Due to world events this week, my originally planned blog post about working from home (complete with cute pictures of the cat),  does not seem appropriate. Instead I am reflecting on a time almost 10 years ago, a moment that affected us all deeply and differently, and was crucial to my business values. 

For one year of my life, I was a New Yorker. 2001-2002. It was the most incredible year of my life. In addition to the personal chalIenges of moving to a big city and an intense curriculum at the Fashion Institute, I witnessed a proud city take the biggest hit any of us could (never) imagine. And I watched it rebuild.

click photo for creds

I remember exactly what I was doing when we heard the news on Sept. 11th, I remember running over to 8th avenue to look south at a giant cloud of smoke, I remember getting through to my mom  to tell her I was ok, I remember the look in my roommate’s eyes that mirrored my own thought, What does this mean? In the next few days, classes were dismissed and the streets of New York were eerily (and understandably) quiet. With plenty of time to reflect, I couldn’t help but think WHY. What would motivate someone to hate so much that they would plan a devastating attack killing thousands of people? The only answer I could find was consumerism and capitalism. And I actually felt ashamed. That American society is perceived to be heartless consumers; over-working, materialistic, only-looking out for ourselves. And here I am studying fashion design in the middle of it. All of a sudden my goals seemed trivial, and possibly a bit selfish. 

Then one day we walked up to Madison Square Garden, when I got punched in the arm by a bustling New Yorker who did not appreciate my tourist-y stroll interrupting her pace. Yes, it startled me. Up 7th avenue a bit farther, we entered Times Square. And capitalism slapped me in the face. Vendors were selling t-shirts with messages such as, “I survived the attacks of Sept 11th”. Holy crap, We are cashing in on this? Already?

It took awhile but all those nudges, shoves, and slugging that NY served up opened my eyes. And both incidents make me smile, sometimes laugh. In the aftermath of a tragedy, both New Yorkers resorted to the most common coping method, Moving on with your daily life. 

And in terms of consumerism, it is an essential to American life. There is no escaping it. Those experiences however, sparked my interest in the concept of conscious consumerism. I realized that by building a for-profit fashion business I can implement strategies and values to make it so much more than “cashing in”. 

click photo for creds

Therefore while setting goals as a business owner and a fashion designer, I always refer back to the question, What does this mean?  A big thank you to the bootcamp that is New York City.I was deeply humbled by the outpouring of love and respect from the proud city’s dwellers. They might be in a hurry, but at least they squish into the subway a bit further to let you on the train. 

The room filled with smoke, the scent of rotisserie wafted over to us as we tore away at a couple of perfectly browned chicken legs. 

Me and Mr. Zipper. 

We devoured an entire chicken, a couple of plantains, and a bowl of tomatillo salsa. Occasionally we came up for air.  Maybe meeting for pollo a la bresa isn’t typical for a fabric sourcing meeting. But when it comes to Mr. Zipper, the location doesn’t matter, he will succeed in unloading more information than you expected. 

“…this new line of knits… you should see the variety of in stock fabrics they have…every stripe you can imagine….and when she saw that the fabric only cost $4.95/yd…support the need to build a community for local fashion….only 10 yard minimums….and the silk jersey they offer….”

These were just a few of the comments made over lunch, and they each apply to a different fabric/supplier. If you need a local fabric source, make a date with Mr.Zipper. (Insider tip: his real name is Jay Arbetman). Visit him at Leonard Adler and Co. at 3018 W Montrose. 

Another great reason to make the trip up there is to check in with Steve who owns Leonard Adler (wouldn’t it be a lot easier if his name were Leonard?) He sells EVERYTHING a garment needs. Size labels, care labels, linings, fusible, zippers, buttons, snaps, thread…..  stuff you might have never heard of nor realized was inside your garments. And you can buy any quantity. So hop over there to grab size labels for you sales samples rather than waiting until production. They will look so much more professional.

This is a must-stop for a start-up apparel company. 

Even if is just to research your options, make the trip.

In an attempt to further cultivate awareness, excitement, and hip-ness to the Chicago fashion scene, we have started trending #localfashion on twitter.

Join us!            

Also, the following graphic is being placed on buttons over at Busy Beaver, as we speak. Stop by next week’s networking event to score one!

We are actually having a lot of fun with it.

Once a month, singleneedle hosts an Apparel Industry Networking meeting.  The concept bloomed from a hopeless moment of being new to Chicago and having a helluva time finding my apparel resources. Honestly, I was living in an apartment on the northside and needed thread. I spent an entire day on a bus and a train to get to Vogue fabrics on Roosevelt, for a measly spool of thread.  (ok, so I turned it into a fun first walk through Milennium Park, but it would have been nice to know that the dry cleaner on the corner sold thread)

The nature of the apparel industry is tricky. Nothing is stream-lined nor is anything listed on Yelp. We all have our favorite places to buy thread, favorite patternmaking tools, ways to promote our lines, opinions on social marketing, a talented web designer friend, tips for selling, a sewing contractor who knows how to use a cover stitch machine…..

Through my renegade networking, I emailed, called, attended events, stopped by boutiques, brought coffee, and met local designers for lunch. I biked all over town to meet some of you and to get to know Chicago’s apparel network. Thankfully, everyone has been awesome, and the local fashion scene is thriving and full of amazing designers.

This is why I created the monthly Apparel Industry Networking meeting. To build community, share resources, and lend support for each other.

If you are in the local fashion scene, or you want to be, come join us. The atmosphere is completely casual (no getting to know you games). We sip on some cheap wine (hey, it’s a free event) and mingle.  Bring business cards and an open mind- not a sales pitch.

When:   The first Tuesday of every month 6:30-8:30 pm

Where:  A local boutique/storefront/workspace determined each month

Who:     Apparel-minded individuals looking to meet others.

What:    A FREE and casual get together.

  Wine/Water/and sometimes snacks are provided

Why:      To unite Chicago fashion!

To stay in the loop about upcoming meetings, go here to join our mailing list, or go here to become a fan of singlneedle. Thanks and hope to see you!

Guest Post from Singleneedle designer, Jenna Compton.

For those of you that know me, you know me as pro-workforyourself. Doubt that will change anytime soon. Last year, I was seeking inspiration, and as I spend most of my day on the computer, I googled “top 5 must read entrepreneurial books”. What I least expected was fiction! One site listed The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. As a former bookstore employee, I of course knew Rand and her books, but had never read any – not even Atlas Shrugged! So, I borrowed The Fountainhead from my roommate (how convenient) and couldn’t put it down. Here’s 3 reasons why:

1. Selling Out: What is Your Talent Worth?

There are two architects in this story. One of them is talented and a people-pleaser. He follows every rule. The other gets kicked out of university for refusing to design his buildings on the Classic foundational ideals (i.e. Roman architecture). The former sells out pop star-style and hits fame (and money) immediately. The latter stays true to his art and goes through hell. This book makes a clear distinction on the dual mentality that most entrepreneurs struggle with: the battle between originality and conformity.

2. Originality Isn’t Easy

The “original” architect in the book (Howard Roark) retains a complete love of his craft. I mean, its extreme. Almost inhuman. I don’t necessarily think you have to become freakish about your idea, but I do believe that you have to pursue it with all you have. Once you lose steam, you’re more likely to let conformity slip in and show its appeal. Don’t take “no” for an answer. Get kicked out of school. Turn around and open your own and be the best.

3. It IS Humanly Possible

One of the most encouraging messages from this novel comes from the true human aspect of the storyline. To experience the personal struggles and thoughts of Roark, trying to maintain his originality in an ever-evolving society – I often thought I was revisiting my own “ohcrap” or “eureka!” moments.

Like Roark, you – in whatever field you’re in – were born with a certain talent(s). [This is a very appropriate time to reference GaGa’s new single, “Born This Way”] Why give up when someone tells you that what’s already been done is better? Its not true. Your ideas have a purpose – finding the way to execute them should be the best part of life! Oftentimes, its pure hell. But find the Howard Roark in you and love your craft because it is, in a sense, you.

Photo credit: [Butler House by Maynard Architects, via Black.White.Yellow.] 

the other day I read an article written by someone who is sick of winter. about his insatiable hunger for spring that cannot be filled with winter’s meat and potatoes anymore.

And damnit, now I can’t stop craving spring and strawberries and bicycles and warmth and sunshine too.

channelling blue skies…..

and bicycles….

a tomboy pilot….

a goofball chef….

a timeless style icon….

Inspirational. Hardworking. Creative thinkers. 

Saving the best for last….our clients. We like them too. A lot. Not only do they keep us in business, they keep it interesting! Every client of singleneedle has a unique idea that we hope to support, refine, enhance, and ultimately execute into a beautiful product. 

A fellow entrepreneur, Lisa, came to singleneedle almost a year ago with her idea for Whether Bags, a line of element-proof bags for the modern woman and/or man. With the direction of Lisa’s detailed sketches and specs, we have created patterns and protos for many different styles.

A huge thumbs up to Lisa’s sourcing abilities! She sourced some beautiful ribbons from a local Chicago designer, hemp strapping from Near Sea Naturals, and hemp/cotton blend fabrics from one of my favorite resources, Envirotextiles. 

We even dyed some of her natural fabrics.

Our graphic designer, Jenna, created the logo for Whether Bags. 

This month we are heading into production with 8 fantastic styles. Here is a sneak peek of the his/hers messenger bags, a perfect urban daypack.

In an attempt to squeeze atleast one more thumbs up in to the month of February , we asked Lisa about her design process.

SN: What is your favorite way to stir up inspiration?

WHETHER: I love being out and about to find a color palate or style that catches my eye. Just last month I was in Hawaii and saw a bag that caught my eye. Something that could be a great template for my upcoming collection. It is great when you find yourself in the right place at the right time.

To get your hands on a Whether bag original, find her booth at the Chicago Green Festival this May. 

We thank Lisa for the opportunity to help develop her collection of Whether Bags! 

Telling you specifics about marketing is a challenge for me. It is a natural occurence that I hand singleneedle business cards to a first-time acquaintance (yes, I am that person), talk to shop owners about market demographics (who is the typical customer for you)… I even managed to tell my creative writing class how the Tim Ferriss book increased my business productivity (they were skeptical, but impressed!). I am constantly living my brand. Yesterday I was drawing a new tattoo in my head, it included pattern paper.  

My simple advice on marketing: Put it out there.  

However; carving your company’s logo onto your skin will not be very pleasant nor the most effective strategy.  For a more solid plan, we turn to the experts at Hoply, a hip and creative marketing firm

Co-founders, Erin and Jessica, answered a few questions for us below. And they would be happy to chat with you too.

SN: Describe how Hoply can support BUSINESSES in 10 words or less.

HOPLY: Messaging strategy and content that connects with your target.

SN: What is your favorite marketing tool?

HOPLY: Our favorite marketing tool is conversation. Cheesy, yes. But effective? Definitely. Whether it’s by getting active on social media or getting on the street and talking to people about your brand and business, businesses today need to have a constant dialogue with their customers to stay relevant and successful. People like being heard, so you’re guaranteed to get some valuable feedback on what you’re doing well and what you could afford to do better. Direct conversation also does wonders for word-of-mouth. By making people feel like they matter to you, you just made them feel important. And that’s the stuff that gets passed on. It’s the little things. 

SN: What is the perfect day at the office of Hoply? 

HOPLY: A perfect day is when our lovely neighbors downstairs don’t play their dance music at peak volume.

In all seriousness, for us, the recipe for a perfect day is: 

a heaping tablespoon of productivity + a dash of making clients smile + a cup of inspiration

That last ingredient has been increasingly important since we started Hoply. And the source for inspiration often comes from meeting new people. The world of entrepreneurship has been totally thrilling. People are hungry, open, friendly, helpful. Sometimes that lunch meeting that - at the time - was so rudely interrupting your morning productivity run actually became invaluable to helping spark a new idea or solution to a problem.

SN: Can you share a favorite photo with us? 

HOPLY: Photo of Michael Jackson in building window across the street. 

Caption: This view out our window has the ability to both frighten and make us laugh. It’s part of the charm of our office, though, so we love it. We think of it as Michael himself thumbs-upping us!

At singleneedle, we like not only to hear about a fresh idea but also to see an idea come to life.

This is your official “kick in the pants, get out the door, don’t be scared, follow your dreams, your idea is not crazy, believe in yourself” message.

And I strongly believe that NOW is the time. Despite everything the news and your neighbors have been saying about the current economy…  No matter how many pennies you have pinched… or $1 PBRs you have suffered through…. you still have dreams. Start making them happen.

It is discouraging to hear someone talk passionately about an idea for a business, a collection, a product, a new piece of art, and follow it up with a big BUT.

BUT I don’t know where to start.

BUT I don’t have time.

BUT I don’t know if anyone will like it.

BUT I don’t want people to think I am weird. 

“BUT why would anyone launch a business in this economy??”

Kraft did it. They launched Miracle Whip during the Great Depression. At the same time. Nescafe was invented, Hewlett and Packard met, and Chuck Taylor invented the “stitchless” basketball.

And if you need more evidence that businesses CAN succeed during a recession, read this article.

Now is as good of an opportunity as ever. Our good friend Tim Ferriss with the 4 Hour Work Week reminds us that “Conditions are never perfect. ‘Someday’ is a disease that will take your dreams to the grave with you.” I strongly agree. 

If you have a great idea, start working on it. Take little steps towards your goals, and you will be amazed to see it unfold.  A good first step is to get your idea on paper, draft a business plan.  I like this one.  Scroll down the page to download her template.

Ask your family/friends to read it, get feedback, and revise it. If you want a professional opinion talk to one of the old guys at the SBA. Almost every city has an SBA or SCORE office- and they consult, for free.

From there, watch your dream begin to take shape. If the economy has your wallet on lockdown, use this opportunity to dig deep into innovation, planning, and actualization of your business goals. Now is the time to believe in yourself as an entrepreneur.

And if you still need some convincing… watch this cute video.