Fashion retail is big business in the US, with statistics showing a 21 percent revenue growth in 2020–21 alone. The growth trend is expected to continue because Americans have endless love for dressing well.
Entrepreneurs have good reasons to dive in and capitalize on the fashion boom, but there’s a catch. There are 26,541 fashion design businesses in the US as of 2024, which spells stiff competition for startups.
Beyond the cut-throat competition, challenges like inflation and shifting consumer patterns may stand in the way of running a successful business. The good news is that you can start small without massive funding. A lean startup approach can help you overcome potential hindrances and build a successful venture from there.
Solopreneurship is the best bet when it comes to launching a fashion label. The numbers look good as research shows that solopreneurs own and run 80 percent of the 24 million small businesses in the country. Being on your own translates into flexibility to scale at your pace and use your resources frugally.
Are you looking to take over the market with a winning fashion label? Here are a few frugal tips to embrace as a solopreneur:
Consider the Expenses of Launching a Fashion Label
As of 2022, the US had the largest apparel market in the world. Being a part of the thriving industry means serious investment, which may sound challenging to a solopreneur.
But listing your expenses gives you a good start when it comes to taking a frugal approach. The primary costs of launching a fashion label include production costs, operating costs, shipping and logistical costs, marketing and promotional expenses, retail expenses, and tech spending (if you start e-commerce selling).
Include these costs in your startup plan and hunt for opportunities to cut them as much as possible. For example, you can use clothing stamps instead of sew-in labels to reduce time and labor costs for your end products. Learn more about clothing stamps here to understand the ease and economy of a stamp-and-go process. Your products will be ready for the market sooner without extra effort and expertise.
According to Rubber Stamp Champ, custom stamps make a great option for branding and labeling apparel. Business owners can easily customize them by sharing their brand logo with the provider, making the process smooth, cost-effective, and hassle-free. It’s a great way to claim ownership of products.
Invest in Yourself
Investing in yourself is the best approach if you want to launch a fashion brand without spending big. Not everyone is born with a penchant for design, but education and training can make a difference. You can enroll in a formal program to study fashion design and gain hands-on experience in the industry before getting into the solopreneurship zone.
Follow the latest trends and replicate them in your designs. Master the craft with ongoing learning. The more you practice, the better designs you create. Learning the skill makes you self-sustainable as a startup owner, so you can start small without hiring a design team. Of course, you can bring professionals on board later, but the initial saving can be the best way to sustain.
Start From Home and Sell Online
Nothing gets better than running a business from home when you are short of funds. The model is ideal for fashion solopreneurs starting small. You can use a spare room or garage space to set up a small production unit. There is always an option to rent a larger space once your business and product lines grow down the road. But the initial saving on rent can fuel your startup.
Another savvy tip for frugal fashion solopreneurs is to join the e-commerce fashion bandwagon. Selling online can save you tons of money on retail rentals and promotions. You can invest in an e-commerce website for your brand or even sell on an online marketplace if you don’t have funds for developing and managing a website.
The best thing about selling online is that you can spread the word without a big advertising budget. Leverage social media and seek online reviews from happy customers. That’s enough to give your startup a great launch.
Wrapping Up
Launching your fashion label as a solopreneur can be a breeze, provided you are frugal and forward-thinking. You can start with a small investment and use your home as your design studio. Investing in yourself gives you an edge. Most importantly, watch your costs and find creative ways to save wherever possible. You will well be on the way to success with these simple ideas.