Posted on February 14, 2008 by Glen Johnson

Hundreds of plus-size fashion stores and more Ultimate Plus-Size Shopping List!

This weeks Full Figured Question is one that touches home for me.  I have been considering starting my own line of clothing and promoting it through my blog for the last two years.  I still may do it.  When it comes to starting a business in the fashion industry or any other industry for that matter there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Asses your funds – Starting a business of this type requires upfront capital.  Make sure you have enough to survive the startup.
2. Register your business – Once you register your business all creations fall under the protection of your company in the form of intellectual property.
3. Be original – Make sure that your idea is not a weak imitation of something that is already in the marketplace.
4. Include others – If you are like me and you are not a designer find someone who is and partner with them.
5. Secure a location – Even if your starting from home make sure your work space is large enough to handle everything.
6. Contact vendors -   Find out which vendors are willing to work with smaller fabric orders.
7. Attend shows – Attending fashion shows will allow you to network with other designers.

By all means this is not a definitive list.  These are things that I have personally experienced for my business which may or may not suit your particular business structure.  I did not include lots of hard work in the list because I feel that it a given.  I have started two businesses in the last three years and can tell you first hand that managing a business of any kind is tough.

There are several plus size merchants that have come on the scene since 2004 with more on the way.  Mainstream fashion still does not fully recognize larger individuals the way that they should leaving the door wide open for the next superstar fashion designer to open up a company to meet the growing demand.  Will you be the next plus size fashion designer?