Could an MBA help launch a vintage clothing start-up?
The following contribution is by Kate Hodge, who was the former special features editor of the Financial Times.
A student’s tale: Opinion is divided on whether entrepreneurship can be taught, but one graduate learned valuable lessons
Abhi Arora grew up with “a healthy dose of excitement and ambition”. In a family of entrepreneurs, it was taken for granted that he and his siblings would start their own businesses.
And he is well on his way to fulfilling that ambition as co-founder of Fleek, an online marketplace for wholesale second-hand fashion, which closed a $20.4m funding round last year.
An MBA wasn’t automatically a step on that path, though
MBAs are “hotly debated” in startup circles, Arora says, particularly whether entrepreneurship can be taught, and he admits he was “a little apprehensive” before starting his program at Cambridge University’s Judge Business School.
Arora had already experienced learning and working in some of the world’s most popular startup communities.
He moved from Kolkata in India, where he grew up, to study a business degree at the University of California, Berkeley, in 2011. After working at startups in San Francisco and Berlin, he moved to London.
By 2018, Arora had decided to start an MBA
Having a background in startups, he was “ready to take the leap” and create something of his own. But he also wanted to step away from full-time work so he could “ideate” (develop and evaluate potential business ideas), conduct customer research and “actually build something.”
Studying an MBA at Cambridge would place him in an “entrepreneurial ecosystem,” while the course would teach him the frameworks and strategies used by larger organizations, such as how to scale operations. Having worked in early-stage startups, the MBA was to be a “shortcut” to gaining the knowledge accumulated in larger companies.
While the idea for his business came to Arora after completing the program,
he found that when it came to entrepreneurship and the MBA, he could arguably have the best of both worlds.
“I realized that there is a lot of knowledge to be tapped into [in the MBA],” he says. “You can’t teach entrepreneurship – you learn by doing. However, there are things that can be learned that give you a trick to do what you’re doing better.”
The MBA is being put into practice as he builds Fleek from London with his co-founder, Sanket Agarwal
The idea for the business, which was launched in 2021, came about during the Covid pandemic when Arora, then living near trendy Brick Lane in the East End, walked into a vintage clothing store that was closing down.
The owner faced a number of challenges, including supply issues. Arora learned that sourcing was an analogue process, with buyers travelling around the world to find products.
Fleek aims to bring both buyers and sellers online
Sellers are typically large clothing sorting centres – around 70 per cent of supply comes from Pakistan, around 20 per cent from India and the rest from countries such as Thailand and Dubai.
The platform enables these suppliers to sell vintage and second-hand clothing in bulk to retailers and resellers primarily in the US, UK and mainland Europe (with France and Germany being the largest markets). Arora points to the MBA’s management practices class, which focuses on the practical aspects of management, touching on organizational behavior, team management, and leadership, as an example of how the course has influenced Fleek. The class touched on managing very diverse teams, and one phrase struck a chord with Arora: «My world is not your world, and your world is not my world.»
“I think that’s been probably the one thing that’s really stuck with me as we’ve been able to build,” he says. Fleek now employs about 60 people, of seven nationalities, in offices across three countries (in London, Karachi in Pakistan, and Bengaluru in India).
Another class Arora enjoyed, but never thought he’d be able to teach, was negotiation.
He found the topic “fascinating,” learning to understand strategies, studies that have been done, and coming to a mutually beneficial resolution.
“In a startup world, I feel like you’re always selling and you’re always negotiating at some point or another,” he notes. “It’s been transformative in the way I think about it.”
As well as his encounter with the Brick Lane shopkeeper, Arora also traces Fleek’s deeper roots back to his global MBA consulting venture.
He lived in Shenzhen, China, and worked for SF Express, a logistics company. This involved experience in warehouses and helping to design fulfillment systems for marketplaces and e-commerce companies.
There, he says he became “obsessed with the idea of social commerce” (or e-commerce platforms that include social and interactive shopping features). “There are a lot of social interactions that happen between buyers and sellers [on Fleek] that I think were inspired by my time in China,” he says, pointing to features like hosting videos of products being sold and allowing video calls between buyers and sellers.
There are things… that give you a cheat code to do what you’re doing better
With the company focused on expansion, Arora wants to double down on its mission to “make secondhand products the first choice while also empowering entrepreneurs on both sides of this market.”
This isn’t without its challenges, not the least of which are quality and authenticity
The company is working on solutions like building quality control centers in Karachi and Delhi to assess items before they ship and using third-party apps, like Legit App, to help authenticate items.
The app allows workers at control centers to send photos of products to experts who can advise on authenticity and share the conclusion with buyers.
The MBA is helping Arora on that path to growth. While the best thing to do to learn how to be an entrepreneur is “do,” he says, “what an MBA can do is give you that structured approach to ideation, the cheat codes and frameworks you need, and a network that you can really lean on.”
Why You Should Get an MBA in Operations for a Career in Fashion
The following contribution is from Seattle University’s Blog portal and is written by a member of the team.
Looking to land an entry-level job in fashion management, planning, production, or manufacturing? An MBA in Operations may be the perfect fit.
This degree will fully prepare you for management and consulting jobs in the fashion industry, which is constantly evolving and moving at a fast pace.
Plus, it can equip you to help businesses move toward a more successful and sustainable future.
If you’re intrigued by how an MBA in Operations can lead to opportunities in fashion, read on to see what this degree entails and how it can help you create a headline-worthy career.
What’s the difference between an MBA in Production or Operations?
Before we dive in, let’s clear up any confusion: at first glance, an MBA in Production and an MBA in Operations may seem like different degrees.
However, they are actually the same degree with slightly different titles
Operations and production are closely connected and contain many of the same key components, which is why they are often used interchangeably in universities.
For the sake of consistency, we will refer to it as an “MBA in Operations” for the remainder of this blog post.
An MBA in Operations combines the standard Master of Business Administration with a specialization in operations/production management. Simply put, this graduate degree focuses on how a company can create, sell, and deliver products or services in a more cost-effective manner.
While most MBA courses include general business topics such as marketing and finance, this program focuses primarily on operations management roles and responsibilities.
Students will take courses in quality, supply chain management, global operations, project management, operations planning, service operations strategy, and more.1
Career Benefits of an MBA in Operations
Unlike a more general MBA, this degree specifically helps students discover new ways to develop and produce products and services to increase quality and profitability while minimizing risks to an organization’s bottom line.
You’ll become familiar with the most common processes, departments, and quality standards, and gain a global perspective on fashion and business trends.
Executives and hiring managers can tell the difference between someone who is invested in the industry or someone just seeking notoriety
With these universal and highly sought-after skills in your pocket, you’ll be a standout candidate for a wide variety of desirable jobs in fashion.
How Your MBA Can Help You Add Value
When you first start considering a career in fashion, an MBA in Operations may not seem all that necessary or relevant.
But when you look more closely at the macro and micro levels of the industry, you’ll notice that operations are at the core of every transaction, from sourcing materials and hiring workers to perfecting production and delivery methods.
As the fashion industry begins to “embrace business on multiple fronts—efficiently, economically, and greenly,” more companies than ever are looking for candidates with MBAs in operations or similar fields.
Brands, designers, and other fashion companies now readily admit that they need people with higher education to help them streamline processes, reduce waste, and increase profits.
Improving Quality, Improving Experiences
Poor product quality leads to wasted labor and ruined raw materials, not to mention disappointed customers and negative reviews.
Ultimately, this hurts an organization’s reputation and its bottom line
To protect against this major pitfall, having a deep understanding of operations management means you can help companies develop high-quality production practices.
This creates good production management and efficient utilization of raw materials to meet (or exceed) the performance, durability, and reliability expectations of the industry and its consumers.4
Reducing Costs, Cutting Overheads, and Increasing Profits
Manufacturing is where a company makes or loses most of its money.
The more it costs to make a product, the more they have to charge for the product to cover those costs.
As a result, customers might not be willing to pay the high prices, companies will have to cut back on spending in other areas (e.g., employee wages), and they will lose business.
On the other hand, cost reduction from efficient, quality production means that a company can charge a competitive price for its product.
This is where you can come into play: the experience you will gain with an MBA in Operations can help a company reduce the cost of producing goods while maintaining quality. With your valuable contribution, it is a win-win situation for you, your employer, and your customers.
Lead brands towards a greener future
Many fashion brands are struggling with the uncomfortable truth that they contribute significantly to high levels of carbon emissions, water pollution, and wasted materials each year.
With 88% of consumers saying they want brands to help them be more environmentally friendly, several companies are pledging to rethink their methods.
Rothy’s, Patagonia, and Levi’s are some of today’s top fashion brands leading the charge on sustainability,
material recycling, and pollution reduction.
You can take what you learn from your MBA experience and use it to help companies rethink and restructure their production practices.
Demonstrate your skills by suggesting projects that reduce labor waste and spoiled materials, and spend some time researching new measures to improve the current business model.
Identifying opportunities to minimize environmental impact will show that you are committed to the business and looking to the future.
– Jobs for Graduates with an MBA in Operations
– Armed with impressive skills and business acumen, you will be qualified for top-level fashion jobs in planning, manufacturing, and production of several different types of goods and services.
Typical job titles for those with an MBA in Operations include:
– Purchasing or production manager
– Inventory coordinator
– Warehouse operations manager
– Supply chain manager
– Operations consultant or analyst
– Project manager
– Marketing operations manager.
Graduates with an MBA in Operations can work at a wide variety of companies within the fashion industry.
That includes global and local brands (ranging from fast fashion to luxury apparel), large retailers like Macy’s, and private label manufacturers.
An MBA can also lead to a higher salary, as the average U.S. operations manager earns more than $120,000 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Enter the Fashion Industry in Style
Become a leader in the fashion world by enrolling in one of the AACSB-accredited online MBA programs at Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics.
With each course, you’ll explore the impact of ethical, people-centered business practices and learn how to apply this approach as you develop cross-functional mastery of all areas of operation.
Review our application requirements to get started, or contact an admissions advisor for more information about the program.
What Should I Study to Launch My Own Fashion Brand?
The following contribution is from The Masters Institute of Creative Education portal and is authored by the editorial team.
How to do it
Fashion
So, you want to launch your own fashion brand. Maybe you’ve identified a gap in the market for amazing pieces that the world needs, or maybe it’s something you’ve had on your bucket list for a long time.
It’s not just an idea. You want to take the plan seriously
make sure everything goes smoothly and get the right education so you can launch a successful business.
So where should you start?
What makes a good fashion brand?
To start, you need to understand the main things that make a good fashion entrepreneur, and therefore a good fashion brand.
Industry knowledge
A big part of creative work actually involves researching and analyzing the industry. To do this, you will need a good understanding of the industry, from its fundamentals, cultural history, consumer behavior, laws, and ethics, to give you a broader perspective on the industry.
Marketing and Branding
Good fashion marketing is the key to getting your brand to the right target market, at the right price, place, and time.
To achieve this, you need to know how to develop a good brand, how to come up with solid communication, marketing, and management plans, how to work with fashion copywriting in digital media, and the latest strategies in e-commerce and the digital fashion landscape.
Product Knowledge
It is critical that you understand your products well because you will be working on many processes related to them along the way.
This includes:
– deciding on textiles and materials
– sustainable sourcing and supply
– product development
– financial and purchasing decision making
– inventory management
– product management and accounting.
Fashion manufacturing, sourcing, and purchasing require careful steps that go beyond trusting your “gut feeling.”
Creative Direction
Fashion is a creative industry after all! When you start your own brand, you’ll probably take on the role of creative director.
This means you’ll need to hone your creative direction, styling, and visual merchandising skills.
– What makes a good fashion brand?
– Where can you learn all that?
It’s a mix of many things. That’s why Fashion Design schools may seem too «creative»,
but Business Management seems too corporate and general for your interest.
That’s when you know you’re made for the fashion business. Our Bachelor of Fashion Business course will introduce you to the world of Fashion from a business perspective.
Instead of learning about garment making, you’ll learn: marketing, visual merchandising, social media management and creative direction.
We also cover trend forecasting, fashion journalism, law and ethics and much more.
Here is a complete list of study units in our Bachelor of Fashion Business programme:
– Creative Industry Analysis
– Textiles and Materials
– Consumer Behaviour
– Communication for the Creative Industry
– Fashion Fundamentals and Cultural History
– Principles of Fashion Management
– Product Management and Accounting
– Brand Development
– Financial and Purchasing Decision Making
– Law and Ethics
– Product Development Strategies
– Visual Merchandising and Inventory Management
– Fashion Marketing Strategies
– Sustainable Sourcing and Supply
– Creative Business Project 1: Research and Planning
– Creative Business Project 2: Integrated Business Plan
– Creative Collaboration in the Fashion Industry
– Economic Strategies for the Creative Sector
– Research Methods for Creative Business Development
– Digital Technologies
– Styling for the Creative Industry
– Data Fundamentals
– E-Commerce and the Digital Landscape
– Fashion Writing and Digital Media
It sounds like a big commitment
Starting a business is, after all, a big commitment. And while pursuing a degree in Fashion Business may sound intimidating, we have a range of study options that can suit your needs.
You can study 6 terms in a row and fast-track your degree to graduate in two years. Or you can spread it out over three years if you want to build up your work experience in between.
If you’re not sure about committing to a full degree just yet, we also offer a Degree Certificate in Fashion Business which consists of one term or 12 weeks of study. This option is ideal for those looking to enhance their knowledge with a formal qualification, or for those who want to break into the fashion industry.
Gain industry experience before launching your own brand
We encourage our students to complete a range of internships and work placements during their studies.
By completing an internship, especially at a brand that inspires you and your career goals, you’ll get to see what goes on behind the scenes, learn from their business model, and apply what you learn to your own brand in the future.
Our students also expand their knowledge by interning beyond fashion houses, landing positions at publications like Marie Claire, digital outlets, and marketing agencies!
What other career outcomes are there if I decide not to start my own business?
Don’t worry, fashion is a gigantic industry that offers all kinds of opportunities. Our students and graduates have gone on to careers as:
– Stylists
– Buyers
– Merchandisers
– Production and planning specialists
– Product development specialists
– Retail managers
– Branding specialists
– Commercial managers
– Merchandisers
– Social media managers
– Creative directors
– Copywriters/fashion journalists
Do I need a fashion degree to create a fashion brand?
The following contribution is from the TEG portal which defines itself as: WE HAVE A PATTERN OF SUCCESS. Evans Group (TEG) is an award-winning fashion development and production company based in Los Angeles that serves both emerging brands and established designers.
As a premier cut and sew manufacturer, we specialize in bringing your designs to life with precision and excellence. We offer a full-service, end-to-end experience that includes design, fabric and trim sourcing, pattern and sample development, small volume production, marketing services, and mentoring.
Our best-in-class team operates from our renowned, vertically integrated facility in the Los Angeles Arts District, and manufactures apparel ethically and sustainably.
Since our founding in 2005, TEG has worked with nearly 4,000 apparel brands, generating over 30 living-wage jobs year-round.
Higher education certainly has its benefits. It can spark creative ideas, enhance your resume, and build a strong network of like-minded people. All in a structured environment.
That being said, here’s a surprising and inspiring fact: almost 40% of all working designers do NOT have a formal fashion degree.
In fact, in our long history at Teg, we’ve had the honor and pleasure of working with quite a few successful designers who were actually self-taught.
So, if your life doesn’t allow you the luxury of going to school right now, we’re here to tell you that you don’t have to give up on your dream of creating your own fashion brand
In this article, we’ll show you how to create your own DIY fashion education and the structure you need to learn.
Take Advantage of Free Online Education
Thanks to the internet, getting a free education is easier than ever. With a simple Google search, you’ll find plenty of articles and websites that are totally free and will give you a wealth of information.
Including valuable lessons that you would otherwise have to pay tuition for!
Plus, there is free education on any aspect of the fashion industry that might interest you
The wealth of industry topics ranges from pattern making and technical design to fabric selection and merchandising a collection. In fact, a simple YouTube search for “Clothing Design Tutorials” yielded page after page of videos based on those keywords alone.
Of course, here at Teg, we are also big fans of free education. We have learned a lot in our 18+ year history and we are happy to share it all with you.
As one of your first steps in your free fashion education journey, we encourage you to take a deep dive into our website, https://tegmade.com/ – you will find that there is a lot to learn.
Become a “Fashion Student”
Next, there is the knowledge you create for yourself. Allow us to explain. We are sure that there are brands and designers that you admire.
Once you have identified these talented individuals, the next step is to learn as much as you can about them.
Ask yourself some pointed questions about your favorite designers and their brands:
– What is their story?
– What is their inspiration?
– What do they do consistently, season after season?
– How do they stand out from others in their particular fashion category?
– And, most importantly, what do you love about them?
How they got to where they are today may seem like a mystery to you, but we promise that if you do your research, you’ll see that there’s nothing mysterious about it. The path from point A to CDFA is pretty linear.
Here’s how you become a «fashion student»
Not in the way of going to school, but in the way of a lifelong learner.
Find a job/apprenticeship opportunity
There are quite a few places where you can learn about fashion and the fashion business. Many successful entrepreneurs started their journey by “learning on the job.” It’s definitely a viable way to learn about the industry and spread your creative wings.
You don’t have to work for another designer (although if you find such a job, take advantage!). There are plenty of other opportunities to learn while you work.
Options include:
– Working in a boutique or department store
– Working for a fabric retailer or other related business
– Taking an administrative job at a fashion school
– Working in a related creative field, such as interior design or graphic design
Don’t hide your dream. Share your passion with others
There may be someone in your network of family and friends who has a lead on a job in the fashion industry. And don’t forget to use social media for your job search. Make sure to keep an open mind, because the perfect opportunity might not be where you expect it.
Be creative in your search and be willing to start from scratch
Look at it this way: you could get paid to study instead of paying tuition for a school. It’s a win-win situation, right?
Practice your craft
The next step is to take some of that free knowledge and start putting it into practice.
It doesn’t matter at all if you’re perfect at it or not. Just start doing it!
For example, you could try sketching a garment. Then, once you have the sketch the way you want it, start imagining the fabrics. Even if you can’t afford the best, buy something that’s close to your ideal.
Get in front of a sewing machine
Borrow one if you need to, or find a quality used machine on Craigslist. Again, it doesn’t need to be perfect; just functional. And start sewing.
Do this over and over again. Design more, sew more
The goal here is not to become a seamstress (unless that’s your choice), but to get comfortable designing and creating your own work.
That’s how you learn – by doing. And don’t forget that practice makes perfect.
Create your own structure
It’s long been known that people learn best with a set learning structure. In the case of a DIY education, you’ll be responsible for creating your own.
Set aside a specific time each day to learn something new about our wonderful industry and practice your craft.
Let your family and friends know that you won’t be available during that time, and turn off any unwanted distractions.
Set goals for yourself and keep a study journal or sketchbook to track your progress
While you can find free study journal templates online, make your journal personal to you.
Some people absorb information better if they write it out by hand rather than type it—an option worth considering for your journal.
However you track your progress, be deliberate about your fashion education—as if you were going to school for it. Because guess what? You are.
Passion is everything
We’re going to let you in on a little secret. The fashion industry isn’t as hard to break into as it seems from the outside.
When you see it in the pages of a magazine, on TV, or on social media, it seems like an elite world open to a select few.
Well, that’s simply not true. And a “formal” education isn’t always the key to getting in the door.
The fashion industry opens its doors to passion. If you are passionate about the industry, whether it is the creative side, the technical side or even the retail side, you have fifty percent of what you need. The other fifty percent is knowledge.
At Teg, many of our clients have come to us knowing very little about the industry we all love so much.
Once you get into it, you will realise that there is no better education in fashion than the “learning by doing” kind.
How an MBA can transform your career as a small retail business owner
The following contribution is from the Retail Focus portal which is an international industry-leading design publication, website, social media and events serving the retail design industry.
Retail Focus is rooted in innovation and design and offers a unique perspective for every professional, on every project and throughout the design process. Our events connect the industry and promote creative leadership, innovation and collaboration across a wide range of practice areas and platforms. The Retail Focus website, retail-focus.co.uk, is the go-to site for real-time, relevant content for the industry’s largest and most engaged design audience.
The author is Ben Green who is the owner.
As any small business owner will tell you, one of the best things about running your own business is that you don’t need any prior experience or qualifications to do it.
Many successful business owners have no prior business experience.
The things that are responsible for your business’s success are ultimately up to you and the market; there are no other requirements: unlike working a job, you don’t need to prove yourself by working your way up the career ladder or by earning a degree from a reputable, recognized university.
Anyone, from any background, can start their own business and be good at it if they are willing to learn what it takes and put in the work.
But that being said, many small business owners are deciding to get an MBA.
You might be wondering why they would do this if the job doesn’t require any degree or accreditation.
Getting an MBA can bring many benefits to you and your small business.
While it may not be the best option for everyone, and it’s certainly not the only option if you’re looking to improve your business skills and knowledge to become a better entrepreneur, there are certainly many rewards and advantages for those who decide to go this route.
Getting an MBA is Easier Than Ever
Before we delve into the many benefits of getting an MBA for small business owners, it’s worth exploring the fact that getting an MBA is, these days, easier than ever.
Blended and online MBA programs from reputable universities mean you don’t need to put off setting up your small retail business in order to spend two years getting an MBA – you can study online, start your business at the same time, and learn as you go. Click here to learn more.
Prospective MBA students can earn an online degree, allowing them to study from home flexibly and fit it around setting up and running their business, compared to spending fixed hours during the week attending lectures and classes.
Pursuing an online MBA is often cheaper – while tuition fees may be the same, there are fewer associated costs
For example, there is no commuting cost and students can study at a reputable business school or university hundreds of miles away without needing to move.
Online MBAs still offer the same range of networking opportunities for students, if not more.
Online groups on social media, for example, give students the option to meet with their peers and professors, and online schools often hold more regular networking events and meetups in various locations to give all students the opportunity to attend.
It can help you improve your business skills
There is no denying that the main goal of an MBA degree program is to improve your business skills, whether in terms of your employment or running your own company.
MBA programs are designed to give students a well-rounded business education that helps them gain confidence and a strong set of skills in all areas of business.
When you run your own business, you know you have to wear multiple hats.
Getting an MBA can help you better understand all the different aspects of running your own small retail business, including:
– Marketing
– Finance and Accounting
– Programming
– Data Analysis
– Leadership
– Human Resources
…and much more.
If you haven’t had formal training in these areas, getting an MBA will enhance your knowledge and help you balance your business intuition and entrepreneurial spirit, helping you make the right decisions for the future to benefit your business.
And, if you already possess some of these skills and want to improve them more than others, there are many MBA program options that offer specialties and a greater emphasis on certain skills and concentrations.
Gain a Different Perspective on Running Your Small Retail Business
In addition to all the specific skills and techniques you’ll learn by pursuing an MBA program, you’ll also develop a much more refined sense of integrating them all into the entire operational side of your own business.
You will not only learn how to excel in one area of your business, but how to ensure that they all work in collaboration and harmony with each other.
Running your own business demands a wealth of skills, resources, and various interdependent operations
Throughout the process of earning your MBA, you will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to not only see, but also analyze the bigger picture, anticipate and address the challenges your small business is likely to face, be keenly aware of new opportunities and how to take advantage of them, and optimize operations.
Become a Better Business Leader
Many small business owners find that one of the biggest challenges they face when running their own business is dealing with other people and professional relationships.
As a result, virtually every MBA course you’ll find offers extensive training in leadership and management—you can even find MBA programs that specialize in this specifically.
It’s no secret that many small business owners are motivated by independence—they leave employment and go into self-employment because they want to work independently.
As a small business owner, you’re probably well aware of the frustration that having to rely on other people can cause
However, if you want to see your business grow, you’ll need to develop the skills necessary to relate to and manage other workers to some degree. And over time you’ll find that, whether you like it or not, the fate of your company will often depend on other people and the relationship you have with them.
Getting an MBA can help you significantly improve your leadership and management skills, helping you get better at:
– Managing teams of people to grow and develop your small business
– Managing relationships with investors, stakeholders, and other key figures in the company
– Managing customer relationships
– Determining when to delegate work to someone else and when to do it yourself
– How to delegate work efficiently and choose who to delegate it to
Working with other people doesn’t have to be a challenge for small retail business owners
When you can effectively manage your professional relationships as a business owner, other people often represent new opportunities for interdependence, business growth, partnerships, collaboration, and more. Whichever MBA program you decide to pursue, one thing is certain: you will have to meet and learn to work successfully with many other people from all walks of life.
Your fellow students will not only be business professionals, but also current and future business owners, and there is a chance that they will become valuable resources for you when you run your own business in the future.
And another major benefit of getting an advanced business education is that it will significantly improve your communication skills, making it easier for you to form and maintain your professional relationships.
By the end of your degree, you will have become much better at managing your communications with other people, which will become a valuable asset in effectively owning and managing a small business.
Work on Your Weaknesses
No small business owner can do it all; small business owners who try to do it all themselves are often the first to fail.
Ultimately, you are good at what you are good at, and everyone has things they are not so good at. It’s all part of being human. However, many small business owners feel like failures if they cannot perform all the roles and look good in them.
That said, while learning to delegate tasks you are not so good at to people who are is a key part of being able to successfully run and manage a small business, there are plenty of opportunities for you to determine what your weaknesses and strengths are, especially when studying for an MBA.
Learning new ideas is an integral part of the course and can help you:
– Anticipate and identify challenges and changes
– Identify your own weaknesses and determine how best to improve them
– Identify which weaknesses are best left alone and delegate the work to someone else instead
For example, while an MBA can give you extensive knowledge about the financial side of running a business, you may still want to continue working with an accountant.
But ultimately, you will have a much clearer understanding of how it all works, rather than relying on the accountant solely to deal with money matters.
Or perhaps there is an area of business that you are not currently that strong in, but that interests you and you would like to learn more about. Studying an MBA can easily help you turn your weaknesses into strengths if you choose.
Although you can start and run a small retail business without a college degree, many small business owners find that earning an MBA provides them with valuable tools for success.
How an MBA Can Lead to a Career Change
The following contribution is from the USNews portal and the author is Illana Kowarski, staff writer.
Some MBA graduates say business school transformed their career and led them to a new dream job.
MBA students have access to a wide variety of experiential learning opportunities that allow them to try out different types of business roles.
If you’re applying to an MBA program because you want to change careers, you’re not alone.
Economic changes have led to an increase in the quantity and quality of job options for MBA graduates.
There are very few people who enter business school with a desire to do the same thing, because otherwise they wouldn’t have left their job to begin with,» says Alexander Lowry, executive director of the Master of Science in Financial Analysis program at Gordon College in Massachusetts. “It’s a huge opportunity cost.”
MBA students often use business school to catapult themselves into a job unlike any they’ve ever had.
“Changing industries, roles, or both is one of the most common reasons students decide to pursue an MBA,” explained Stephen Rakas, executive director of the Master’s Career Center at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business in Pennsylvania, in an email. “It’s a broad-based and well-known credential.”
According to admissions consultant Barbara Coward, founder of MBA 360 Admissions Consulting, MBA graduates frequently enter fields that are radically different from the areas they worked in before business school.
“I have so many examples of career changes that would seem extraordinary,” he wrote in an email, “but that really attest to the power of this degree for complete career reinvention: a Peace Corps volunteer switching to management consulting.
A teacher transitioning to big tech. A veteran going into venture capital. An accountant moving into sports marketing. A financial analyst becoming an entrepreneur. There is no other degree that provides the launching pad to so many different possibilities for charting your next career destination. It is incredibly empowering.”
MBA graduates who changed careers say business school helped them transition into a new industry
How an MBA can help you discover a passion
Satish Selvanathan spent six years trading mortgage-backed debt in the investment banking industry during the years leading up to the Great Recession. «In 2006, I saw what was coming and knew very clearly that my industry would not be the same for much longer,» he wrote in an email. «At the same time, I felt like I had lost touch with the reality of owning or operating a business. Mortgage-backed debt is a product created by statistical models; it is not something you can feel, touch or relate to.»
He applied to business school hoping an MBA would lead to a fulfilling career
Today he is the CEO of Premium Vegetable Oils, where he makes strategic and investment decisions on behalf of the company.
He says the MBA program at Columbia Business School taught him how to analyze and improve companies and helped him find his true calling: reviving troubled companies.
“Business school was very meaningful to me, because I fell in love with a subject, which subsequently turned into a beautiful career,” he says.
How an MBA can inspire creativity and open possibilities
When Shelly Sahi applied to the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor, she was a business analyst at Ford Motor Company and was eager to learn more about business strategy so she could contribute to those discussions at her company.
But during her MBA program, Sahi realized that the idea of starting a business excited her. She decided to use her background in materials science to create a cosmetics company. Her long-standing interest in the industry stemmed from years spent mixing foundations and lipsticks designed for people of European descent to match her northern Indian complexion.
“Deep down, I always knew I wanted to be in the world of fashion, luxury goods and beauty, but this was my chance now to explore whether I could do it,” she says.
Sahi visited the Zell Lurie Institute of Entrepreneurial Studies at Ross to seek advice from its professors and resident entrepreneurs.
She says they encouraged her and gave her vital guidance on how to execute her vision. They also spoke to Sahi about potential funding sources and put her in touch with alumni who are successful entrepreneurs, she says.
Sahi is the CEO and founder of SAHI Cosmetics, which she says likely wouldn’t have happened without the support of her business school.
“It’s hard to be the sole founder, so if you can reach out to other entrepreneurs and bounce ideas off each other, it really helps you succeed,” she says.
How an MBA Can Facilitate Self-Discovery and Accelerate Career Change
Career consultant Jeff Magnuson says business school was a turning point.
“I didn’t think I would change careers until I went to business school,” says Magnuson, a 2011 graduate of an MBA from the Kenan-Flagler School of Business at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Before business school, Magnuson spent eight years working on Wall Street, including five years at Goldman Sachs Group.
He decided to switch to marketing in his first year of business school, a change of heart that came after a trip where he and other students attended information sessions with Wall Street employers.
“It was all very positive and everyone was very helpful, but in my heart I knew that was it,” he says. “I didn’t want to go back. Eight years was enough.”
Magnuson says business school offers a unique opportunity to explore a career. «It’s basically like reaching a point in the path where you can choose one of eight directions to go.»
Why an MBA helps those who want to change careers
MBA students have access to a wide variety of experiential learning opportunities that allow them to try out different types of business roles, explains Shaifali Aggarwal, who received her MBA from Harvard Business School and is founder and CEO of the admissions consulting firm Ivy Groupe.
“For example, both summer internships and semester internships are a risk-free way for companies to evaluate students (i.e., potential future full-time employees looking to transition careers), as well as for students to determine whether the industry and job role are a good fit for them,” Aggarwal wrote in an email.
“There may also be opportunities built into the curriculum that allow students to apply theory to practice, such as partnering with a company to solve a problem; such experiences strengthen students’ skills and may even be closely related to what a student wants to do in the future, which in turn can facilitate a career change.”
Alison French, an Indiana University Kelley School of Business MBA alumna and CEO of healthcare technology company Emerged Inc.,
wrote in an email that an MBA offers the “perfect platform for individuals looking to change industries or job roles” as it broadens their understanding of what contributes to business success.
«Completing an MBA means you’re no longer thinking about your job in isolation; instead, you’re connecting the dots between the interdependencies of different business units within an organization,» French says.
Business school experts note that such schools are designed to facilitate career exploration
MBA programs typically include a variety of courses and offer a wide range of extracurricular activities.
Reputable business schools tend to have strong job placement rates across multiple industries, and such schools often attract an eclectic mix of corporate recruiters.
How to Choose an MBA Program for Career Changers
When evaluating a business school’s quality, career changers should find out whether the school supports students and alumni looking for jobs, asking recent graduates whether the school’s career advisors provided them with valuable guidance, experts suggest.
It’s also wise for a prospective MBA student to look into a school’s job placement statistics within their preferred business sector, experts say.
Prospective MBA students who see business school as an opportunity for personal transformation
should look for a school that allows them to develop their skills in areas in which they have a significant interest but lack work experience, suggests marketing professor Michal Strahilevitz.
“So, if you are good at finance and accounting, but feel you need marketing skills to climb the corporate ladder and land a job you are excited about, an MBA with a focus on marketing makes sense,” recommended Strahilevitz, who teaches in the School of Economics and Business Administration at St. Mary’s College of California, in an email.
“If you work in marketing and have a strong background in content creation and communication, but want to get up to speed on analytics, an MBA with a specialization in analytics will make you much more attractive to the job market,” he says.
«Finally, if you’re currently stuck in an office job that doesn’t offer any room for growth or promotion, an MBA with a focus that excites you can open the door to entering an area where you’ll shine inside and out.»
How I’m Building My Sustainable Swimwear Brand With the Help of a Business School Startup Incubator
The following contribution is from the BusinessBecause portal which is a trusted and respected source of information and inspiration for business school applicants, students and graduates around the world, supporting their academic paths and career choices.
The author is Matt Kefford who is the news and career editor for BusinessBecause and a contributor to mba.com and the GMAC Connect advisor blog. Matt writes and edits articles on business education, with a focus on career paths available after business school.
Tatiana de Vogüé is the founder of Coastal Reef and a student on CentraleSupélec-ESSEC’s Master’s programme specialising in entrepreneurship
Tatiana de Vogüé is building an innovative and sustainable swimwear brand for women and is using a startup incubator at a leading French business school to help
Inspiration can strike at any time. For Tatiana de Vogüé, it was while surfing in crystal-clear waters at a well-known spot on the idyllic island of Siargao, Philippines that she was inspired.
As part of a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia that Tatiana took in 2023, while surfing she realised how difficult it was to find a swimsuit that combined both the functionality required for the sport and the aesthetics she desired.
Realising that she was unlikely to be the only woman who had this problem, Tatiana recognised an opportunity.
After conducting some initial research, she decided to strike out on her own to find the solution. A year later, she launched Coastal Reef, a swimwear brand designed to provide minimalist, functional designs for female athletes who are passionate about sustainability issues such as marine waste and ocean pollution.
Here, Tatiana tells us about her entrepreneurial journey and how studying a master’s degree specialising in entrepreneurship, as well as having the opportunity to incubate her startup at business school, has provided her with the tools for success.
Tell us about your business?
Coastal Reef is a French swimwear brand for women who practice water sports.
Our mission is to provide minimalist, functional and sustainable swimwear that combines style with high performance.
Unlike conventional bikinis, which often slip or lack support, Coastal Reef designs stay securely in place, allowing women to move freely and confidently.
Our swimsuits are made from recycled fishing nets,
turning ocean waste into high-quality swimsuits while promoting circular fashion.
Made in Portugal, our production ensures both ethical working conditions and top-quality craftsmanship.
Every swimsuit sold contributes €1 to Coral Gardeners, an initiative dedicated to restoring coral reefs, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability.
Our zero-plastic policy in packaging and logistics also aligns with our eco-conscious values.
What inspired you to create Coastal Reef?
The inspiration behind Coastal Reef came from a personal need.
While traveling around Southeast Asia, I discovered surfing in Siargao, a well-known surf destination. However, I quickly realized that traditional bikinis were not designed for active water sports. They slipped, shifted, or simply did not provide enough support.
When I looked for alternatives, I found that most of the available options were covered in loud patterns and did not align with my minimalist style.
That’s when I saw a clear gap in the market and decided to create something different: simple, stylish, and functional swimwear for water sports enthusiasts.
What is your USP?
What sets Coastal Reef apart is our unique combination of performance, sustainability, and timeless aesthetics. Each piece is tested and approved by professional and amateur athletes to ensure optimal support and comfort, making it a trusted choice for surfers, kitesurfers, and other water sports enthusiasts.
In addition to selling swimwear, Coastal Reef is a community-driven brand that empowers women in sports by promoting female athletes and encouraging more women to participate in aquatic activities. As a brand incubated at ESSEC Ventures (a startup incubator at the Cergy campus of ESSEC Business School in France), we also serve as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, who dream of turning their ideas into successful businesses.
How many people do you employ?
For now, Coastal Reef is a one-woman journey, and I have been managing every aspect of the brand myself, from product design and sourcing to marketing and sales.
As a young startup, I currently take care of everything hands-on, but I plan to expand the team as the brand grows.
What role did your business school experience play in the development of Coastal Reef?
My experience at ESSEC Business School has been instrumental in developing Coastal Reef, providing me with the knowledge, network, and resources to turn my idea into reality.
One of the biggest advantages was being incubated at ESSEC Ventures, where I worked in a dynamic startup ecosystem surrounded by other entrepreneurs.
This environment not only challenged my way of thinking, but also pushed me to take action and turn my concept into a structured business.
The masterclasses and networking opportunities allowed me to meet very inspiring entrepreneurs who motivated me to think outside the box and see further.
Beyond technical knowledge, ESSEC also helped me develop the entrepreneurial mindset – learning to navigate uncertainty, accept failure as part of the journey, and remain resilient in the face of obstacles.
Before this experience, I thought entrepreneurship was mostly about having a great idea, but I quickly realized that execution, adaptability, and persistence are just as important, if not more so.
Lastly, being in a traditionally male-dominated field, the support of ESSEC initiatives promoting female entrepreneurship gave me the confidence to fully believe in Coastal Reef.
Having access to funding opportunities and programs designed to empower women in business reinforced my belief that my project had potential and that I could make it a reality.
How do you apply the skills you gained in business school?
In business school, I learned how to present my project effectively, refining my storytelling and communication skills to attract potential partners, investors, and clients.
Developing a solid marketing strategy was also key – I gained knowledge about branding, positioning, and audience segmentation, which helped shape Coastal Reef’s identity and reach.
Additionally, courses in finance and data analytics taught me how to interpret key numbers – from pricing and margins to sales forecasts – helping me make informed, data-driven decisions.
These skills have been essential to structuring and growing my business with confidence.
How would you describe a typical day at work for you?
During peak season, no two days are the same! I start early with some movement to keep me active and clear my mind.
Then, I check emails, prepare orders, and create content for Instagram and TikTok to engage with my community.
I also spend time contacting new resellers, updating the website, and responding to customers.
When I’m not managing operations, I’m working on new designs and future collections. It’s a fast-paced, ever-changing routine… but that’s what I love about entrepreneurship!
What obstacles have you encountered along the way?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is uncertainty, from when I first came up with the idea until today. As an entrepreneur, there is no clear roadmap and every decision comes with a level of risk.
I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty by staying adaptable and data-driven.
Rather than waiting for the “perfect” moment, I focus on testing, gathering feedback, and making adjustments on the fly. Surrounding myself with mentors and fellow entrepreneurs has also helped me overcome self-doubt and gain perspective.
Where would you like Coastal Reef to be in five years?
In five years, I see Coastal Reef as a leading watersports swimwear brand, known for stylish, high-performance, and sustainable designs.
More than a brand, it will be a community that empowers women, giving them the confidence to excel and stay true to their values.
Coastal Reef will prove that fashion and sustainability can co-exist. Beyond swimwear, I want it to be a movement that inspires, uplifts, and drives positive change.
What is the most surprising thing you have learned since you started?
One of the most surprising things I have learned is that no matter how much you study business, the real learning happens when you take action.
Business school gave me valuable tools, but nothing really prepares you for the reality of running a company – you learn more by doing, making mistakes, and figuring things out as you go.
The best lessons come from trial and error, not just textbooks, and I have realized that embracing uncertainty and staying flexible is what truly makes an entrepreneur.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting their own business?
My biggest piece of advice for anyone thinking about starting their own business is to not wait for the perfect time, just start.
I read the following quote that I found a lot of peace in: “Perfection is the enemy of progress. Waiting for the “perfect time” guarantees that you will miss every opportunity.”
There will never be a perfect time, product, or strategy. The best way to learn is by taking action, making mistakes, and improving along the way. If things don’t go as you planned, that’s okay – you will have grown, learned, and maybe even enjoyed the journey.
How to Become a Fashion Merchandiser: Step-by-Step Guide for 2025
The following contribution is from Research.com portal which is a leading educational platform that helps students find the best schools, academic opportunities, and career paths. We offer a wide range of comprehensive, well-researched, data-driven guides and resources prepared by a team of experts who work together to answer your questions and help you make informed decisions. Our platform also features a popular ranking of US universities and colleges. It offers a detailed overview of each school and allows for an in-depth school discovery process based on a wide range of metrics.
Author is Imed Bouchrika, Phd
Fashion merchandising is a dynamic field that combines creativity, business acumen, and passion for the fashion industry.
Fashion merchandisers play a crucial role in the fashion business by identifying trends, selecting products, and ensuring their successful presentation to consumers.
Becoming a fashion merchandiser requires a combination of education, practical experience, creativity, and a passion for the fashion industry.
The fashion industry is constantly evolving,
so it is critical for those involved in fashion merchandising to stay up to date on industry trends, technological advancements, and consumer preferences.
With the advent of social media, fashion has become more accessible and influential than ever before.
In the US, the fashion market is even expected to grow annually by 1.95% through 2027 (Zippia, 2023).
If you aspire to become a fashion merchandiser, this step-by-step guide will help you navigate the path to achieving your dream career.
We will also provide you with a comprehensive list of the skills you need to hone and the potential job opportunities you can apply for as a fashion merchandiser.
How to Become a Fashion Merchandiser
– Why Pursue a Career in Fashion Merchandising
– Career Outlook in Fashion Merchandising
– Necessary Skills for the Fashion Merchandiser
– How to Build a Strong Fashion Merchandising Product Portfolio
– How to Get Started in Your Career in Fashion Merchandising
– How Can I Advance My Career in Fashion Merchandising?
– Which Academic Path Best Aligns with My Career Goals?
– Alternative Career Options for Fashion Merchandisers
– The Intersection of Fashion Merchandising and Other Creative Industries
– Financial Acumen and Its Role in Fashion Merchandising
– What Kind of Salary Can I Expect with Top Associate Degrees in Fashion Merchandising?
– Why Pursue a Career in Fashion Merchandising?
The primary responsibility of a fashion merchandiser is to ensure that the right products reach the right customers at the right time
This means that they must be able to bridge the gap between creative design and business strategy. So, if you can easily adapt to the fast-paced world of fashion and trends, as well as thrive on innovation, this career may be for you.
In addition to staying ahead of the curve, fashion merchandisers monitor market dynamics and consumer preferences.
This includes the tasks of conducting research, analyzing data, and planning products based on trend analysis.
In addition, they must also collaborate with suppliers and designers to select a product range that fits within certain quality and cost estimates.
A career in this field can help you develop your business skills, as well as your ability to work with all types of people.
People who pursue a degree in online entrepreneurship can improve their business management skills.
Since you will be analyzing market trends and consumer behavior, your business acumen will improve over time. These skills can be transferred to other industries and could benefit you if you decide to specialize in the future.
Furthermore, specializing in a certain field of fashion merchandising will bring more opportunities as the American fashion industry is currently valued at around $343.70 billion (Zippia, 2023).
There are many more benefits of pursuing a career in the fashion merchandising field, such as having a flexible schedule and the freedom to express your creativity in your work.
As a fashion merchandiser, you will be constantly exposed to new trends, emerging designers, and innovative retail strategies.
This is how this environment encourages continuous learning and personal growth.
Career Outlook in Fashion Merchandising
The fashion industry offers a wide range of job opportunities for fashion merchandisers.
These can include positions in retail companies, fashion brands, e-commerce platforms, fashion showrooms, and more.
Additionally, there are opportunities to work as independent consultants or start your own fashion merchandising business. A bachelor’s degree in project management could help you start a business.
Fashion merchandisers also analyze sales data and performance metrics to evaluate the success of product assortments and identify areas for improvement.
They evaluate key performance indicators (KPIs), such as sell-through rates, gross margins, and inventory turnover, to inform future merchandising decisions.
It can also be helpful to complete a degree program in project management so that you can learn the fundamentals of running a business in any field
While there may be fluctuations in specific market segments, the overall demand for fashion products and services continues to grow.
Factors such as population growth, rising disposable incomes, and evolving consumer preferences all contribute to the sustained demand for fashion merchandisers.
On top of that, the growth of e-commerce has had a significant impact on the fashion industry, creating new avenues for fashion merchandising.
E-commerce is a growing field that can pave the way for future fashion businesses, as evidenced by the job outlook for marketing managers.
Whether you have a knack for trend analysis, a talent for organizing displays, or keen business acumen, there is a job in fashion merchandising that suits your unique skills.
Product developers earn an average salary of $88,629 and have a demand growth rate of eight percent.
Retail store managers, on the other hand, earn around $75,484 and have a demand growth rate of six percent (Zippia, 2023).
Additionally, fashion consultants earn an average salary of $58,306, with relatively stable demand.
Merchandise planners have an average salary of $76,610 and experience a high demand growth rate of 20% (Zippia, 2023).
There are many more fashion marketing jobs you can also explore if you lean more towards merchandising than curation.
You will also find that those with online business administration degrees have an easier time navigating the fashion merchandising field.
Required Skills for Fashion Merchandiser that you must possess to succeed in the field of fashion merchandising
From knowledge of trends and fashion to business acumen and analytical skills, these skills are crucial for you and your business to thrive.
Fashion merchandising jobs are becoming increasingly competitive, so here are some of the key skills that will make you stand out:
Essential Skills:
Excellent Communication Skills – Fashion merchandisers will work with stakeholders as well as designers, buyers, and retailers.
This is why having excellent communication skills is considered one of the most important qualities to master in this area.
You will need to master verbal and written skills to communicate your ideas and plans clearly and avoid misunderstandings with your collaborators and consumers alike (Hogan, 2023).
Knowledge of Trends – A fashion merchandiser must have a keen eye for trends and be able to identify emerging fashion styles and consumer preferences.
You must keep up with the latest fashion trends through market research, attending fashion shows, and staying up to date on industry publications.
Business acumen: Fashion merchandisers need strong business skills to analyze market trends, manage budgets, negotiate contracts, and make strategic decisions.
Knowledge of retail operations, sales forecasting, pricing strategies, and inventory management is vital to success in this field.
It is important to remember that fashion merchandising is different from fashion design, so management skills and marketing knowledge are more important in business utilization (Halen, 2022).
Fashion knowledge: A thorough understanding of fashion history, design aesthetics, textiles, and garment construction is essential for a fashion merchandiser.
This knowledge helps in making informed decisions about product selection, evaluating quality, and understanding the market appeal of different fashion items.
Analytical skills: To increase your fashion merchandising salary, you must possess strong analytical skills to interpret sales data, market research, and insights into consumer behavior.
These skills help make informed decisions about product assortments, pricing, and promotional strategies.
Attention to Detail: Paying close attention to details ensures accuracy in tasks such as analyzing data, reviewing product samples, and coordinating product displays.
Precise attention to detail contributes to maintaining brand integrity and delivering high-quality work.
General Skills:
For those without degrees in fashion merchandising, you can still learn these skills to get your start in this field:
Time Management Skills: Fashion merchandisers often work with multiple projects, tight deadlines, and seasonal changes.
Effective time management skills help prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain productivity.
Flexibility and Adaptability: The fashion industry is fast-paced and constantly evolving.
Being adaptable to change, embracing new technologies in fashion, and being open to new ideas are essential qualities for a fashion merchandiser.
Learning to adapt to changing environments and trends will also ensure that you remain relevant in the market.
Collaboration Skills – Fashion merchandising involves working with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
Collaboration skills, the ability to work well in a team, and fostering positive working relationships are vital to the successful execution of merchandising strategies.
In addition to having excellent communication skills, having a pleasant personality will also take you far when it comes to making impactful connections in the business and fashion industries.
Digital Literacy – Proficiency in using technological tools, data analysis software, and digital platforms is becoming increasingly important in fashion merchandising.
Familiarity with e-commerce platforms, social media, and digital marketing techniques enhances a fashion merchandising merchandiser’s effectiveness in the modern fashion landscape.
Developing a Strong Fashion Merchandising Portfolio
Developing a strong portfolio is one of the most important steps to becoming a successful fashion merchandiser.
This portfolio will showcase your creativity, business acumen, and ability to adapt to the ever-changing fashion industry.
As a student, you can start building your portfolio early, even while pursuing your degree.
For students looking to jumpstart their careers, enrolling in the fastest online bachelor’s degree can be a great way to gain the skills you need and build your portfolio at the same time.
These programs offer flexible learning opportunities, allowing you to create real-world projects that demonstrate your merchandising expertise, from trend analysis to visual displays.
Start by including the following items in your portfolio:
Product Selection and Assortment: Include examples of merchandise you’ve selected, either through courses or personal projects.
Demonstrate how you understand market trends and customer needs.
Visual Merchandising: If you’ve designed or contributed to store layouts or displays, highlight these projects. Demonstrating your visual skills is key in fashion merchandising.
Inventory Management: Showcase your expertise with inventory tools or strategies that keep stock organized and accessible.
Trend Forecasting: Include examples of research where you have identified future trends and incorporated them into marketing plans.
Marketing and Promotions: Highlight promotional campaigns or strategies you have worked on that connect products with potential buyers.