The difference between dreamers and doers is that one puts their plans into action while the other procrastinates.
Imagine if the world had more dreamers than doers. It would be a boring place. Whether you’re toying with an idea or ready to take a giant leap, it’s in our nature to hesitate before jumping into the unknown.
Those who paved the way and smoothed the surface are a testament to how dreams become reality. Coco Chanel grew up in an orphanage where she learned how to sew. Today her influence radiates far and wide.
The fashion industry is littered with similar stories. Inspiring, encouraging, and uplifting, many of these individuals built their empires from nothing. Need that extra nudge to start your fashion business? Then read further…
Kevin Plank
The Under Armor CEO started his fitness apparel company in 1996 with all the cash he saved ($20,000). He accumulated $40,000 in credit card debt to fund his vision.
Working from his grandmother’s basement in Washington D.C., Plank developed a prototype for a moisture-wicking T-shirt for athletes.
He traveled the East Coast selling his product out of the trunk of his car. Remember, this was the 1990s. The internet was still in its infancy; online shopping was virtually non-existent.
Now a premium brand, the business has seen its fair share of ups and downs. The pandemic put immense stress on the company, resulting in Plant taking over as CEO after Stephanie Linnartz held the position for only a year.
The Power of eCommerce
Thankfully, you don’t have to pander your wear to strangers on the side of the road. Statista claims domestic online retailers are dominating the growing eCommerce market in the U.S. By 2029, online shopping is forecast to generate $1.8 trillion.
Fledgling fashion businesses tend to move online instead of spending limited funding on a physical store. Developing your first online store can take less than a day with the help of an AI website builder.
With little to no fuss, you have incredible AI tools at your disposal. The range includes an AI logo generator, an AI image editor, and an AI website content generator.
Hocoos says the comprehensive suite of AI features ensures a professional AI-designed business website in minutes. Not only do you have access to the website creation tools but also a customer support team and a free custom domain name.
Vera Wang
Vera Wang found fame later in life. At age 40 she left her job at Ralph Lauren designing accessories for the fashion label.
Unable to find a dress for her wedding, Wang designed her gown and opened a couture bridal gown store in New York. But it wasn’t plain sailing.
When asked by Harvard Business Review why she opened her store at 40, she said she didn’t think she was equipped to run a business.
Upon her departure from Ralph Lauren, many doors that opened for her were suddenly shut. Wang became a small fish swimming in a big pond with little resources.
However, she persevered. Today, her brand has evolved to include ready-to-wear lines, fragrances, and more affordable items under her Simply Vera range.
Vivienne Westwood
It’s hard to believe that the Queen of Punk fashion was a primary school teacher before founding her company.
Westwood sold handmade jewelry in London’s Portobello Road while teaching grade school. Intrigued by acts of rebellion, she started designing and creating Teddy Boy clothes for her partner Malcolm McLaren.
According to her official website, she and McLaren opened a small clothing boutique, Let it Rock, in Chelsea in 1971. A year later they diversified and expanded into biker designs, leather, and provocative printed slogans.
Using her designs to fight against the system, Westwood became a household name in the U.K. and beyond. Denouncing corruption and dictatorship, the designer was a fierce anti-supporter of fascism and remains fastidious in all her projects.
The Bottom Line
As you’ve noticed, the road to entrepreneurial success isn’t easy. Even Vera Wang admitted she wasn’t ready to take the plunge in her 30s.
However, a solid business plan, marketing strategy, and an AI-designed business website are good starting points. Do your research and find out from other small business owners what their focus points are.
Kevin Plank started Under Armor from the trunk of his car. Vera Wang went from working for a respected fashion house to putting it all on the line for her bridal couture brand. Vivienne Westwood was a primary school teacher selling trinkets on Portabello Road.
Nothing comes without risks if there’s anything to be learned about their stories. But if you don’t try, how would you know if it fails or succeeds?
