As a relative newcomer to the world of blogging, I didn’t realize how much fun, or how difficult blogging can be. It’s fun, because I can write just about anything I want – which is also what makes it so difficult - narrowing down my ideas into one somewhat coherent stream of thought. Which is why I’m getting back to the business of fashion. Because that’s what we do here at Fashion Business, Incorporated.

And speaking of here, did you know we now have an FBI location in San Francisco? That’s right – We now have a chapter serving the San Francisco Bay Area, offering classes in multiple locations including through our partnership with the Small Business Administration. Janet Lees is directing all FBI programs in the Bay Area as well as fund raising for the SF FBI office. A native of UK, Janet has been involved with the Bay Area fashion and design industries for 16 years and is especially proud of the programs she’s developed to support entrepreneurs in fashion and the arts. In addition, she is an experienced small business owner and an active partner in her husband’s modern furniture company, Jason Lees Design, located in Oakland, where she is responsible for Public Relations and has secured ink in local, national and international press. We are so fortunate to have Janet on board and are very excited to be able to present many new and popular seminars to our Bay Area members. Check out our list of upcoming events in Northern and Southern California, Atlanta and Phoenix – open to members and non-members alike.

When most people think of fashion they think of runways filled with glamorous models, fashion magazines full of glossy advertisements, celebrities at movie premiers or awards show or maybe even “Project Runway.” At FBI we know that the finished product, what the consumer sees, is the end result of many months of design, planning, manufacturing, logistics and more. There are so many pieces to the puzzle of successful fashion businesses that it’s no wonder so many companies can’t make it in today’s economic climate. No, not just because people aren’t buying clothing, accessories or shoes. They are, just take a look at the latest retail numbers to see sales have improved greatly. It’s because business is changing. Wholesale, retail, ecommerce – it’s all changing. As a fashion business, you need to have the skills to stay on top of new retail buying and selling trends, new credit and financing issues that are affecting us all, new business and technology skills and even new ways of doing business with your vendors. That’s where the FBI comes in. Why not take full advantage of your FBI membership? Or, if you’re not currently a member, become one. Memberships start at $200 per year, but the knowledge you gain is priceless. We’re here to service the fashion communities in California as well as seminars in Atlanta, Phoenix and New York. Can’t be here in person? We have a number of classes and seminars online at very affordable prices. Contact Jacquelyn@fashionbizinc.org for more information or just stop by our offices or website. We look forward to seeing you.

Jill Mazur is an independent apparel business and technology consultant working with Fashion Business, Incorporated. Email: jill@fashionbizinc.org

Check out the FBI’s schedule of Free…yes FREE courses that take place next week also known as LA Textile Week.

FBI’s weekly class schedule includes seminars and panels on Factoring…Sourcing…Marketing…EDI Exchange, AIMS and much more.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to Learn and Network…

For a full schedule of free Textile Week courses go to our website http://www.fashionbizinc.org

How many times have you wondered about even the most basic things that affect your emerging fashion business…such as how do you find a factor…a sewing contractor…or survive your first trade show?

At the FBI we get this questions all the time and wanted to create an interactive forum to share the answers with all of you. So….we created this dynamic new online community of fashion business owners, savvy sales reps, designers and seasoned industry consultants.

Our expert panel of advisers are here to answer your most pressing questions giving you the resources and insight to help your fashion business grow. On our side “Pages,” also find informative interviews and business profiles that are designed to give you the inside scoop on how to make it in this competitive industry.

You can email our host Randa Allen (founder of the contemporary line Notice) or our other advisers suggestions for future posts at blog@fashionbizinc.org.

We’re looking forward to an exciting new year blogging with you!