Registration Open
100% VIRTUAL PROGRAM + 100% REAL MENTORSHIP = SUCCESS ON YOUR TERMS
Taught by REAL fashion entrepreneurs
Our amazing instructors share their own experiences to help you avoid the common mistakes that hold entrepreneurs back from success.
100% Virtual content available 24/7
We understand how demanding a new business can be on your time. Gain 24/7 access to all 10 modules to maximize your productivity, whenever it suits you.
1 on 1 mentoring with REAL fashion CEOs.
You don’t have to do it alone! Complete individualized action plans through monthly meetings and accountability check-ins with Made CEO, Rachel Ford.
Level Up. Build a Community.
Are you ready to take your fashion business to the next level?
You don’t have to do it alone.
10 MODULES TO GET YOU THERE
MODULE 1: INDUSTRY 101
-
INSIDER INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE- Understand how the fashion industry works, and how your brand will fit into the market.
-
TERMINOLOGY AND TIMELINES- Familiarize yourself with commonly used terms and concepts to better navigate this course and future business interactions.
-
MEETING WITH CEO- Get all your questions answered
MODULE 2: BUILD YOUR TECHNICAL SKILLS
-
FASHION SKETCHING- Bring your designs to life with this beginner’s tutorial in sketching. Develop your own croquis or use our downloadable templates.
-
ADOBE DIGITAL SKILLS- Learn the basics of Adobe Photoshop to edit photos, and bring line sheets, look books, and business cards to the next level.
-
MEETING WITH CEO- Get all your questions answered
MODULE 3: MARKET RESEARCH
-
TARGET MARKET- Identify your target customer, and how to appeal to their purchasing power.
-
COMPETITORS- Understand how to position yourself in the market to stand out from the competition.
-
MEETING WITH CEO- Get all your questions answered
MODULE 4: BRANDING
-
BRAND DNA- Cultivate your brand story, logo, and website aesthetic
-
ADOBE DIGITAL DESIGN- Execute beautiful graphics to bring your brand story to life.
-
MEETING WITH CEO- Get all your questions answered
MODULE 5: PRODUCTION RESOURCES
-
SUSTAINABLE FABRIC AND MANUFACTURING SOURCING- Grow your knowledge of fabrics and how to build relationships with sustainable vendors and factories.
-
TECHNICAL DRAWINGS AND TECH PACKS- We’ve broken down the elusive “Tech Pack” and “Technical Drawing” into bite-sized steps to get you ready for production.
-
MEETING WITH CEO- Get all your questions answered
MODULE 6: FINANCE AND BUSINESS PLAN
-
COSTING AND PRICING- The best way to build a successful business is to understand your numbers. Create a P&L spreadsheet that will help you maximize profitability.
-
NAVIGATING TRADEMARKS, BUSINESS LICENSE, AND DOMAIN- Navigate fearlessly through these important business hurdles.
-
MEETING WITH CEO- Get all your questions answered
MODULE 7: CROWDFUNDING
-
CROWDFUNDING PLATFORMS- What’s the best platform for you and your goals?
-
VIDEO AND MESSAGING- How to tell a compelling story that will resonate with your customers.
-
MEETING WITH CEO- Get all your questions answered
MODULE 8: MARKETING STRATEGY
-
CRAFT YOUR UNIQUE STRATEGY- Every business needs a unique approach to get their message out to the masses. Decide what platforms are right for you.
-
NEWSLETTERS AND SOCIAL MEDIA SCHEDULES- Learn how to make social media work for you without draining your precious time and energy.
-
MEETING WITH CEO- Get all your questions answered
MODULE 9: PHOTOSHOOTS, EVENTS, AND BUYERS
-
SETTING UP A PHOTOSHOOT- How to hire photographers, models, and stylists on a budget that works for you.
-
FASHION SHOWS- How to work with fashion show producers and even produce your own show
-
BUYER MEETINGS- What you need to know to have a successful buyer meeting, and what to do when you get orders.
-
MEETING WITH CEO- Get all your questions answered
MODULE 10: LAUNCH
-
PRESENTATION SKILLS- Knowing how to represent your brand is key to making sales and impressing potential investors.
-
ORGANIZE WORK FLOW- Understand the timeline to your launch, and what the order of operations should be.
-
LAUNCH CHECKLIST- Stay organized with our detailed “To-Do” checklist
-
MEETING WITH CEO- Get all your questions answered
Is Jump Start right for me?
DIY
- Thousands of dollars in costly mistakes
- Lack of direction and accountability
- No connections to production resources
- Lack of knowledge about the industry
- No community to lean on or draw from
VS
Jump Start
- Clear monthly objectives and checklists
- Individualized mentorship
- Connections to sustainable production resources
- Connections to stylists, models, and photographers
- Trusted MADE content
- 10 modules taught by industry professionals
- Our thriving fashion community is now your home
Don’t just take our word for it…
Renee Hill
CEO Harx 4
Project Runway Season 17
NY Fashion Week
“Rachel has been a mentor/teacher to me for many years. She has always encouraged me with tough love and guidance throughout my journey. I've always struggled with the business aspect of the business. Rachel's expertise has allowed me to make tremendous strides in this area. Also, having the ability to hire the students/instructors that freelance helped me with many of my samples and patterns. They were able to handle the high level of craftsmanship my brand offers.
I can't say enough about this woman and what she's done for the Philadelphia Fashion Community.”
Michelle Fite
CEO Fite Fashion
Flying Solo NYC
NY Fashion Week
Without Rachel's support and encouragement I might have honestly just given up when I first moved back to the area. I had a horrible time in grad school with unqualified, mean professors… I reached out to Made years ago to try and get back on track. I left that first meeting with Rachel feeling like I could actually find my spot and some of the help that I needed. I felt like she pulled me out of a whirlpool and helped me get my bearings. That September she was generous enough to include me in the Made group for Philly Fashion Week which was my first real fashion show. I learned so much and thought that maybe I could move forward. I wasn't used to having that kind of support and it made a huge difference that I will never forget!
-YOUR INVESTMENT-
- 10 modules taught by established fashion designers
- 365 days access and 24/7 Flexibility
- Live monthly mentorship with established industry professionals
- Connections to fashion business community
- 25% discount on all other Made merch, workshops and non-program classes
Program Cost: $2,000
Registration Open
Once enrolled, you will receive an email from our CEO to introduce you to the course and set up your first mentored meeting. Hit the ground running, and Jump Start your brand today.
Schedule a call to learn more.
Supplies
- Laptop
- Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop
- Spiral-bound sketchbook 11x14”
- Pens and pencils for sketching
- Notebook
These supplies are just suggestions and are not included in the course but we encourage you to use the tools you already have at home!
FAQ
Who is this course for?
We've created this online toolkit for fashion entrepreneurs, looking to take their brand to the next level. You'll have exclusive access to videos, templates and resources designed to get you from zero to launch at a pace that suits you.
What tools do I need?
We recommend that students have a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer, as well as a smart phone. Apart from that... just bring your creative energy!
What’s my schedule like?
Your schedule is your own. From the day you enroll you have 100% access to every module, so you can choose where you start and what you want to focus on. You also get 1 year of monthly live office hours to speak with Rachel for your business questions and real-time feedback. We do not have live sessions on US holidays. You will be given a calendar link upon enrollment to check the available dates and times.
What is the refund policy?
You will have 24 hours to decide if Jump Start is right for you. We do not issue refunds after that point, and we do not offer the option of partial enrollment. This course is perfect for creatives looking to commit to reaching the next phase in the fashion business.
Will I get homework or graded?
There is no need for grading or homework with this toolkit! Just work on the templates and prompts while you build your brand and get feedback in the live consultations if you need.
How long do I have to finish the course?
You have 365 days from the day you purchase the course. Are you looking to buy this for a friend or family member? Check out our Gift Cards option.
I am not located in the US, can I enroll?
Of course! You can learn wherever and whenever you like.
How do I pay for the course?
We have three options! You can either pay for the course in full, use our payment plan partner called Affirm or join our Level 3 membership.
How does the Level 3 Membership work?
Our Level 3 membership includes access to our Philadelphia studio, so this is best for locals creatives who are looking for a space to work in person. It is a monthly subscription. Find out more by clicking Memberships at the top of this page.
MEET YOUR MENTORS
Rachel Ford
CEO and Founder of Made Institute
Learn from someone who has guided brands to success and who cares about your personal goals. From production to branding, she will get you on the right path with 1 on 1 virtual meetings - at a time and day that suits you!
Alexandra Damiano
Angela Edmunds
Cheldin Barlatt Rumer
Emma Golley
Robyn Dombey
Veronica Miller Jamison
Does your business have a strong sustainability and/or BIPOC focus?
The Circle of Aunts & Uncles is a multi-generational project to provide low-interest loans and social capital to under-resourced entrepreneurs in order to co-create a more equitable, compassionate, sustainable, and vibrant local economy in the Greater Philadelphia region.
Email admissions@made-institute.com to learn more about our partnership with CAU.
Jump Start programming is not governed by the Board of Private Licensed Schools.