In this episode, Rachel is touching on the underestimated challenge of naming your apparel products—and why getting it wrong can cost you time, clarity, and customer trust. Drawing from her corporate experience (including a years-long product renaming project), Rachel shares how naming impacts everything from marketing to scalability, and why founders need to set up a thoughtful naming structure from day one.

You’ll learn why descriptive names matter, how to avoid bottlenecking expanding your product line, and creative approaches (like using personal names or themes) to stand out while staying clear. Plus, Rachel offers practical advice for startup brands to build a naming system that grows with them—so you won’t get stuck redoing your entire product catalog later.

- Why product naming is more complicated than it looks

- Lessons from a corporate renaming nightmare

- How naming affects marketing, product expansion, and customer understanding

- Tips to avoid common naming mistakes as a new apparel brand

Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion-Dollar Apparel Brands FREE Course here!

Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course

To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn.

To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.

In this episode, Rachel is going deep into the hidden challenges facing apparel brand CEOs—and the critical mistakes that can sabotage even the most promising businesses. Drawing from years of firsthand experience at Unmarked Street and working with dozens of clients, Rachel shares real stories (with names changed) of three distinct CEO types: the over-scaler, the financially unstable, and the relentless micromanager.

You’ll learn what red flags to watch for in your own leadership style, how scaling too fast, neglecting finances, or holding on too tightly can derail your brand—and most importantly, how to step fully into the CEO role you were meant for. Whether you’re an emerging designer or an established founder, this episode is a hard dose of reality, but so needed to keep your business sustainable, profitable, and growing.

- How scaling too fast confuses customers and crushes cash flow.

- Why financial management is THE make-or-break for apparel brands.

- The high cost of micromanagement and employee turnover.

- How to step back and empower your expert team.

Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion-Dollar Apparel Brands FREE Course here!

Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course

To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn.

To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.

In this episode, Rachel breaks down everything you need to know about sourcing an apparel manufacturer and choosing the right factory partner. We go into the key differences between FOB, X-Works, and CMT production models—and why understanding these terms is critical to your brand’s success. If you're still unclear on MOQs (minimum order quantities) and MCQs (minimum color quantities), be sure to catch last week's episode for a full explanation here: https://youtu.be/z7d7_kjmWxE.

We also talk about sustainability certifications like Bluesign and Oeko-Tex, how to assess factory conditions (hint: check out those floors), and why clear communication with your vendors can make or break your production process. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve existing supplier relationships, this episode gives you actionable steps to build strong, lasting partnerships. Plus, learn why visiting your factory in person can reveal the real story behind their practices.

- FOB vs. X-Works vs. CMT pricing models.

- Sustainability certifications, specifically Bluesign & Oeko-Tex.

- The importance of building strong factory & supplier relationships.

- What to look for on a factory visit and why a clean floor says more than you think.

Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion-Dollar Apparel Brands FREE Course here!

Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course

To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn.

To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.

In this episode, Rachel is addressing the subject of Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) and how they can make or break your apparel brand. As one of the most asked-about (and most misunderstood) topics in the industry, Rachel goes over how MOQs impact your production, budget, and growth strategy.

Rachel breaks down exactly what an MOQ is, why it exists, and how to use this number to your advantage when negotiating with manufacturers. She also explores minimum color quantities (MCQs), the connection between MOQs and fabric suppliers, and how to forecast production costs with real-life examples. Plus, you'll learn how to avoid common pitfalls that can cost you thousands. This episode is not to be missed!

-What MOQs (and MCQs) are and what they really mean for your apparel business.

-How to ask manufacturers the right questions during the sourcing process.

-Why MOQ's impact your profit margin, quality control, and scalability.

-How to forecast production needs and negotiate effectively

-Tips for choosing a factory that can grow with your brand!

Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion-Dollar Apparel Brands FREE Course here!

Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course

To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn.

To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.

In this episode, Rachel strips it all down and gets real about what it actually takes to start an apparel brand. If you've ever typed "how to start a clothing line" into Google or YouTube, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for. Rachel breaks down the pros and cons of drop shipping, and what sets a real apparel brand apart — especially when your goal is long-term success and not just selling tees with a trendy logo. She explains why drop shipping might be a good learning tool, but also why so many founders choose to go deeper by designing bespoke garments that make a real impact in the fashion space.

From understanding your startup budget to writing your business plan and claiming your brand name online, Rachel walks you through every key step. She also shares industry insights on topics like target costing, production timelines, and why it’s smarter to launch with just one standout product instead of a dozen at a time. If you're dreaming of building a brand that lasts, this episode is packed with the exact strategies, frameworks, and encouragement you need to move from idea to execution.

-What is drop shipping? Pros and cons.

-If you want to create custom, bespoke pieces, hear why you're in the right place!

-First step: find a community and start building those relationships.

-Start small...all the big brands do it.

Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion-Dollar Apparel Brands FREE Course here!

Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course

To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn.

To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.

In today's episode, Rachel sits down with legal expert, Tamany Vinson Bentz about intellectual property in fashion and apparel. There have been a ton of questions regarding the critical role patents, trademarks, and trade dress play in safeguarding and enhancing brand identity and today, those questions are getting answered. We get into the subtle nuances of patents, including how to discern if an idea is patentable and whether a utility or design patent is the best fit. With examples from major corporate brands, we tackle the challenges of defending patents against slight modifications and explore when alternative forms of intellectual property might be more advantageous.

Trademark and trade dress become our focal points as we discuss their power in forging a recognizable brand identity. We also cover the role of copyrights in protecting creative works. Apparel and fashion entrepreneurs will find valuable insights in our conversation about the cost, timing, and strategic benefits of securing trademarks and patents. Emphasizing the necessity of expert legal guidance, this episode acts as a guide to help designers navigate the competitive landscape of the fashion industry, ensuring their creative expressions remain protected and their brands stand out. to discover more!

-Patents aren't always the right fit. Hear why.

-The 2 types of patents and a breakdown of alternative legal protections available.

-What the process of obtaining a trademark really looks like.

-Actual costs associated with filing for legal protections.

Connect with Tamany:

Website: https://www.caiplawyer.com

TikTok: @tamanyvinsonbentz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamanyvinsonbentz/

Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion-Dollar Apparel Brands FREE Course here!

Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course

To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn.

To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.

In this episode, Rachel offers a backstage pass into the world of fashion photography, revealing the realities of what to expect, but also how to prepare to have a successful photoshoot for your own brand. Learn how tools like shot lists can help you be more efficient and ensure you capture every necessary image. As the industry shifts towards digital advancements, Rachel throws out the exciting potential of AI and 3D renderings as sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to traditional methods.

The spotlight shifts to the crucial team roles during a photo shoot, emphasizing the stylist's impact and the magic of hair and makeup in aligning with brand visions. Let's not forget your role of empowering everyone on set so the vision and the why remains clear for everyone involved.

-Why a detailed shot list is essential in a successful photoshoot.

-AI is changing the game - can you omit a photoshoot altogether?

-Who should be at the photoshoot?

-Photoshoots are FUN. It's your job to cultivate the energy and maintain the vision.

Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion-Dollar Apparel Brands FREE Course here!

Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course

To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn.

To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.

In today's episode, Rachel is comparing a trend vs. innovation-based business in the apparel industry and helping you decide which is right for you. She goes through the process of how high-end runway styles trickle down into ready-to-wear collections. Rachel even recommends a resource like WGSN that are essential for trend forecasting and planning. Rachel also talks about navigating the apparel industry's patent process presents unique challenges, particularly for innovations-based products. We're weighing the benefits and costs of patenting, and learning the importance of understanding consumer needs before investing in development.

We'll finally explore the advantages of starting as a trends-based business to quickly establish a customer base and how integrating innovative products can strengthen your lineup. Whichever you decide is the right path for you, our community here at The Business of Apparel and Unmarked Street is here to support you.

-Worries fall away when you put the right processes in place.

-How trends are decided in the fashion industry.

-Hold on to the key pieces in your line if you are an innovation-based business.

-Our recommendations for deciding on the right path.

Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion-Dollar Apparel Brands FREE Course here!

Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course

To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn.

To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.