The Fashion Startup

Ready to start your fashion brand? Grab my free ⁠⁠Fashion Brand Launch Blueprint⁠⁠ to see the proven steps to get started. In this episode of The Fashion Startup, I’m joined by Barbara Chowaniec, founder of Fosho Petite, a Dublin-based womenswear brand creating timeless, perfectly proportioned pieces for women 145–155 cm tall. Barbara shares the real side of starting a fashion brand from scratch – the challenges, breakthroughs, and mindset shifts that helped her go from idea to launch in just twelve months. We talk about how she spotted a gap in the market for elegant petite clothing, what it’s like to transition from a full-time job to becoming your own boss, and why mentorship and self-discipline are key to a smooth journey. What you’ll learn: How Barbara turned a frustration into a fashion business Why self-discipline was the hardest part of being your own boss How mentorship simplified her startup journey massively What to expect from the first year of brand building Why your first launch doesn’t have to be perfect Chapters 00:00 – Introduction01:27 – Meet Barbara04:10 – Finding a Gap in the Market06:29 – The Lightbulb Moment09:17 – From Idea to Action11:35 – Becoming Your Own Boss13:30 – The Power of Mentorship18:35 – Building a Brand in a Year22:45 – The Launch Mindset27:38 – Barbara’s Top 3 Tips for New Founders34:09 – Where to Find Fosho Petite Links mentioned: Fosho Petite: foshopetite.com Instagram: @foshopetite TikTok: @foshopetite About Fosho Petite: Fosho Petite is a Dublin-based womenswear brand founded by Barbara Chowaniec. Designed specifically for women 145–155 cm tall, Fosho Petite creates timeless, elegant pieces that celebrate proportion, comfort, and confidence – with no compromises. About The Fashion Startup: The Fashion Startup is the go-to podcast for first-time founders who want the courage and know-how to start their own fashion brand. Hosted by Michelle Ramsay, The Fashion Expert®, designer and mentor to hundreds of startup founders. Subscribe & review: Follow The Fashion Startup on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and leave a review to help more future founders discover the show.

Ready to start your fashion brand? Grab my free ⁠Fashion Brand Launch Blueprint⁠ to see the proven steps to get started. September is the perfect reset for fashion entrepreneurs. In this episode, I explore why this month feels like a fresh start in the fashion industry and how first-time founders can harness the momentum. From overcoming self-doubt to setting clear, realistic goals, I’ll walk you through a framework to plan the next four months and keep your fashion brand launch on track. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why September is the “new year” of fashion entrepreneurship How to align your fashion brand with the industry’s natural rhythm The mindset shifts to overcome barriers and get started Practical tips for goal setting and planning your next steps 00:00 Embracing the September Reset 03:40 Aligning with the Fashion Industry's Rhythm 07:50 Reflecting and Planning for Success 12:35 Dreaming Big: Setting Future Goals 15:26 Taking Action Now Whether you’re in the early stages of your fashion startup or looking for a motivational boost, this episode will help you reignite your spark and move forward with confidence. Ready to start your journey? Grab my free Fashion Brand Launch Blueprint to see the proven steps to get started. Or you can book a free and friendly chat with me to see how I can help you launch your brand by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠clicking here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast to be notified of new episodes and give it a 5-star rating and review to help me see which content you love. See you in the front row! Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert® ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thefashionexpert.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the fashion startup I’m joined by empowerment lifecoach Raquel Braganza to talk all things mindset and what's holding you back as a fashion founder. We cover so much inspiring content such as the inner critical voice, saying yes to your dreams, waiting for that "right" time to start and overcoming fear to embrace something new. Raquel also has a special gift for you so make sure to liten to the end. You can find out more about Raquel here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠I⁠NSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠LINKEDIN⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ If you're considering launching a clothing line and you're not sure where to start you can download my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠free launch plan for fashion startups here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ It's the blueprint I use with my clients and it covers all the stages involved from idea to launch. Or you can book a free and friendly chat with me to see how I can help you launch your brand by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠clicking here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast to be notified of new episodes and give it a 5-star rating and review. See you in the front row! Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert® ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thefashionexpert.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the fashion startup I’m joined by branding experts Scott and Shona Watson from creative agency The Ideas Club. A Glasgow based agency helping bring creative ideas to life. The duo share some gold on choosing a brand name, how a brand identity is more than just. logo and some of the startup mistakes to avoid. You can find out more about The Ideas Club here: ⁠⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠I⁠NSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LINKEDIN⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ If you're considering launching a clothing line and you're not sure where to start you can download my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠free launch plan for fashion startups here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ It's the blueprint I use with my clients and it covers all the stages involved from idea to launch. Or you can book a free and friendly chat with me to see how I can help you launch your brand by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠clicking here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast to be notified of new episodes and give it a 5-star rating and review. See you in the front row! Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert® ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thefashionexpert.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the fashion startup I’m joined by retail and whoesale expert Therese Oertenblad of Small Business Collaborative who works with purpose-led, product-based business owners who want to grow their wholesale and create consistent income. Therese shares her wisdom and advice for fashion startups who want to explore the world of wholesale and we chat about how to get started and what important things to consider. You can find out more about Small Business Collaborative here: ⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠ ⁠ ⁠I⁠NSTAGRAM⁠⁠ ⁠⁠LINKEDIN⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠ If you're considering launching a clothing line and you're not sure where to start you can download my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠free launch plan for fashion startups here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ It's the blueprint I use with my clients and it covers all the stages involved from idea to launch. Or you can book a free and friendly chat with me to see how I can help you launch your brand by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠clicking here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast to be notified of new episodes and give it a 5-star rating and review. See you in the front row! Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert® ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thefashionexpert.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the fashion startup I’m joined by founders of Sorsa menswear Sarah Jane and John who share what it’s been like for them creating their debut collection. Having just recently launched, the duo share their struggles in the beginning, the key to unlocking those, navigating the design and manufacture process and their top tips for first time founders. You can find out more about Sorsa Menswear here: ⁠WEBSITE ⁠ ⁠INSTAGRAM⁠ ⁠TIKTOK FACEBOOK If you're considering launching a clothing line and you're not sure where to start you can download my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠free launch plan for fashion startups here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ It's the blueprint I use with my clients and it covers all the stages involved from idea to launch. Or you can book a free and friendly chat with me to see how I can help you launch your brand by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠clicking here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast to be notified of new episodes and give it a 5-star rating and review. See you in the front row! Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert® ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thefashionexpert.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of The Fashion Startup I’m joined by founder Loredana Buta who has recently launched the luxury resortwear collection Lore Buta. Loredana shares her unique approach to her brand and business model, overcoming imposter syndrome as a new founder, being transparent with your collection and tips to minimising the overwhelm of starting a clothing line. You can find out more about Lore Buta here: WEBSITE INSTAGRAM PINTEREST If you're considering launching a clothing line and you're not sure where to start you can download my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠free launch plan for fashion startups here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ It's the blueprint I use with my clients and it covers all the stages involved from idea to launch. Or you can book a free and friendly chat with me to see how I can help you launch your brand by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠clicking here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast to be notified of new episodes and give it a 5-star rating and review. See you in the front row! Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert® ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thefashionexpert.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of The Fashion Startup I’m chatting with Ethical Production Consultant Sara Collins. We chat about what sustainability and ethical production look like to a fashion founder, some of the challenges including these practices presents to a startup and Sara shares some great tips for those just starting to launch a clothing brand. We delve into how to have difficult conversations, what we should be looking for when sourcing ethically and why a sourcing trip, like Sara's upcoming trip to India could be your best investment. With 10 years of experience developing and manufacturing products ethically, Sara is now on a mission to help independent brands feel confident in their own ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices. You can find out more about Sara below Website Instagram ⁠ LinkedIn India Trip If you're considering launching a clothing line and you're not sure where to start you can download my ⁠⁠⁠⁠free launch plan for fashion startups here⁠⁠⁠⁠ It's the blueprint I use with my clients and it covers all the stages involved from idea to launch. Or you can book a free and friendly chat with me to see how I can help you launch your brand by ⁠⁠⁠⁠clicking here⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast to be notified of new episodes and give it a 5-star rating and review. See you in the front row! Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert® ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thefashionexpert.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of The Fashion Startup I’m chatting with client Suzanne Gill of women’s luxury brand Vine & Moor. Suzanne is a renowned Miller who set out to create a brand of exquisitely tailored clothing that has been manufactured to the highest quality in the United Kingdom. An elegant collection that embraces each woman’s individuality and passion. Suzanne shares her start up journey and we focus on key pieces of advice such as why it’s ok to take a break and finding your confidence when first starting out. You can find out more about Vine & Moor below  Links to: • website vineandmoor.co.uk • Facebook Vine & Moor. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553521640827 • Instagram @vine&moor If you're considering starting a clothing line and you're not sure where to start you can download a ⁠⁠⁠free launch plan for fashion startups here⁠⁠⁠ Or you can book a free and friendly chat with me to see how I can help you launch your brand by ⁠⁠⁠clicking here⁠⁠⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast to be notified of new episodes and give it a 5-star rating and review. See you in the front row! Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert® ⁠⁠⁠www.thefashionexpert.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode I'm sharing what's really holding you back from starting a fashion brand and giving you some top tips on how to move forward so you can really get started. If you're considering starting a clothing line and you're not sure where to start you can download a ⁠⁠free launch plan for fashion startups here⁠⁠ Or you can book a free and friendly chat with me to see how I can help you launch your brand by ⁠⁠clicking here⁠⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast to be notified of new episodes and give it a 5-star rating and review. See you in the front row! Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert® ⁠⁠www.thefashionexpert.com⁠⁠

Helen Clawson has a truly inspirational story surrounding her startup brand, trading her life as a former police officer to now the award-winning founder of Adaptive Clothing UK. Discover the road she took to get there and the highs and lows of starting a fashion brand in this episode where Helen gives some valuable advice to anyone thinking about launching their own collection. Helen shares her insights into what it has really been like for her from idea to finished product and speaks with passion about why she decided to go after her dream.   More about Adaptive Clothing UK Specialising in baby and childrenswear, Adaptive Clothing UK create fun and colourful sensory and accessible clothing that their customers love to wear. Links: Website https://adaptiveclothing.uk/  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/adaptiveclothinguk/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/adaptiveclothinguk And if you're considering starting a clothing line and you're not sure where to start you can download a ⁠free launch plan for fashion startups here⁠ Or you can book a free and friendly chat with me to see how I can help you launch your brand by ⁠clicking here⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast to be notified of new episodes and give it a 5-star rating and review. See you in the front row! Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert® ⁠www.thefashionexpert.com⁠

All fashion brands start out with a website, but using it effectively can be a challenge. In this episode of The Fashion Startup Show I'm joined by Elle Williamson of The Ecommerce Assistant who shares valuable tips on creating more sales online through your website and email marketing. Elle helps small business owners to create successful online stores by teaching them how to use Shopify + Klaviyo. We chat about why Klaviyo and shopify are so great for startup brands, mistakes brand owners make with their websites and email marketing, how the two are intrinsically linked and Elle shares some amazing tips and insights into how to make more sales online.   More about Elle - The Ecommerce Assistant With a mixture of training, courses and done-for-you projects, Elle gives founders and solopreneurs the knowledge and power to put their own stamp on their website + emails and take them to the next level. Elle's always strives to make ecommerce easy by breaking down what might seem overly complicated or confusing, into easy-to-understand actionable guidance. Links: Website https://www.theecommerceassistant.com/   Klaviyo course waitlist https://www.theecommerceassistant.com/pages/kickstart-your-klaviyo Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theecommerceassistant/   And if you're considering starting a clothing line and you're not sure where to start you can download a free launch plan for fashion startups here Or you can book a free and friendly chat with me to see how I can help you launch your brand by clicking here Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast to be notified of new episodes and give it a 5-star rating and review. See you in the front row! Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert® www.thefashionexpert.com

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear when startups are launching a brand is that marketing starts once you have a finished product. It seems that many business owners believe customers are going to magically appear knocking down their door or storming their website to buy their collection once they have that product in stock. In reality without marketing the opposite is often true which can be hugely detrimental to sales, numbers and revenue. Marketing your brand can be a daunting prospect, one which can feel shrouded in mystery and fuelled by the fear of spending all of your cash on plans that just don’t work. On this episode of the Fashion Startup Show online retail expert Loren Nally from The Retail Marketing Academy shares advice on how to start marketing pre-launch as well as some great insight into where to spend your budget, marketing strategies that actually work and how to keep your customers coming back for more. You can find links to Loren's business below: Website https://www.retailmarketingacademy.co.uk Instagram https://www.instagram.com/retail_marketing_academy/ Facebook Free Group (full of free training) https://www.facebook.com/groups/onlineretailmarketingmastery And if you're considering starting a clothing line and you're not sure where to start you can download a free launch plan for fashion startups here Or you can book a free and friendly chat with me to see how I can help you launch your brand by clicking here Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast to be notified of new episodes and give it a 5-star rating and review. Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert® www.thefashionexpert.com

When a fashion startup creates a product because they have identified a gap in the market, I know the brand will succeed. And that's exactly what happened with Nixi Body underwear. In this episode, founder Kelly Newton chats frankly about the highs and lows of her start-up journey, and shares fabulous advice for anyone thinking about launching a fashion brand. You can find out more about Nixi Body below: http://https://www.nixibody.com/ http://https://www.instagram.com/nixibody/ http://https://www.facebook.com/bp3underwear https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellynewton007/ If you're considering starting a clothing line and you're not sure where to start you can download a free launch plan for fashion startups here You can also book a free chat to see how I can help you get started here Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast to be notified of new episodes and give it a 5-star rating and review. Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert® www.thefashionexpert.com

Copywriting and PR can help make or break your fashion brand but is often an area surrounded by mystery for those just starting out. In this episode, I'm joined by Molly Gould founder of copywriting and PR agency Effable. Molly shares a ton of value, gives us an overview of how copywriting can help your business and reveals the top mistakes fashion brands make and how to avoid them. You can find out more about Molly's services below: http://www.itiseffable.com/ http://instagram.com/itiseffable http://facebook.com/itiseffable And if you're considering starting a clothing line and you're not sure where to start you can download a free launch plan for fashion startups here Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast to be notified of new episodes and give it a 5-star rating and review. Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert® www.thefashionexpert.com

What better way to find out what it's like to launch a childrenswear brand than to hear from someone who has successfully launched. In this episode, I chat with the founder of Bibevie, Rhian Thompson about her journey launching her innovative and sustainable brand. We discuss the highs and lows the best bits and some of the struggles as well as navigating manufacturing, sourcing and sustainability too. Rhian also shares her top piece of advice for those fashion-preneurs who are thinking about getting started. You can find out more about Bibevie below: https://www.bibevie.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bibevie/ https://www.facebook.com/bibevie And if you're considering starting a clothing line and you're not sure where to start you can download a free launch plan for fashion startups here  Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert® www.thefashionexpert.com

If you're thinking of launching a fashion brand then this brand new podcast is going to help you get there. In this episode, you'll find out more about me your host Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert® and hear about what you can expect in this series. There is so much goodness in store for you from real-life fashion startup stories to guest expert tips and industry advice. I really want to inspire you to launch that idea and hope the podcast will provide some motivation and education to help you see this is within your grasp. You can connect with me on socials @thefashionexpertuk and let me know what you think. Don't forget to subscribe to be kept up to date with each new episode.