Launching and running a fashion brand is a thrilling, challenging, and deeply rewarding experience. Each day brings its own set of opportunities and hurdles, requiring creativity, strategy, and resilience. As the founder of a new fashion brand, my days are a whirlwind of activities that revolve around designing, marketing, managing, and growing my brand. In this blog, I’ll take you behind the scenes of what it’s like to live a day in my shoes.
6:00 AM: Morning Routine and Mindset Prep
My alarm goes off at 6:00 AM, and I’m up and ready to start the day. As the saying goes, “how you start your morning sets the tone for the rest of your day.” I take this to heart by prioritizing a morning routine that energizes and focuses me. I begin with a quick workout, whether it’s yoga, a jog, or a short strength training session. Movement helps clear my mind and boost my energy levels for the day ahead.
Afterward, I grab a healthy breakfast—usually a smoothie or oatmeal—and spend 10-15 minutes journaling. This is my time to jot down goals for the day, reflect on any challenges, and center myself with gratitude. Running a business can be chaotic, so I make it a point to ground myself each morning.
7:30 AM: Reviewing Priorities and Checking Emails
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of the day, I review my task list. As a founder, I wear many hats, so having a clear plan is essential. My priorities often include design work, overseeing marketing strategies, meeting with collaborators, and managing production timelines.
I then spend 30 minutes checking and responding to emails. Whether it’s communicating with suppliers, answering questions from my marketing team, or connecting with potential retail partners, email management is a crucial part of my morning. I try to stay on top of it early to avoid getting bogged down later.
8:00 AM: Creative Time — Designing and Ideation
The creative side of running a fashion brand is one of my favorite parts of the job. From 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, I dedicate uninterrupted time to designing new pieces, brainstorming collection themes, or researching trends. This is when I’m most in my creative flow.
I find inspiration in a variety of sources: art, architecture, street style, and even nature. My design process often starts with sketching ideas on paper before refining them digitally using design software like Adobe Illustrator. Some days, I’ll also experiment with fabric swatches, playing around with textures and colors to bring my vision to life.
10:00 AM: Team Collaboration
By mid-morning, it’s time to connect with my team. We hold a quick 30-minute stand-up meeting to go over progress, address any roadblocks, and align on priorities. While my team is small, each member plays a vital role in bringing our brand to life. From marketing specialists to production managers, everyone contributes their expertise.
Collaboration is key, especially when launching a new brand. Today’s discussion might revolve around finalizing a lookbook for our upcoming collection or tweaking our social media strategy to align with the latest trends. Open communication ensures that everyone is on the same page and moving toward the same goals.
11:00 AM: Marketing and Social Media
Marketing is a cornerstone of building brand awareness, especially in the fashion industry. Between 11:00 AM and noon, I focus on creating content for our social media channels. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are essential for showcasing our brand’s personality and connecting with our audience.
I might draft captions, plan upcoming posts, or review photoshoots to ensure our visuals align with the brand’s aesthetic. Some days, I’ll film behind-the-scenes videos or reels to give our followers an inside look at our design process. Engagement is critical, so I also spend time responding to comments and messages from our growing community.
12:00 PM: Lunch Break and Networking
Around noon, I take a break to refuel. Lunch is usually something quick but nourishing, like a grain bowl or a salad. While eating, I’ll often listen to podcasts or watch industry-related videos to stay inspired and informed.
Networking is another important activity during this time. I might schedule a virtual coffee chat with a fellow entrepreneur, attend an industry webinar, or send follow-up emails to potential collaborators. Building relationships within the fashion community is invaluable for learning, finding opportunities, and growing the brand.
1:00 PM: Production Oversight
After lunch, I shift my focus to production—a critical aspect of any fashion brand. I’ll check in with manufacturers to ensure timelines are on track and troubleshoot any issues that arise. For example, today I might review fabric samples for quality or approve final patterns before they go into production.
Working closely with suppliers and manufacturers requires clear communication and attention to detail. Delays can happen, but proactive management helps keep things moving smoothly. My goal is always to ensure the finished products meet our high standards and align with the brand’s vision.
3:00 PM: Business Development and Strategy
In the afternoon, I dive into business development. This includes tasks like analyzing sales data, refining our pricing strategy, or exploring new distribution channels. With a new brand, every decision matters, and it’s essential to stay agile while keeping an eye on long-term goals.
Today, for instance, I might review our e-commerce performance to identify which products are resonating most with customers. Data-driven insights help me make informed decisions about future collections and marketing campaigns.
4:30 PM: Customer Engagement
Customer feedback is invaluable, especially for a new brand. I dedicate time in the late afternoon to engage directly with our customers. Whether it’s responding to reviews, addressing concerns, or simply thanking them for their support, I want our audience to feel valued and heard.
If we’ve recently launched a collection, I’ll analyze customer feedback to identify areas for improvement. This input is crucial for refining our products and building a loyal customer base.
5:30 PM: Wrapping Up and Planning Ahead
As the day winds down, I take stock of what I accomplished and update my to-do list for tomorrow. Reflection is an important part of my routine, as it helps me stay focused and continuously improve. I’ll also send any last-minute emails and check in with my team to ensure everyone’s set up for success.
6:00 PM: Personal Time and Relaxation
By 6:00 PM, it’s time to step away from work and focus on personal well-being. Running a business can be demanding, but I’ve learned the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. I might cook dinner, catch up with friends or family, or indulge in a good book.
Having this downtime allows me to recharge and stay motivated. After all, building a brand is a marathon, not a sprint.
Final Thoughts
Being a fashion brand founder is an incredibly fulfilling journey, but it’s not without its challenges. Each day is a mix of creativity, strategy, and problem-solving. While the hours can be long and the workload demanding, the opportunity to bring my vision to life makes it all worthwhile.
For anyone considering starting their own fashion brand, my advice is simple: stay passionate, stay organized, and never stop learning. The road to success may not be easy, but it’s a journey worth taking.