How do you launch a sustainable fashion brand? Where do you even begin? What expenses should you avoid? How do you stand out in all of the social media noise? These are all questions we’re going to explore in the newest podcast to hit the fashion scene.

I’m Shannon Lohr, your host and the founder of Factory45, the online business school that takes sustainable fashion brands from idea to launch. Named the “#1 business program to launch your fashion brand” by Maker’s Row, this podcast will explore the strategy, marketing principles, and roadmap that I’ve used to help launch sustainable & ethical fashion brands since 2014.

 You want to start a sustainable fashion brand that’s ethically manufactured and eco-friendly, that’s why you’re here. The question is: Where do you start? What does it mean to be “sustainable” and what are some of the most important things you should keep in mind as you build your brand? That’s what I’m going to share with you in today’s episode.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

The Fabric Sourcing Kit: https://factory45.lpages.co/fabric-sourcing-kit-podcast/

If you truly want to be an entrepreneur, then it virtually guarantees you will run into problems — in the beginning, it will probably be on a daily basis. But to reach any level of success, problems require problem solvers. There’s no way around it. In this episode, I’m talking about the main trait required of an entrepreneur. 

Back in 2010, I was starting a fashion brand that was sustainably and ethically made in the USA but at the time, I didn’t have any experience in fashion or manufacturing. I was a journalism major in college, my then-cofounder was a business major so when we were first starting out we followed the traditional business advice.... And in this episode, I want to make sure you don’t make the same mistake.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Free One Page Business Plan Template: https://factory45.lpages.co/business-plan-template-podcast/

In last week’s episode, I talked about entrepreneurship, resilience and the importance of getting comfortable with failure. I argued that resilience is a skill that can be practiced. I also argued that, for most of us, it’s a necessary reprogramming if we learned to avoid failure growing up. And in today’s episode, I want to take this a step further…  

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Dr. Brene Brown’s TED Talk, ‘Why Your Critics Aren’t The Ones Who Count’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-JXOnFOXQk 

Factory45, The Business School For Sustainable Fashion Entrepreneurs: https://factory45.co/

Today we are talking about a topic that is near and dear to my heart -- and it’s something that most new fashion founders generally avoid doing. In this episode, I’m sharing four ways to build an audience before you launch your fashion brand.

If you’re looking for eco-friendly fabrics for your sustainable fashion brand, then this is the episode for you. I’m going to share the pros and cons of six of my favorite eco-friendly fabrics.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Free Supplier Email Templates:  https://factory45.lpages.co/supplier-email-templates-podcast/
Fabric Sourcing Kit: https://factory45.lpages.co/fabric-sourcing-kit-podcast/

You already know that you need an Instagram account for your fashion brand. But with algorithms always changing, the growth, reach and engagement can feel pretty slow and disappointing… in this episode, I’m sharing three key strategies to grow your following as a fashion startup on Instagram.