Launch Your Label
FROM DESIGN TO COMPLETION
Creating a brand.
Designing a collection.
Building an online store.
Bringing your side hustle, to primary income.
As a budding fashion designer, you no doubt have big dreams.
And so you should… if the fashion industry is where your heart lies, then you owe it to yourself to give it the best shot you can.
But the road to being retail ready is not an easy one.
Trust me, I know. I’ve been there.
Positive affirmations certainly won’t get you into Myer alone. You need a clear customer avatar, a comprehensive understanding of the Fashion Production Lifecycle, a strong strategy and a good grasp on the elements of design fabric knowledge. Most of all, you need to understand how to nail the fit of your garments when the samples come back from the manufacturer.
These are just a few of the building blocks for a successful label.
But that’s not all… you’ll also need a broad network of suppliers, including graphic designers, pattern makers, machinists, cutters, embroiderers, fabric and trims suppliers.
And maybe the most important of all, you need the grit to work hard and overcome challenges. Because there will be challenges.
I know. It’s… a lot.
You probably have big ideas and amazing designs to be manufactured, but no idea how to bring these ideas to life.
Well relax, because we do. And we are here to help you get to where you want to go… no matter what that looks like.
GAIN THE CLARITY AND CONFIDENCE YOU NEED TO SUCCEED
At Fashion Source Connect, we’ll help you launch your label... from concept to completion. .
All you need is an idea. We’ll work through the rest together.
You’ll learn the ins and outs of the industry, helping you avoid time consuming, costly setbacks and ensuring you avoid overwhelm through the process.
And I’ll make sure that you are learning along the way… taking ownership of your business with a newfound clarity and confidence, so you can understand the process and plan future collections.
Consider me your Mentor, Go-to-Gal, Business Partner, Personal Hype-Woman and Business Bestie.
Someone to bounce ideas off or provide reassurance if you ever start doubting yourself.
THIS IS FOR YOU IF YOU -
✔ Are in ANY stage of starting your own label but feel stuck on your next move
✔ You understand that a smart investment now will save you big $$$ moving forward
✔ Know you’re a talented designer, but have no understanding of the Fashion Production Life Cycle
✔ You don’t have the education, background or understanding to know the crucial steps required BEFORE designing your product (don’t worry - we’ve all been there!)
✔ Have limited experience in fashion design but know you could use some extra clarity
✔ Have gone direct to a manufacturer, but have realised that it’s not just a matter of handing over your sketches for someone to interpret the design and make it for you.
✔ Have worked with other fashion production agents, but found them to be too expensive, or fail to deliver on their promises.
You might be wondering… ‘Can’t I just find a manufacturer myself?
Of course! And if you’ve done this all before then that might be the best route for you. One thing is for sure… I will never convince anyone to work with me who doesn’t need to.
But if you’re new to the industry and really have no idea where to go next, then you could probably save yourself a lot of time, money, and stress by getting some personalised advice and guidance.
WE’LL PROVIDE 1:1 SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE THROUGH THE ENTIRE PROCESS...
Tailoring our package to your specific needs.
Depending what stage you’re at, we’ll work through:
BUSINESS STRATEGY AND BRANDING
■ Setting up your fashion business
■ Establishing business goals
■ Identifying your dream client
■ Market research
■ Establishing a unique selling proposition
■ Logo design - inclusive of brand colours and typography
■ Website set up
PRODUCT DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
You’ll be working in a team, alongside our in-house designer, who will design and develop your products.
■ Moodboard + range planning
■ Developing a cohesive collection
■ Fabric + trim sourcing
■ Turning sketches into design files manufacturers can use
■ Introduction to mass manufacturing
■ Preparing for bulk order
■ Completed Tech Pack for all styles
PRODUCTION
Connect with my network of trusted manufacturers and suppliers (in Australia and abroad). I’ll work personally with the suppliers on the following:
■ Tech Pack adjustments
■ Developing patterns for all styles
■ Sampling of all styles
■ Fittings and adjustments of factory samples
■ Fabric + trims testing + approval
■ Grading patterns for your size range
■ Production management of your bulk order
PRICING AND SALES
■ Labelling and packaging finished garments ready for sale
■ Pricing your garments, looking at profit margins for online and wholesale
■ Understanding the fashion buying/selling calendar
■ Breaking into the retail game
MARKETING
■ Building brand awareness
■ Photoshoot preparation for website + marketing campaigns
■ Setting up your website / online store ready for launch
■ E-commerce
■ Lookbooks
■ Social Media Marketing
If you have more industry knowledge or are confident in some areas… no worries at all! We’ll omit it from your package and reduce the cost.
That’s what makes it completely custom… tailored just for you.
WHAT MAKES ME EQUIPPED TO BE YOUR GO-TO GAL?
I’ve stood where you stand
I know the exact steps to get it done, because I’ve been there myself. I started making products in my garage, staying up until 3:00am to finalise orders before going into work. Now I’m stocked in Myer and The Iconic. Through my experience, I can educate you on the entire production process, helping you avoid the pitfalls and setbacks I encountered.
I genuinely care about the success of my clients.
I am 110% invested in you and your success. If you don’t live in Sydney, I’ll keep you informed at every stage, taking photos and videos of the entire process so it feels like you’re here - part of it all.
I personalise my service to suit you and your learning style
I understand that everyone works and learns differently. In our first chat, I’ll learn about you, your goals and how you personally measure success. When you sign on with me, I’ll get you to fill out a few personality and learning style quizzes, just so I can better understand you. Then, I’ll show you exactly what to do to reach your goals, no matter what they look like.
I offer a holistic service across manufacturing and business management
As you start your own label, you’re not just a fashion designer, but a business owner. I’m not just here just to help you manufacture your garments, I’m here to show you how to reach success in your business - from nailing your ideal customer through to marketing and photoshoots. Making your garments is just one piece of the puzzle. I’ll help you put the rest of the pieces together.
I have an extensive network of on and off-shore suppliers + manufacturers
You can be rest assured, that when you work with me, I will connect you with the best person for the job, based on your collection and their specialisation. Because I treat all of my suppliers with care, respect and gratitude, they are always happy to go above and beyond for me and my clients.
I make it affordable
Starting a fashion label is not cheap, so I try to keep my process as transparent and affordable as possible. Payment is divided into the 7 stages of production and paid over a 6 month period. You only pay for the next stage of the production process we are about to enter.
My initial quote also clearly outlines an approximate cost of the extra products and services you will need to pay for throughout the process (ie: pattern maker, fabric + trims, sample maker, grading, digitising, manufacturing, labels + swing tags). This way, you know how much to budget for, and there are no rude shocks along the way.
HOW DOES IT ALL WORK?
STEP 1
ONLINE CONSULTATION
I’ll send you a pre-consult questionnaire to fill out so I have some background on your business. We’ll then meet online to take a deep dive into your business. I can guarantee you’ll find this chat absolutely packed with value. This is your chance to ask all your questions, and get some clear answers. I’ll break down expected costs of producing a collection, and even lay out next steps for you so you have a clear plan of action. You will finish with clarity on what you need to be prioritising.
This consultation is COMPLETELY obligation-free. If you’d like to go ahead and work together, great! But if for any reason either of us decides that you don’t need the full package, then we’ll leave it here and you will still have received a mountain of value. The consultation costs $180 and is a necessary first step to taking part in the full production package.
STEP TWO
QUOTE + CONFIRMATION
If at the end of this consultation, you decide you might want to continue working together, I’ll send you a quote based on your individual needs. Once you sign off on that we’ll get started!
STEP THREE
GETTING STARTED
First things first, a production flow chart will be sent to you, which will outline deadlines, roles and expectations each step of the way. This will help you plan and stay organised. Remember, I’m here to help guide you through every step, but you’ll need to do the groundwork.
STEP FOUR
THE EXPERIENCE
This will look slightly different for everyone, depending on your custom package. To start off with, we’ll meet every week for an hour on Zoom, where we’ll work through the content together. As we work through each stage of production, the occurance of our meetings will be staggered accordingly. While these Zoom chats are booked in, you can get in touch anytime to clarify something or ask a quick question… That’s what I’m here for!
I DON’T EVER WANT YOU TO FEEL ALONE.
UNDERSTANDING THE PRODUCTION CYCLE IS CRUCIAL FOR ANY FASHION DESIGNER. THE ENTIRE PROCESS - FROM INITIAL IDEA TO FINISHED PRODUCT, TAKES AROUND 8-12 months
"I'd been searching for manufacturing support for several months and was all but ready to quit until I found Heather.
Her passion and genuine enthusiasm for my business, combined with her knowledge and efficiency for dealing with the manufacturing processes, has been pivotal to the development of my second range. I will be forever grateful the Facebook Gods ensured our paths crossed”
-Sam, NAVI
Working with Heather has been an invaluable asset to my business. Starting a fashion label is extremely difficult, but Heather has made the experience streamlined, easy and enjoyable. Her knowledge of the fashion industry is incredible and I’m so excited by what we have created!”
- Melanie, ASHE
“Heather has been a godsend to my business -always executing with the utmost professionalism, attention to detail, and efficiency. The Fashion Source Connect team has been incredible to work with, and it's a testament to Heather's exemplary reputation within the fashion industry"
- Hannah, BRIAR BRIDAL
Heather has been that favourite teacher you wish you had for every class. The energy she has is infectious and compliments her endless knowledge of the Industry. Working with Heather has made life easy, always one step ahead and simplifies what can be a complex task. Everyone needs a Heather”
- Matt, 90 DEGREE
BONUSES… JUST FOR YOU.
My priority is making sure you feel like you’re getting great value for money with this experience.
My goal isn’t just to get you where you need to go now, but to give you the tools you need to repeat the process for future collections.
On your own.
That’s why I’ll give you weekly resources based on the stage of the production process that you are up to.
These are the resources that I personally use for my own fashion label, and include:
✔ Introduction to Social Media Marketing
✔ E-Commerce for Fashion Business
✔ How to Build a Cohesive Collection
✔ Introduction to Mass Manufacturing
✔ The Fashion Life Cycle
✔ The Production Cycle
✔ Trend Forecasting
✔ Introduction to Wholesale
✔ Fashion Figure Templates
✔ Industry Terminology
✔ Influencer Marketing
IMAGINE HOW YOU WOULD FEEL IF YOU:
✔ Had your target audience clearly defined - and knew how to service them
✔ Had someone in your corner, guiding you every step of the way
✔ Could tap into an established network of suppliers, cutters, pattern makers and manufacturers who you knew you could trust
✔ Could actually see and FEEL the idea that you had in your head, as an actual product ready for sale
✔ Knew how set up your own online store and manage the back end of your website
✔ Knew how to organise your own photoshoots for marketing campaigns, including finding photographers, makeup artists and models
With our experience, advice and personalised service, you’ll have a clear strategy to get you where you want to go, saving yourself from costly mistakes and time-consuming setbacks.
GETTING STARTED IS SIMPLE.
Contact me now for an initial consultation. After that, I’ll email you a custom quote based on your individual requirements.
But please know….
Intake for this package is (genuinely) limited.
In order to give 110% to every client, I can only work with 5 clients at a time.
You don’t need to feel overwhelmed and overworked, desperately seeking clarity in the process. We are here to help you.
