Finding Your Niche
Being a creative person it is very easy to come up with lots of ideas, but I have found that every idea does not have to be explored. Over time I have learned to fine tune my ideas according to where I choose to go.
One time I was showing my garments to a boutique that had an interest in buying. After going thru my collection she said “you need to find your niche.” Well I thought this is my niche!” At the time I had suits, dresses, and separates designed with an Afro centric flavor. At that time I was often moved by fabrics and whatever it called forward.
Now I zero in on who am I designing for and although I can design anything I have taken the time and energy to focus on bridal. As a result my wedding gowns are extraordinary (if I do say so myself) and bring attention to the rest of my work.
So ask yourself some questions;
- What do I design the best?
- Who wants to wear it?
- What do they expect?
- What will they pay for it?
- Do I have the resources for that type of pricing?
The answers to these four questions have to bring you to one conclusion. For example I design fantastic gowns. Women who are upscale and want a nontraditional gown will wear them. They expect gowns that are different, high quality and designer prices.
Pricing becomes an issue when you want to sell at a bargain or competitive price. Then you need to know where you will get low prices on fabrics and labor. Many designers produce overseas to get low prices. If this is the direction you are heading in then you have to have the marketing in place to sell them.
Take the time to think everything through before you act because it all has to work together. Put your plan in writing and discuss it with a professional at the SBA or find a mentor in the fashion industry.
What is a Fashion Designer?
Let’s begin with the very basics. What is a fashion designer? I want to start here because some people are confused and tend to mix three different fashion positions together. So let’s take some time and break it all down.
Webster’s dictionary definition;
Designer- 1- to sketch an outline for; plan
2 -contrive
3- to plan to do; intend- to make original plans etc.
4 -arrangement of parts, form, color- artistic invention
So your job as a designer is to come up with original ideas. You do not have to sew to be a designer. Yes I said it, no matter what you saw on” Project Runway” designers do not have to sew.
The problem with that show is they don’t tell you what happens to the designers after they win. So I am going to tell you the best case scenario.
They have won and stores want their clothing, people are calling them about the clothing and they have some money to put a business in progress. All that is very good, but if they are not able to act quickly and hire help, establish a solid business plan, and learn how to manage money wisely they will be out of business just as suddenly as they got in. It’s like people who win millions in the lottery and are homeless and broke within a year. If you don’t know how to manage money a million dollars will hurt you more than help you.
Their first priority should be to find professionals to sew for them. I don’t care how good a seamstress you are you put a ceiling on your level of success by trying to make the clothes yourself. Ask yourself this question how many items I can make in a week? Then ask how much money I would like to make in a week? Can that amount of garments get you the amount of money you need? Do the numbers add up? It wouldn’t for me, and if it does for you then maybe your expectations are too low.
Seamstress is a completely different position and you can find a good professional to execute your designs. You will also need a pattern maker to establish sizing and fit for your company.
Your efforts are best placed in becoming a good entrepreneur. No one can plan and manage your business better than you. You are the visionary and a leader for a great business if you take the time to learn how.
So let’s begin our journey together by stepping away from the sewing machine for a while and taking a look at where you want to go and how you can get there by creating a great business plan.