2008
Fashion Industry Harsh Criticism Lesson 2: Leave Your Feelings At Home
Posted by: Fashion06 in Business, Starting your own line |
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Catching up from Part 1
In the case of Clothing store I never received the money for that order till this day and don’t expect it in the mail anytime soon. I don’t regret anything that has happened to me during my time in the fashion industry and all the mishaps have made me more aware and I learned that starting a clothing line has one hell of a learning curve and good bit come from learning how to deal with the people in it.
Considering I will be moving to Atlanta for good in January I plan on making a few rounds and paying some store owners a visit 
.
I’ve heard everything during the start of my clothing line and anything I tell you on this blog has happened to me or anyone surrounding my circle. This business is not for the faint of heart and you will not withstand it if you are not persistent and believe in your own clothing company when nobody else does.
Considering the fact that I dropped out of college in my last year to continue with my business I had to make that decision against my family, friends and pretty much anybody who depended on me or had any kind of belief in what I was doing. Instead of having my Bachelors in Fashion Marketing/Design I only had the equivalent of an Associates…plus :), because I only had a year left for my Bachelors. It was either school or business and for me it was an easy decision because I believed in what I was capable of and knew I would succeed in something if not fashion.
Some of my worse critics were my college roommates and friends. Some of the comments are so random I can’t put them in the form of a sentence so I will just place a list. Keep in mind these are words and hope none of you take offense to what is being said. It has been said to me, my partners, or through email and other various outlets. Obviously the more vulgar words were through emails and anonymous phone calls. They may sound plain stupid or ignorant, but real everyday people actually made some of these comments.
- No one is going to wear your clothes, because you’re not Tommy Hilfiger or Fubu (My roommate) rather ignorant I might add.
- I didn’t know your son was gay? (In response to my mother telling someone I was a fashion designer) I didn’t know that either…lol
- I don’t wear clothes I never heard of. (Random mall shopper at one of our local events) Luckily the whole world is not like that or there wouldn’t be the Tommy Hilfiger’s , Ralph Lauren’s and Sean John’s of today.
- I wouldn’t wear your gay clothing if you paid me! (Myspace member) Just a negative person.
- Most people in the fashion industry are gay. Are you? (Selling clothes at a venue) Definition a stereotype from a person who has spent most of their life in front of a television
- Call me back when you have celebrities wearing your clothing (Shop owner in Texas or Florida) If that is what drives this stores sales they won’t be around for the long run.
- I don’t wear black people clothes (Myspace member)
- You’re too young to know what you’re doing (Store owner) There are no age limits on success.
- What if you don’t succeed? (Family) Not succeeding isn’t an option.
- You’re setting yourself up for failure (Friends & Family) Failure is part of succeeding…believe me.
- You should start over ( A store owner) and I actually did two times before I stuck with it and worked out to be a good decision.
This is just some of the criticism I have received over the years mostly in the earlier days and I still receive much to this day…I guess it is just part of the fashion game. Many will not believe in you until you prove them otherwise and most is just part of human nature and dumb stereo types.
Even though all this sounds bad once you make it past the point of proving yourself and proving others wrong you receive so much positive feedback that it makes all the setbacks, negativity, and naysayers worthwhile. Believe me this isn’t just something I can relate to, but anyone that has started a business from the bottom and worked their way up probably has similar stories or worse. You will face great diversity, but if you really want to succeed nothing will stop you.
Next Article Going with your gut feeling if it doesn’t feel right it probably isn’t…Tomorrow
Please share with me any mishaps, judgments or criticism you have received because of your apparel business.
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October 8th, 2007 at 1:32 pm
I couldn’t agree more with this - all the people in my life that I thought would be the most supportive of my decision to start my own clothing line were the LEAST supportive.
Great post. A lot of ignorant comments from people!!
October 8th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
This a good read Fred . I think a lot negative comments people have about the apparel industry is because of it’s the high failure rate and yes, many of them are ignorant comments as most don’t know SFA about the business. Do listen to them though. Ask them why they feel this way.Use it to your advantage. Don’t take it personal either.The restaurant biz is equally ostracized, although some glamour chefs/cooks are making it more high profile. At the disdain of trained culinary proessionals.
MySpace bigot said to you: ” don?t wear black people clothes” (Myspace member) That’s pretty funny when you think of it. Many trends today worldwide are started in the Hip Hop and skate/surf cultures. This guy might feel comfortable in Klan robes and hood? Remember this, you will never ever please a vast portion of the population, no matter how good your line looks and sells. Just know who likes your line and and cater to them. You are bound to gain converts along the way .
October 8th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
This guy might feel comfortable in Klan robes and hood?
My exact thoughts Thom…that is only the half of what he said…lol
October 8th, 2007 at 8:02 pm
yes it is true that what dosen’t kill you only makes you stronger, but just in general you do come across very ignorant people. I can’t say that I’ve got a lot of negative criticism, but it does seem that the ones closest to you can be the most negative at times. I remember being in the car with my friend on one of our last days of our senior year of high school, and we were just talking about what we wanted to do in future, and I mentioned I wanted to have my own clothing line & company, and she flat out said, Yea right, you cant actually do that. Even now that I’m in college , my friends and ppl that i meet will ask me what my plans are, and as soon as i mention having my own business, they make the typical comment about how “oh its not that easy, and it takes a lot of work, and everybody wants to have their own business.” But for me this wasn’t just some overnight idea, i’ve been working for the past two and half years on putting everything together, and ill continue to do so. I have gained support, and needless to say, “You never know who’s watching you.”
October 8th, 2007 at 9:48 pm
These opinions are common, but cut harsher when they come out of the mouths of those you expected your initial support from.
The truth of the matter is the industry people will come around as soon as the success comes around and decide to depart when it decides to depart. Just keep in mind your passion will get you through it, if its sincere. In the case of dobizo.com it appears to be just that. Just starting out you’ll have to deal with criticism, it builds character at the very least. But people will always have something to say, both positive and negative. It is up to you to show resolve through it all and take the bitter with the sweet appreciating victory as it comes. This actual forum and site shows a victory in and of itself. It requires dedication, perseverance, and skill. Something you can be very proud of. As far as your education, you did what you felt was right for you, though experience says.. don’t get up from the table, until your food is finished. It all depends on what you place your value on. Although a person like Kanye West says certain things about education in his music, at the end of the day he’d be floored and honored to receive a honorary doctorate degree from an university. True story, he’d probably act the fool and name his greatest hits “Cum Laude”. Essentially, when it’s all said and done, to each his own. It’s all a matter of time. Keep it up.
E
October 9th, 2007 at 5:21 am
Where can I see your line?
October 9th, 2007 at 7:15 am
Ian…You can look at the about me page and look at the press pictures of some of my older work. The site is down because we are I guess you could say re-modeling the line and going to relaunch probably sometime in Fall of next year…you can email me and I will send you some more pics of what we have, but it is no longer for sale. It is still in some stores though. fred@dobizo.com
October 9th, 2007 at 9:09 pm
[…] Fashion Industry Harsh Criticism Lesson 2: Leave Your Feelings At Home […]
October 10th, 2007 at 7:48 am
In response to Dani’s comments, I know people that object to woman owning their own businesses. I will bet the people putting up the biggest fuss were men. I think some men feel threatened. Actually a lot of men. Mens with small minds that have not yet quite fully evolved.
One thing is certain. Sure you can go to college or university , obtain an education , secure employment somewhere and chances are you can achieve a level of comfort and pursue a nice lifestyle.
Owning your own business will give you the opportunity to become stinking rich. Far richer than by working for someone else. Keep that in mind. Owning your own business is a very quick way to financial freedom.
October 10th, 2007 at 8:33 am
Owning your own business will give you the opportunity to become stinking rich. Far richer than by working for someone else. Keep that in mind. Owning your own business is a very quick way to financial freedom.
Hey Thom I like the way you put that…got me excited! Very blunt and to the point.
October 10th, 2007 at 6:13 pm
am i the only one that thanx god 4 the hater’s…cuz w/ out them where would i possibly b ???
October 10th, 2007 at 6:16 pm
and i quote the GriTBoYs
” there ain’t nuttin’ U can do or say …
2 change the way I feel…
wuz wrong with the way tht I live ???
cuz that’s the way i pay MY bills…
and there’s a big difference btwn the way that U and I live…
I paid My Dues to get heRE…
ALL IT COST WUZ MY BLOOD..SWEAT… AND TEARS “
December 25th, 2007 at 6:44 pm
i agre total! i havent heard all the bad things they say to yall. but my so call friends just giggle. even the ones that i considered close to me. but they wil be the same ones tryna get some stuff for free or borrow money!
December 27th, 2007 at 1:20 pm
I want to start my own clothes line, i’m not a designer i have no money, all i know is i have a great idea noone to believe in me, however GOD will see me thorough!!!
January 2nd, 2008 at 8:56 pm
I have the money for a trademark, 100 for a filing fee and a lot of support from friends and family, but i have no idea where to start. There are alot of people who have already said they’d wear my clothes i jsut need to have something to sell
January 4th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
I love you as i love your post. Yes indeed, people tend to pour ‘cold water’ ( in chinese saying) at you when you’re on the verge of success! This is all because of ‘envy’ . Ahaks! ‘Trust in the Lord’ ! He’s the motivator and your guide to success! I strongly agree with ‘Prisca Zereoue’ ! Add me on ‘Facebook’ or friendster at jsgurl5@hotmail.com . I’m really interested in this clothing post! I’m currently doing retail and wholesale apparel at home. I’ve manage to persuade some retail shops to buy the apparel under credit terms and thank God, I’ve manage to see some outstanding results altho, they returned some of the goods. But at least they helped me to sell most of ‘em!
Hey, I’m only 21 and believe me or not. I was an engineering student and after studying for 2 semesters in the university. I felt that i’m more into the business industry. God brought me to this apparel industry. And believe me or not. I only paid USD 350++ as an 8% down payment for my initial stocks which worth about 5 digits. And now I’m selling pretty well. So,thank God for that! I’m hoping that one day I’ll have my own brand name which will be taken from a chapter in the bible
So,my advice to you people out there who wants to start an apparel business, make sure you pray hard and Trust in God! Cause He will tell you of what to do and how to achieve your ambition!
Just to share my testimony
January 8th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
I am a single mother of 3 in school, and work a full time job rate 6.60hr, i have questions
1. i thought about using my income tax return to start, considering i have dependents and have so much to lose the idea has me kinda nervous
2. i have part of the plan written out, but there are confusing directions
3. who can i go to to get advice
4. i have no clue on how to sew
Please let me Know the next step
January 22nd, 2008 at 9:00 pm
it is kinda funny and I couldnt agree more. all the folks in your life that supported you thru thick and thin. are the ones who really just kinda treat the subject of starting a clothing biz as a joke. or they throw all their ridiculous ideas at you, or just say it costs a ton of $$ to do so. which totally isnt true. the subject of starting your own line is kinda of like saying i am going to famous. that is why when i started my line i stopped asking for investors and talking about it. if you really want to do this you have to be ready to get knee deep in the trenches and learn the craft. eventually you will find your niche’ either as a ceo or developer. patience is key. do not rush your product to market. so as to make sure your product is up to par with the rest of the lot if not surpassing your competitors. my line really took off when i was able to take a high end designers 1500$ item and make it to spec for 100$…in some cases better then the original. granted i spent 17 hrs of my own time and a few hours of a seamstress getting it the it needed to be. but you really have no idea how much time goes into the these expensive pieces. sometimes days, weeks. but dont give in to having your time and effort devalued. look at it this way if your friend was a carpenter would you devalue his work if he was any good..no. so why should your work be turned into a 5 and dime item f that………………
March 11th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
i know my response may be a lil late but i just have to say thanks for writing that article…and on a larger front thanks for building this site.
I can really relate to the article…especially the part of ‘you;re to young to know what you’re doing’ I’m 19 now…started and sold my 1st business at 14…and guess what…..same story…you’re to young to do this or that….growing up isn’t an option because regardless of what you do…you’re gonna get older….but that doesn’t mean that u mature….maturity is a choice. What i have learnt though is most people believe that because they can’t do it,neither can u.
March 27th, 2008 at 11:27 am
Totally agree with you. I’ve been through that. I’m also a new retailer and starting on my own. I’m sure at this moment right now, there are people out there that is waiting for me to fail. The thought of that makes me a stronger person!
April 21st, 2008 at 11:11 pm
My line is called Bay Way and a hatter called it Gay Way. lol. It was one of my first shocking experiences of someone I know putting down my business. I believe it was un called for, and it hurt to hear it.
April 22nd, 2008 at 2:35 pm
wow number 21 u found that insulting……..
if that hatter (whatever that means) hurt your feelings i would have to wonder did you not consider the feelings of those you just hurt by writing that comment at all ?
you definitely have to be strong to own your business
but not hard
i think we should be providing a service or an art a gift even to everyone when we are in the fashion business
not just to a certain type of person if you want to be successful anyway
at least i think so
i dont think you can be successful if you get a reputation of having any sort of
prejudism at least in america
(i never seen anything to give that impression in ireland, the uk or spain either)
especially when you have so many other obstacles to worry about in this business
its so hard and can be unforgiving
but thats just me
i think you should thank that person for the compliment!!
and i do apologize if this hurt your feelings
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:55 pm
To md:
In defense of Bay Way I do not feel it’s any more useful for you to be condescending towards his/her feelings concerning someone’s hateful use of their product name.
Everyone is not born with tough skin, iron feelings and taught to turn the other cheek.
The clothing industry is like any other industry, yes, people are going to be ugly and ruthless but that doesn’t mean you have to change who you are and toughen up as you say.
It is a different story when someone knows the person who is offending you. Usually there are feelings tied to it whether the person is a sibling, acquaintance or friend as well as the product you’re producing.
You might consider this next time someone comments negatively about something you create.
Case in point think about when Oprah Winfrey referred to the release of her then movie Beloved as her baby. Again, feelings are tied to not only the people saying something negative but to the product itself. But, with your infinite wisdom I am sure you know that already.
April 25th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
i have read through a lot of the comments, and its very true that the people closer to u are the ones that will be ur hardest critics, and i have heard a lot of critism from some of my close friends, but i dont get mad or disappointed when i hear them but they strength and motivates me the more to keep pushing on with my dreams, and for me owning a clothing line is not all about the money that i will get from it but the platform and the oprotunity to help as many people as possible and the lagacy i will leave behind when am gone is the driving force behind my determination to do it no mater what people say. and i must say that i have also gotten some good response from some friends too ,so in all i will say that if u know why u doing what u doing then the negative comments wont stop u but it wil make u strong and dont forget that through out human history great men and women of past and present have been call all kinds of names but they did not give up and that’s what set them apart from the rest of the people so be storng and keep doing what u doing and it will come to pass.
April 26th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
We cannot please all people. All we have to do is to do our best and consider criticism that is helpful to us. We hold our success in our hands.
April 29th, 2008 at 10:48 am
thankyou paulette
that is brilliant ; well put!!
and igle please reread my comments
i never said some of the things you seemed to have read……….??????
please tell me if you see something that i dont? but before you do reread it again
i have reread it several times and can not see where i told anyone to toughen up or to change??????????????
when you do reread it you may notice that the comment is not all for bayway the first sentence and the last sentence is all
i was not being condescending at all
i was quite sincere and meant every word i said they are my own opinions
infinite wisdom?
lol
if anyone who knows me read that would definitely get a great laugh from your comment considering i fit the classic blonde moments all rolled up in one
ohhhhhhhhh i will definitely give you thanks for the great laugh you have given me today
to bayway i now understand myself that you are just giving an experience to what had happened to you
i just didnt understand where you were going with the name calling and that was all i really noticed in you comment at the time unfortuntely
im not here to cause trouble and unfortunately (again)we cannot put emotion to our words
which leaves it wide open to everyones own interpretation
that is too bad really……
April 29th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
To Anonymous:
My deepest apologies if I indeed misinterpreted your comments. I, like you, am only human and that is the beauty of America, we each have our own interpretations of things and unfortunately you feel I have misinterpeted yours.
If so, do accept my apology.
I am here to learn as well as everyone else and am not above being put in my place when I am wrong.
Thank you and Good day!
May 17th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
Everything you said is so true. I remeber one guy told me the time for the young hot black designer is over. He even got on the phone and discussed it with another guy like I wasn’t there and they both had pity for me. The end result was him telling me forget the fashion business because again the time for young black designers is over so I should find something else or just get a regular secure job. Comments like that only make me stronger.Just the other day I had a store manager tell me how I should change my designs to look like a particular label. That caught me off guard because I sold to this store before and did very well, but the owner was the one that wanted my line the store manager tried to turn me away then too (but that another story). He found every reason as to why my line won’t work in. I guess I’ll see when I could catch up the owner. With both instance I just take it in thank them for their time and leave. In my head I’m saying a time will come when you to will be dying for me or a representative of mines to walk through their doors again.
June 5th, 2008 at 12:10 am
Bravo, I just like to pretend that someday someone will be telling my story and all those nay-sayers can see what they missed out on. Sounds like your living that kind of life! I hope everything works for in your favor.
June 25th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
I love all the stories told. It really helps me to keep going forward & never ever give up.
I am in the Marketing end of my new line of handbags. I kept my handbags a secret from family & friends until we were ready to sell them. And boy do they all have suggestions. I hardly ever hear a positive feedback. It really keeps me motivated because think about it - if they know so much why are they not designing, or making a handbag. I always come back with the comment of thank you for your suggestion.
I also met with a store owner last week who gave me a suggestion of a snap being placed at the top of the handbag. My reply was that it would make the bag not lay right. She had me drive a hour each way, was late by 20minutes for the appointment. Then after she spent 5 minutes with me she stated she would forward a contract to me that day. It is now two weeks later & I have not heard a thing.
Would anybody out there call her again?? I don’t know if I am comfortable with a person who does business this way. Or maybe she really was not interested. Please somebody
give me some input.
Thanks again for this wonderful site. It has become my favorite place to be when I have the time…….