I am not a writer, an accountant, a banker, or a sales representative; I am a trained designer, and educator. Most of the information in this book has been put together with the help and advice of many experts, much reading, and my own expertise and experiences. To give the book more validity I asked a number of professionals from their own field of expertise to review and up-date the material covered in certain key chapters. This gives the book a solid basis of “real” material and expertise. However, I would still recommend that a start-up company find the best experts available in their own area, who will help steer and guide them through the rough waters of this industry, which are not easy sailing but never boring. Towards the back of the book, there is a list of industry resources, which can assist entrepreneurs with more detailed information. There is also a glossary of fabric information included and a vocabulary list to educate the reader with necessary industry related terminology.
In 1999 “Fashion for Profit” led me to a new venture The Fashion Business Incorporated, a 501 c3 educational nonprofit, which was previously named the Fashion Business Incubator (FBI) (LA). I developed and co-founded the FBI with Sandy Bleifer, artist and realtor. It was already apparent to me while teaching, that the link most needed by emerging design-driven manufacturers was business education and training, or fashion economics, plus networking opportunities, promotion and resources.
For the past 19 years plus, the FBI was fortunate to have garnered the support and backing of a variety of apparel related resource members and an impressive board of directors. The center was designed to provide an educational space that will give apparel manufactures a training facility. Housed within the center is a classroom space, a photo studio and computer lab with a digital fabric printer. It was the first of its kind in the States and indeed the World. I am proud and humbled by the support and friendships that have grown from my vision! Many supporters helped to turn a great idea into a wonderful resource for growing apparel manufacturers within the LA area. Unfortunately, due to lack of funding we closed in August 2018. However, through my online presence with my consulting services much of the services are still available: www.fashionforprofit.com
I am convinced and committed to what we have developed here in LA. I know we will continue to grow on a Global platform. I believe we have a collective responsibility to create the infrastructure, community, educational resources, and the opportunities that will enable the next generation of new entrepreneurs to spring up and blossom wherever they happen to be on this planet.