5 Tips on How to stay a float in the Fashion Industry

Christen
Jul 19, 2017
5 min read

Lights, camera, ACTION!

The fashion industry is all one big show titled "Misconception", starring Instagram pictures of parties full of celebrities, photo shoots and flashy labels.

From the outside looking in, this industry can seem very intimidating and cruel, which is somewhat true. But the good times definitely outweigh the bad once you actually make a name for yourself.

So, how do you survive on your journey to the top? Continue reading to and take notes on my top 5 tips on staying afloat and in formation with the ever so changing fashion industry.

1. Build Relationships

Making connections with people in this industry is crucial. Since the beginning of the year, I've been collaborating with different photographers, models, MUA's, you name it. The more I put myself out there, the more people I met and was able to work with. Here are a few things that I did to build my network in the past 6 months:

- Attend fashion related events (fashion shows, mixers, launch parties, ect.)

- Follow and engage with people on social media

- Keep in touch

If you focus on actually building strong relationships, instead of adding the next person to your book of clients, the business will come. I decided to learn that the hard way. When you leave a good impression with someone, they'll be excited to work with you again and refer you!

2. Do your Research

I always have trouble with this one. As a fairly new entrepreneur, I don't know everything. But with technology, almost everything I need to know is at my finger tips. If you don't know the answer to something, GOOGLE IT . I know sometimes Google isn't always accurate but it'll do.

Lately, I've been listening to a lot of podcasts and have been learning so much about running a small business and how to be successful at what I do. I could never finish a book so podcasts are perfect for a busy entrepreneur like me. I listen to them in the morning on my way to work, during work and even after work. Whenever I have free time, I'm listening and learning how to be a better business women. If you're into podcasts, here a some of my favs:

- Table Talk with Tottie hosted by Natasha "Tottie" Weston

- Brand you like a Boss hosted by Natasha "Tottie" Weston

- Black Girl Boss Podcast hosted by Tatum Temia and Milan Mobley

3. Be Consistent

I know this one can be hard when you'e balancing a 9-5 along with you business and all that comes with it. They never said it would be easy but trust me, with all these new apps out there, it isn't as hard as you think.

Hootsuite

- This is the perfect way to stay relevant on almost all social media platforms! I've been using this app for about 4 months and it has definitely helped to grow my engagement and my following. Having the ability to schedule social media posts ahead of time is a life saver. With all that you may have on your plate, you don't always have time to think of a caption, tag everyone involved AND post a photo at the perfect time. It can definitely be a lot.

Crowdfire

- I recently just came across this app and its definitely a gem. After listening to the "Table Talk with Tottie" podcasts and following her on all her social media handles (what? I wanted to be in the loop), I received a direct message from her on Twitter. I thought it was actually her until I saw that it was created through an app called Crowdfire. From there, I did some research and found out that it was like a mini marketing team. They track your social media analytics, allows you to post related articles and post them on all your connected social media accounts at the best time. How cool is that?

Airbrush

- One of my model friends actually put me onto this app and I've been using it ever since. Thanks Lashira! I always enjoyed using a filter every once in awhile but now, I'm really into photo shop and making sure each photo is pristine and up to my standards. It's use friendly and lots of cool features to play around with.

4. Ask for Help

I'm the type of person that thinks I can do EVERYTHING on my own and I'm sure I'm not the only one. I confide in google, webinars and blogs to gain more knowledge on what it takes to be a successful but that just isn't enough. If you're anything like me, then I'm sure you follow lots of successful people on social media that live in your area and/or state so REACH OUT TO THEM!

They were once in your place and I'm sure they are willing to help you be as successful as them. Being able to pick the brain of someone who you look up to in your industry is gold. Don't be afraid to ask them personal questions and what they did to get where they are today. 9 times out of 10, they'll be happy to answer the laundry list of questions you have...if they have the time.

Learn from the people around you who are doing it right and follow their tactics.

5. Use your Resources

I'm still getting used to this one. I always found myself with a laundry list of excuses about why I couldn't do something or reach out to someone. It took me awhile to realize that I was the only person stopping myself from doing what I wanted to do with my business.

I know it can be a little discouraging nowadays with social media and seeing everyone "living the life" you want or are working towards. But you don't know their story and they don't know yours.

FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT

Want to build your portfolio? Plan your own photo shoots. Need a photographer? Use your phone to take your own photos. Need a model? Be your own model or connect with a friend who wears the same size as you that can for your clothes.

You don't always have to spend a bunch of money to accomplish what you need done.

These 5 tips were created through personal experience and many failed attempts. Everyone's journey is different so these tips may or may not work for you but they definitely worked for me. The life of an entrepreneur is all about trial, error and patience so enjoy the journey while it lasts.