Fashion For Profit

Frances presenting seminars at MAGIC International, Las Vegas

SOURCING PRIMER: AN OVERVIEW FOR THE NEW IMPORTER Monday, August 27th Time: 4:00 – 5:00 Location: Sourcing Zone South Hall MS114 This panel of experts will explain the many resources available to assist manufacturers and importers in understanding some of the challenges and issues associated with International Sourcing. The panel will explain financial requirements, legal ramifications, shipping information and Government agencies who can assist with off shore production. Presented by the Fashion Business Inc. (FBI), LA based business development center. Panel will include: Robert Krieger, President of Norman Krieger, Inc. Michael Rosen, COO, Michael Stars, David Chie, Business Development Officer, General Business Credit Moderated by Walter Wilhelm, President/Chief Executive Officer of Walter Wilhelm Associates LLC (WWA)

BRAND BUILDING Tuesday, August 28th Time: 11:00 – 12:00 Location: South Hall In today's brand-conscious world, California apparel companies such as Juicy Couture, Quiksilver, St. John Knits, C&C of California, and True Religion, have all become icons of American apparel labels, and have influenced global popular culture. The name or logo a company invents will ultimately be how they will be recognized and identified. Distinguishing a product to consumers by a trademark can be the hottest asset a business may own. Successfully branded labels lead to profitable licensing deals. This seminar will examine the various steps a new company should take to begin the brand building process when entering the US market place, and the many US distribution channels. Panel will include: Steven Ekstract, Group Publisher, License! Magazine, Debra Stevenson, Partner, The Skyline Studios, Kelly Payfer, InGroup Licensing, Farah Bhatti, Counsel, McDermott Will & Emery LLP Moderated by Frances Harder Founder/ President, Fashion Business, Inc.

STARTING AN APPAREL BUSINESS - From Design Concept To Apparel Manufacturing Wednesday, Aug 29th Time: 11:30 -1:00PM Location: North Hall This informative seminar answers all the critical questions you should ask when planning to turn your creative ideas into a profitable business: how to get those creative ideas into the stores, turn a profit, and stay in business longer than one season. How do you identify a market niche? Which market is right for your line? What licenses are required, and how do you get them? What type of funding is needed to start and support your venture? Should you have a Business and Financial Plan? How do you price to make a profit? Where do you find a sales representative who will really work for you? How do you get publicity and when? Can selling through the Internet work for your business? Presented by Frances Harder Founder/President Fashion Business, Inc.

FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR A RETAIL OPERATION Wednesday, Aug 29th Time: 1:30 – 3:00 PM Location: North Hall This seminar is designed to assist retailers understand the importance of having a working financial guide that will better prepare them, and thus increase their chances of prospering. Cost analysts, Operations, Projected Budget, Buying plans are some of the aspects to be covered. Panel will include: Frank Kaufman, Business Assurance Partner, Moss Adams, LLP Dana Fried & Andrew Raggatt, Delphic Consulting Group, Inc. Moderated by Frances Harder, Founder/President, Fashion Business, Inc.

Trends for the Home Sewing

I spent last weekend in Sacramento at a home sewing trade show giving seminars on how to start and run a profitable business; turning those great ideas into a profit making opportunity. Well, I have to say that I came away learning more about life and happiness than I feel I contributed in business skills to any other person there!

I left LA with the usual rush of self importance with a stress level on high after spending the evening before trying to navigate from downtown LA to the west side on Sunset Blvd., for an invite only event for the nominations of the LA Fashion Awards. Then deciding to abort my effort of attending this media event at the Standard Hotel as it took me two hours to go 10 miles and then upon arriving, no parking! I then drove home in more traffic on the 405 to the South Bay to pack and prepare for the four day trip to our capital for the American Sewing Guild Conference.

Fast forward to arriving in the Hyatt in Sacramento, dragging in bags, laptops, handbags (big purse) and more stuff than I knew I could possibly need, but I had to be prepared for any opportunity, or event that was presented to me. Upon entering the hotel I was greeted by the hotel staff who was extremely friendly, attentive and very professional, and they were not on phone or Blackberry! I was their focus!! In between entering and checking in I observed a number of elderly women who were walking in the lobby and who were all smiling, and at the time I thought they must have been drinking as they were so carefree and almost 70’s flower power types with hand made quilted vests and jackets with embroidery embellishments. These were ladies from the sewing show, part of the trade show that I had been invited to present business seminars on turning those creative ideas into a profitable business. It soon became apparent to me; the ex Brit/LA fast life, stressed out old broad that they would teach me some things and refresh my memory on quality of life and stress free living.

They were really fun to be with and I enjoyed my reunion with old friends and met some really nice new friends.