Fashion business tips

Starting a fashion brand is part vision, part hustle and a whole lot of mindset. When I launched Eki Silk, I quickly learned that no amount of talent can thrive without confidence, clarity, and courage. If you're sitting on an idea, here are six mindset shifts that helped me move from dreaming to doing, and it might just help you too:

1. Mindset first: Be bold.

One of the biggest game-changers is believing in yourself. It sounds cliché, but shifting from doubt to determination gave me the momentum I needed. I stopped waiting to be "ready" and started acting like I already was. Losing a friend in 2024 was a huge wake-up call. That grief lit something in me, I took all that pain and turned it into fuel to push my business forward. It made me ask: What have you really got to lose by stepping outside your comfort zone? We always say life is short, but this moment made me feel it. It flipped a switch. I dropped the fear, the hesitation, the shyness, and stepped into an unapologetic, "we're doing this" mindset. No more overthinking. Just bold moves.

Designer Hazel Osunde in her creative space

2. Be bold. Show up. Say yes.

Launching a brand is like stepping on stage with no guarantee of applause. But boldness pays off. Say yes to pop-ups. Pitch yourself. Send that email. Wear your pieces at every given opportunity. Every bold move is an invitation for the right people to find you.

3. Find a partner

Starting a brand alone is possible but in order to expand globally, you will need someone who brings fresh new ideas and perspectives. Whether it’s a collaborator, a friend, or mentor, find someone who can help you zoom out and think differently.

4. Network with intention

Your next big opportunity might be one conversation away. Attend industry events. Talk to people. Ask questions. Be open. Some of the best collaborations and customer growth I’ve experienced has come from stepping into Eki 'fierce' and starting conversations with new people. If you are an introvert like I am, starting in small forums is what works best for me. Wearing an Eki piece very often is a conversation starter and then you work the room exchanging details. Nothing beats meeting someone in person, it’s far more powerful than sending a generic email to a potential new contact.

5. Be smart with production

I’ve learned how to cut production costs without cutting corners through sourcing smarter, building relationships with suppliers, and producing in small runs. Quality stays, but margins grow. As we have been able to source more cost effective production, we've been able to pass those savings on to our customers through special discounts.

6. Leverage the power of influence

One of the most important moves for any emerging fashion brand is getting the right person to wear your pieces, whether that’s an influencer, a stylist, or a celebrity. In today’s digital world, visibility is currency. A single post, tag, or appearance in the right circles can instantly elevate your brand’s credibility, reach, and desirability. It's not just about fame, it’s about alignment. Done well, it’s like giving your brand a megaphone in a crowded room. Make sure though, that their audience is your clientele.

Starting a fashion business isn’t just about creating beautiful clothes, it’s about creating a mindset that helps you weather the highs and lows, dream bigger, and keep showing up.

You’ve got this 😉