Let’s Build a Retail Business from Scratch

Many years ago I built my own luxury apparel company that was fueled by a software-enabled solution for lean clothes manufacturing. I had an undergraduate degree in Information Technology, never went to fashion school and didn’t know how to sew a garment together myself. Armed with my technical background, I went into the endeavor as a way to explore the power of software in an industry that I adored as a consumer. It evolved into something that I’m quite proud of, and retailed in a top luxury boutique alongside top brands like Versace and The Row. After working on it for a few years, I decided to pursue my MBA (at Cornell Tech) and then moved to San Francisco for a career in Product Management. While I truly enjoy the PM world, I have come to realize that subconsciously I’m always still thinking about problems that need solving and inevitably dream about how to build those solutions into a business

I’m in no way an expert, but I’ve most recently decided to test out an idea and see where it could go. The reason for this blog is to document my progression through it all. The highs and the lows. One of my only regrets from my fashion label days was that I didn’t document enough. I have email trails, and can remember pulling all-nighters before driving for hours with a car full of fabrics just to reach my manufacturer a day early so I could meet my delivery dates. But now looking back, the days all blur together and I don’t quite remember all of the “in-between” moments that really were so instrumental in the final results of the business

So if no one else reads this, it’s totally cool because my target audience is one person: future me. I selfishly want to be able to use this to look back and remember when a simple “like” on a post was an ultimate high and what I learned every step of the way to course correct the business into what it will (hopefully) become

It’s only been a month into my latest “idea” and so much has happened already! I have chosen to keep the business nameless throughout this blog since I would like to separate this from that endeavor until the time is right to connect the dots. What I will say is that it is in the fashion retail space specifically in the fashion accessories market.

I really don’t know where this idea will end up, but I would love for you to come along for the ride with me. I’m hoping it will be worth your while and it can be the inspiration you need to take the plunge yourself or maybe it can help you to learn from what I am doing. I hope I am consistent enough throughout the endeavor such that future me (and you) can curl up with some popcorn and read these posts to fondly recall all of the precious “in between” moments