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Many are wondering where Fred is and if you’re looking for him he’s over at the past Parent Company of this blog Black Media Properties and many other online websites. So if you would like to reach him for any questions you can go over to Black Media Properties and hit up the contacts page. (fred at blackmediaproperties.com)

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1. How much capital did you start your company with?

I wouldn’t say we had a definitive amount of capital to start with, we have invested approx 35K plus in fabric and manufacturing to date.

2. What will your company bring to the Dobizo Network?

I think we can offer some insight on manufacturing and sourcing. I have been in the apparel industry for many years and have worked both sides of the business from manufacturing to sales for other companies. I have a vast knowledge and contact list of screenprinters, embroiderers, manufacturers both domestic and overseas.

3. How long has your company been established and where did it begin?

My new line Trubu has been in existence for about 2 years, we have been in development and sampling and unfortunately due to an unforseen family member’s illness we had to table things for a bit, but we are hitting it hard and ready to really roll!

4. What obstacles have you faced with starting your clothing line so far?

Hi everyone:
These are just my thoughts about the recent MAGIC Trade Show and affiliates.

A little background: I have been in fashion for the past 15+ years. I
have a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design and am currently studying
for my Master’s in Fashion Merchandising. I have worked for many
different companies over the years including the Disney Store and even
some of their licensees, some of the other studios and their licensees
such as Warner Bros., Paramount and Universal Studios. I have worked
for womens, juniors, some men’s (mainly in creating graphics) and kids
wear companies. (I am originally from Southern California where I got
my start).

Currently, I also teach fashion design, portfolio development and am
the internship coordinator at a local design college in Vegas. Along
with this, I also have several freelance clients (local, Los Angeles,
Florida and even London!) for whom I create garment design and
graphics as well as consult for up-and-coming designers and newbies to
the industry (giving away free info and contacts just wasn’t paying
the bills). Whew!

Here are some upcoming apparel events from the Fashion Industry Events page below:

• CALA (Contemporary Association of Los Angeles)
• TRU Mens, Women, and Childre Footwear Show
• The Source/International Textiles
• Creating Your Own Line Sheets
• Style Week Orange County
• International Sourcing 101
• WWD FashionCareer Expo

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Here are some other videos from Dobizo Fashion Network:

-Brown Sound Apparel Interview at Pool Tradeshow 

-How to Follow Sewing Pattern Directions

-RE:volve a Eco Fashion Line Interview 

-Solutions Opaque (1 of 2) - Versacamm for Apparel Training 

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This is a Guest Post by Shadow of The DJ Line which is a premiere clothing line dedicated to the art of turntablism. Each shirt is individually hand-painted so no particular shirt is the same.

I would like to tell you about my experience attending The Magic Show in Las Vegas, Nevada back in February. This was my first time ever attending an event like this for the fashion industry. Since I’m still new at all of this, I was almost overwhelmed with the task of even starting a clothing line that went from spray painting t-shirts on the sidewalk in front of my South Florida townhouse, but then I realized that if I didn’t do it, then who would?

This is a Guest Post by Andrea Mérida. She works with independent fashion designers and small boutique owners who are desperately trying to promote their brand but who don’t have the money to hire a full-service marketing agency. Working via her alter ego, The Email Diva, Andrea brings her years of experience working with entrepreneurs to help fashion businesses super-charge their cash flow by finding the right customers for her clients. Committed to educating all fashion businesses on their marketing options, no matter how tight the budget, Andrea offers a free, no-obligation newsletter to the fashion community. Subscribe to her Newsletter Today or read her advice and tips by Clicking Here Contact her at info@emaildiva.net

Personally, I think that Magic had positive and negative points overall.

The positive:
-the convention center is a very good complex for such a show
-lots of buyers were running around
-the entry fee allowed one to wander around and see lots of different things
-even the cheaper booths allowed one to customize and brand to a large extent

In the fashion industry a Sloper refers to a Cardboard pattern for a basic style by which a manufacturer has approved the fit and appearance that will also be used to develop more intricate styles and patterns in the future.

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Many people don’t understand the reach of the Dobizo Community, but this will definitely turn some heads in a different direction.

1. How much capital did you start with?

$4,000.00 loan from the Women’s Enterprise Centre (Manitoba Governmentt agency to help women get started in business)

2. What will your company bring to Dobizo Network?

Experience in starting up and moving forward in a niche business that designs and manufactures custom made speciality clothes, selling online through a store.

3. How long has your company been established and where did it begin?

Started in 2003 in my home in Brandon, Manitoba Canada

4. What obstacles have you faced with starting your clothing line so far?

a) time, juggling everything that needs to be done
- learning about design and pattern making
- adapting and adding to designs for my specialty line
- learning about the business aspect of a company
-learning about marketing and what would work best for my company
- working part time to help with the cash flow of business
- family and personal time
- learning about internet marketing and website optimization
b) finding resource contacts - great once you’ve surrounded yourself with a team of resourceful people
c) discouragement at how slow the whole process seemed at times

1. How much capital did you start your jewelry company with?

I started on a shoestring budget with under $500. I was fortunate enough to have a lot of people that wanted to see My Charms for Charity get off the ground, so I really only had to pay for supplies. Other than that, I had a lot of marketing, PR, web design and other promotional elements donated by friends and supporters. I am so grateful for everyone that has made My Charms for Charity a possibility.

2. What will your company bring to the Dobizo Network?

I have been a long time reader of the Dobizo Network and just recently, I have started blogging on my personal Dobizo blog. I feel what I bring to Dobizo is a unique perspective on how it is possible to start very small and grow slowly without feeling overwhelmed or having to borrow a lot of money. This is the biggest thing I’ve learned is that just doing it is the hardest part.

Here is a video of the featured video of Light Emitting T-shirts:

Here are some other videos from Dobizo Fashion Network:

-Inside the Pattern Envelope

-4 Step Process to Making a Button Hole

-Fitting Oversized Pattern Pieces

-Making an Eco-Bag out of Bananas

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Here is some apparel industry news from the Dobizo Fashion Network:

• Seven for All Man kind Expands to Asia
• Mario Pinto Opens Up First Retail Store In Chicago’s West Loop
• American Apparel Opens Doors In China
• Lutz & Patmos Brings on Jane Birkin as Guest Designer
• Can a T-shirt Save the Garment Center? “Save the Garment Center”
• Curtis Charles New Ceo Over at Kemistre 8
• Big Idea with Marc Ecko on CNBC Video

For more apparel industry news see the blog section of the Dobizo Fashion Network.

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Here is a video of the featured video of Light Emitting T-shirts:

Here are some other videos from Dobizo Fashion Network:

-Fashion Sketching 101

-E-Fit Simulator by Tuka-Tech

-DTG (Direct To Garment) Inkjet Printing

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