!! lol I'll post some pictures of some of my progress.
Workin' on Dreams!
Been a few days since I last posted so it's about time to update everyone on what's been going on...
This past week I met with Jessica, the person who will be helping provide models for the fashion show, for the first time. She runs her own model promotion company. However, I did forget to get the name of the company. I will have to do that and let everyone know. The meeting was for me to give her a good description of the size and look I would like my models to be.
The rest of the week has been spent working on garments for the show. For a few days, I had to work through a headache, but all is well now!! No excuses!! lol I'll post some pictures of some of my progress.
Workin' on Dreams!
19 January 2010
First Consult
Hey Hey!!
Just wanted to inform you guys on my first consultation with the Small Business Administration.
The telephone interview is to let the entrepreneur learn what the SBA offers, where the start-up company currently stands, and where I see it going . The counselor started by telling me about their organization and gave me an overview on what services they offer. As far as I can tell, the administration offers a large range of services from one-on-one specific counseling to group seminars on certain areas of starting a business. My local SBA also has a resource library that is open to me to use during business hours. They recommended I attend their "Starting a Business" workshop (fee: $35.00), afterwards, which, they would schedule me for an in person interview with a counselor. This is their typical path, however, if I can not attend the workshop, they would go ahead and schedule the interview (fee: free). Since I am not sure I will be able to attend the coming workshop, I let them know I would register closer to time when I know for sure of my schedule. They also asked me questions about my business and what kind of information I thought I might need.
As the summary of the experience, I will inform you that all counseling is free, while seminars/workshops have moderate fees. These fees cover software and resources given to you to take home and use after the workshop. The interview was very informative, the counselor was very polite, and overall I am impressed with the services offered and the response time.
Working on Dreams,
Anna Maria
Just wanted to inform you guys on my first consultation with the Small Business Administration.
The telephone interview is to let the entrepreneur learn what the SBA offers, where the start-up company currently stands, and where I see it going . The counselor started by telling me about their organization and gave me an overview on what services they offer. As far as I can tell, the administration offers a large range of services from one-on-one specific counseling to group seminars on certain areas of starting a business. My local SBA also has a resource library that is open to me to use during business hours. They recommended I attend their "Starting a Business" workshop (fee: $35.00), afterwards, which, they would schedule me for an in person interview with a counselor. This is their typical path, however, if I can not attend the workshop, they would go ahead and schedule the interview (fee: free). Since I am not sure I will be able to attend the coming workshop, I let them know I would register closer to time when I know for sure of my schedule. They also asked me questions about my business and what kind of information I thought I might need.
As the summary of the experience, I will inform you that all counseling is free, while seminars/workshops have moderate fees. These fees cover software and resources given to you to take home and use after the workshop. The interview was very informative, the counselor was very polite, and overall I am impressed with the services offered and the response time.
Working on Dreams,
Anna Maria
18 January 2010
First Sketches
Hey Hey!
Here's the first idea sketches for the fashion show. These are rough drafts; I may post more detailed sketches for each garment as I go along.
Questions & comments welcome! Let me hear it!!!
Workin' on Dreams!!!!!!!!
12 January 2010
Fashion Show
Hey Hey,
First off today, the SBA called me today, but I missed the call. Wow, they contacted me a lot quicker than I expected! I returned the call, and left a message on the woman's answering machine that contacted me. Hopefully, I'll be able to speak with someone tomorrow.
Now for some exciting news... I will be showing a clothing collection along with my accessories in a fashion show for the benefit of the American Cancer Society on 7 May 2010!! A friend of mine, Tim, is putting on this show in honor of his late mother. This is going to be a whole lot of work!! Exciting though!!
Tim and I met today to go over some paperwork and deadlines for the show. I signed a contract stating that in the event that I do not meet the deadlines/requirements I would not be allowed to participate. Better get on it!! lol This will be the first show I've done since college. Have to say I'm a bit nervous!! :-P
I'll keep you guys up to date on the goings on in preparation for the show.
Exciting, exciting!!!
First off today, the SBA called me today, but I missed the call. Wow, they contacted me a lot quicker than I expected! I returned the call, and left a message on the woman's answering machine that contacted me. Hopefully, I'll be able to speak with someone tomorrow.
Now for some exciting news... I will be showing a clothing collection along with my accessories in a fashion show for the benefit of the American Cancer Society on 7 May 2010!! A friend of mine, Tim, is putting on this show in honor of his late mother. This is going to be a whole lot of work!! Exciting though!!
Tim and I met today to go over some paperwork and deadlines for the show. I signed a contract stating that in the event that I do not meet the deadlines/requirements I would not be allowed to participate. Better get on it!! lol This will be the first show I've done since college. Have to say I'm a bit nervous!! :-P
I'll keep you guys up to date on the goings on in preparation for the show.
Exciting, exciting!!!
11 January 2010
First Step
Hey Everybody!
Just wanted to let everyone know that I completed Step 1 on the list for Chapter 2. The local Small Business Administration (SBA) offers free counseling to those wanting to start their own company. This must be signed up for online, and then the SBA will contact you. I'll let you know when they do, and how it goes.
SBA offers seminars/classes a few times a month on different areas of starting a business. The seminars I looked at cost $35.00. Next month I plan on attending at least one. So I'll post all the information about it.
Yes, this part of starting an apparel company is boring, but you were warned! lol
Don't worry, I may have a little bit more exciting news involving a fashion show to post soon...
Working on Dreams,
Anna Maria
Just wanted to let everyone know that I completed Step 1 on the list for Chapter 2. The local Small Business Administration (SBA) offers free counseling to those wanting to start their own company. This must be signed up for online, and then the SBA will contact you. I'll let you know when they do, and how it goes.
SBA offers seminars/classes a few times a month on different areas of starting a business. The seminars I looked at cost $35.00. Next month I plan on attending at least one. So I'll post all the information about it.
Yes, this part of starting an apparel company is boring, but you were warned! lol
Don't worry, I may have a little bit more exciting news involving a fashion show to post soon...
Working on Dreams,
Anna Maria
07 January 2010
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.
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.
31 December 2009
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.
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.
23 December 2009
First Chapter
Hey Hey!!
The informative first chapter of The Fashion Designer Survival Guide included several aspects and facts that persons thinking of beginning their own fashion line should know. Some of these facts include horror (HaHa) stories and statistics on how likely a new fashion company is to fail. Such as the Small Business Association statistic that at least 50% of new business fall out within their first year! Scary!!
Readers are let in on a little of what to expect when running your own fashion company-- how much money to expect to spend, how much time the designer will have to work, business sometimes is untrustworthy etc. Let's the reader know the truth about the industry, rather than filling our heads with glitter and glam.
Before reading, I was not truly aware of how important utilizing connections and keeping open relationships are to the success of a new line. Even if someone aproaches you with an offer you can not or do not want to use at the moment stay friendly and on good terms with them-- you may want to take them up on their offer sometime in the future. No bridge burning!! lol
This first chapter taught me several useful tips. Thanks Gehlhar!
Working on Dreams,
AM
The informative first chapter of The Fashion Designer Survival Guide included several aspects and facts that persons thinking of beginning their own fashion line should know. Some of these facts include horror (HaHa) stories and statistics on how likely a new fashion company is to fail. Such as the Small Business Association statistic that at least 50% of new business fall out within their first year! Scary!!
Readers are let in on a little of what to expect when running your own fashion company-- how much money to expect to spend, how much time the designer will have to work, business sometimes is untrustworthy etc. Let's the reader know the truth about the industry, rather than filling our heads with glitter and glam.
Before reading, I was not truly aware of how important utilizing connections and keeping open relationships are to the success of a new line. Even if someone aproaches you with an offer you can not or do not want to use at the moment stay friendly and on good terms with them-- you may want to take them up on their offer sometime in the future. No bridge burning!! lol
This first chapter taught me several useful tips. Thanks Gehlhar!
Working on Dreams,
AM
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