Crowdfunding Your Fashion Business Startup with Shannon Lohr of Factory 45
When I was 25 I wanted to start my own clothing line and open a boutique so badly I couldn’t think about anything else – I dreamed about it at night and I swear I could taste it in the daytime. But, like so many would-be entrepreneurs, I had no money, not chance of borrowing from a bank, and no flippin’ clue about what to do.
There was no crowdfunding when I started 🙁 and I felt totally helpless. Fast-forward to today and there are OPTIONS for entrepreneurs :).
Crowdfunding is really a form of pre-selling your product and it WORKS. Thousands of fashion startups have financed their collection with crowdfunding and it’s only getting more accepted and understood.
P.S. I ended up being lucky enough to get a $25,000 loan from 2 uncles (a rich uncle, who knew??!!!) to start my business, paid it back in 2 years, and never borrowed money again :).
Today’s episode will show you how you can raise money for your fashion startup in the next 6 months – without investors, taking out a loan, or accumulating debt.
My guest, Shannon Lohr, is an expert on crowdfunding for fashion companies. In fact, when she and her partner launched their own Kickstarter campaign, it became the highest-funded fashion project in Kickstarter history at the time, raising enough money to quadruple their first production order. Bam.
You can enjoy this interview as a video or as a podcast.
You can also listen and subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher Radio.
What we cover in this crowdfunding interview:
- What to do in the first 7 seconds of your crowdfunding video
- How to tell your story to get people to back you
- The power of guest posting and what it did for Shannon’s Kickstarter campaign
- The 3V’s of a successful crowdfunding campaign
- Slick video or old school?
- Flat lay images and look book photos
- Crowdfunding rewards for backers
- Pricepoints that work best for a successful (funded) Kickstarter
- How often to email people about your crowdfunding campaign
Kickstarter Campaigns to Check Out:
Show Notes:
- Shannon’s website, Factory45
- Shannon’s crowdfunding course, Crowdfunding Factory
What do YOU think?
Was this interview helpful? What’s your ONE big takeaway? Please LMK in the comments below – it really makes my day when you write me back!
Thanks for watching and listening,
Jane
19 Responses
Phenomenal information – so much to think about! I’m truly grateful for all of the information you’ve been sharing, and the people you’ve been interviewing to bring different perspectives, skills, and experiences.
I’m so glad it’s helping you, Sindy! Thanks for your comment.
– JH
Really great !!!! So much to think about,but this was so straight to the point ! Really helpful for me to get my Accessories brand funded . Thank you very much ! I took step by step notes , that I feel is what I really need to get started
Right?? I think Shannon made it very easy to understand, She’s terrific and I’m glad this helped you.
Jane and Shannon! All of this is so helpful 🙂
So glad it’s helping you!
Hi Jane & Shannon! I’ve been “studying” how to launch on Kickstarter the past few months. As a general overview, this is really good information. For me, hearing that I should be sending 3 emails a week during the campaign really pushed my buttons in a good way. The idea that if you feel you are starting to get annoying, you are likely only starting to get noticed or heard. As you said, mic drop. Boom.
There are great case studies on two Kickstarter campaigns that have done really well– Harry’s (https://tim.blog/2014/07/21/harrys-prelaunchr-email/) and Linjer (https://thehustle.co/how-linjer-made-100000-on-kickstarter). Lots of good information in these case studies for anyone interested.
Lastly, if you want to ride-along in doing a kickstarter campaign, you’d be welcome to participate in mine!!
Hi Erika!
So glad this information was helpful to you! Thanks for putting the case studies, I’ll check them out. I love your bags and I signed up on your list. ?
Good luck with everything! I’m rooting for ya.
-Jane
So helpful and easy to understand.. looking forward to kickstarting my Children’s clothing brand here in Ireland! ? a little more confident now thanks!
Awesome! Go Sarah!
Hello! I am about to enroll in this course. Since I’m on a shoestring, I feel compelled to ask if there is a coupon code for the course. Either way, I’ll enroll. Can’t hurt to ask. 🙂
Loved this video interview with you and Shannon. It was very informative and you asked many questions that I wanted answered. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
I am like you Jane, this is wayyyyy out of my comfort zone, but I am going to do this at the top of 2018. Keep them coming Jane. I love it!
So for blogging, what could you write about while not having a product, and if you are not a natural writer? Could video blogging work, with transcripted blogs? Anyway, I am interested in starting my brand, but I just don’t know what to write about.
I am in the process of taking Shannon’s class. It is wonderful! I am learning a ton and beginning to feel like I just may be able to launch a successful Kickstarter Campaign! I’ll keep you posted! 🙂
That’s great to hear, Joanne! I know you can do this and I’m rooting for you! -JH
Go Joanne!!
When I stumbled across this video I was just intending to skim through it…OMG, I had to rewind like a hundred times to make sure I jotted down everything. It was soooo useful for me.
And Jane, dang girl you have some personality! love it!
This podcast was packed with excellent information. The interview drew out critical information for the viewer. Thank you so much!
So glad you liked it, Ruth!
Jane