Fashion mash-Up: How To Start A Business In Fashion Recap SFFAMA

Many of my people couldn't attend tonight's event due to schedule conflicts so I told them I would take note. Which, I must admit, it was nice being the only "Blogger" there because everyone wants to say hello in hopes of a write up. But alas, I will leave that to the professionals...Mira, Lexter Marcus, Kara, this is for you....

With the exception of the Pretzel Crisps, tonight's event was very different than any of the other Owen Geronimo / SFFAMA productions. The panel was small and specialized and the audience was large and diverse. Each speaker had an area of specialty and knew it well. They had some overlapping experience but all in all, they specialized in the legal, manufacturing and the back bone of the business side. 

The creative minds that sprinkled the room were fantastic. They were all bright eyed and eager to learn from the panel and came prepared with questions. Some of the designers were new to the industry or recently graduated while others were veterans. ***Speaking of veterans, I would like to take a moment and recognize Charlie Ansanelli for being an advocate for our local designers. He is the driving force behind Treasure Island Flea opening Memorial Day Weekend. If you don't know, now you know. Check out their page and follow this guy on Twitter....he only has 2 followers. Pump Him Up!


We all had quite a bit to learn and each of us left feeling inspired. There are quite a few promising individuals out there that I can't wait to see blossom. 

So... Points Of Note From Tonight: 

• Have a 30 Second self promotion ready to share at a moments notice.
• Pay for a lawyer to review your contracts  and an accountant to do your books. It's worth it. Plus, in the end it is cheaper than losing your house.
  
• There are 5 key pieces to getting started: 

1. Tax Registration Certificate / Business License (sfgov.org)
   
2. Sellers permit for wholesale purchase
3. Definition of your legal entity (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC or Corp)
4. Insurance
5. Fictitious name statement
   

• If you need business advice of any sort, call Gwendolyn Wright.  
• If you think that you know what you are doing, call Gwendolyn Wright. 
• If you think that you and your BFF are going to go into business together and will live happily ever after, call Gwendolyn Wright.  
• If you haven't seen The Social Network, watch it and then call Gwendolyn Wright so she can advise you on how to divorce your BFF when it ain't all roses. 
• It would behoove you to check in with Gwendolyn Wright and listen to what she has to say. 

Key Contacts and Great Resources:
Two people that Gwendolyn shared are Janet Lees of SFmade.org and Martha Yanez in City Hall at the Office of Small Business.
Paula has a Fashion business bootcamp that she offered up to help any of us.

People I met tonight that made an impression on me:

• Sarah Liller: Straight Outta NYC, this designer is a newcomer to SF but has a great sense of style and will do really well here. Her collections are HOT. She is seeking buyers,  info on local manufacturers and fabric availability. Check out her page: www.sarahliller.com

• Rebekah Peterkin of Lwanga Designs- super sweet and shy. She is genuine and dabbles in fair trade. Check out her wares here. 

• I have to admit that I am REALLY excited and semi-bitter that I didn't come up with this concept myself...Check out one of Brad's companies: The Walk Street Movement Yes, please. I want a sweet, soft pair of Walksoftz slippers after a night of shaking my tail feather on the dance floor in 6 inch heels. As he says...dance hard, walk soft.
  

Hashtags from tonight's event: #SFFAMA, #fashionmashup