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The Basics with Stacey Estrella

What advice, if any, do you have for other small fashion businesses.

SE: 1) Involve interns so they can work your P.R., help with your designs and set up relationships. Interns are undiscovered talent and they will work for experience.

2) Do not try to be good at that which you do not want to do. (laughs) If you are uncomfortable marketing, then find someone who loves it. It can be confusing! (laughs)

3) Whomever you involve in your company, be sure they share your creative and strategic business vision.

Do you think fashion shows are necessary for small fashion businesses?

SE: Yes. It's a great way to get press and cultivate a following.

How do small designers get the resources for such shows?

SE: When you raise money from investors, fashion shows should be in your budget. Also, trunk shows are a great avenue. If designers have a following of a few people that like their designs, then they will be your word-of-mouth, helping to expand your client base.

Stacey, thank you so much for your time to talk FashionInk Business with us! I wish you nothing but success with Estrella Couture.

SE:   (laughs) No. Thank you for having me! (laughs again)

To learn more about Stacey Estrella, CLICK HERE