Journey to Building a Fashion Business

By Tyshca Nicole

Last year I made the decision to embark on a journey of entering fashion, not in the traditional sense of being a fashion designer, but as a fashion journalist. With my 16 years of off-and-on freelance journalism experience, to landing a full-time role as a senior editor/producer with a media outlet, I knew journalism was the route for me, but I felt something was missing. I’ve always admired fashion, but I was no connoisseur. I knew I wanted to get into this field, but without experience or starting as an intern, there was no way anyone would really give me a shot.

Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind starting in an entry-level role to get my foot in the door, but with my job and having a family, I knew that time would not allow it. So I decided to take courses to learn the ins and out of fashion. I decided to attend The New School Parson program with Teen Vogue to get a high overview of the industry and for someone who doesn’t have any background in this subject, it’s been quite helpful. It has given me a newfound respect for the men and women who work tirelessly to bring us the best in fashion.

Let me add this disclaimer and say that I was not asked to write about my experience, nor am I being paid to do so. This is me sharing my take on this course as it’s a part of my journey of understanding and entering the fashion industry as a fashion journalist.

One course in particular that I took was “Understanding Fashion Production.” In this course, I got to witness what designers do on a day to day when it comes to the business plan, sample creation, factory prep, working with the factory, and making the sale.

I also had to make a product out of unconventional material. I decided to make earrings out of resistance bands. I had no idea what I was doing, however, I am creative, so I let my creative juices take me on a journey of creating a product. Now, I have no interest in becoming a designer, that is not my ministry, but I will say this experience has taught me that this industry is NOT for the faint of heart. You must have patience, passion, a dream, and be driven by something greater than making money.

Unconventional Material for a Product

Resistance Bands

Photo by me - Tyshca Nicole

My resistance band earring.

Along with creating this product, I had to come up with the production cost of this item. Comes to find out, it will cost more to make than to retail. Understanding these nuances is what many designers and those in the industry are faced with on a regular. They must be able to come up with a profitable and fashionable product while saving money and being conscious of material waste. Had I not done this assignment, I would have been oblivious, as most consumers, about what goes on behind the scenes in fashion. I’m grateful that I’m not the one who will create the products, however, I do know consumer awareness is important, and supporting our designers, especially smaller brands and those who are conscious of sustainability are messages I want to push as a fashion journalist.

To learn more about The New School and the Yellowbrick Fashion Essentials course, check them out at www.yellowbrick.co.