003: BUILDING A LUXURY FASHION BRAND FROM SCRATCH, STANDING OUT AND DOING SOMETHING DIFFERENT, HOW TO CREATE A COMMUNITY ONLINE, AND MORE WITH ASHLYN LAWRENCE OF CENTRE PIECE

Where to Find Ashlyn + Centre Piece

IG: @centrepieceofficial
Tik Tok: @centrepiece_official_
Shop Centre Piece: https://centrepiececlothing.com/

Summary

In this conversation, Ashlyn Lawrence, founder of the New York-based fashion brand Centerpiece, shares her journey from working in the fashion industry to launching her own brand. She discusses her background in sales, the challenges of starting a business without a design background, and the importance of customer feedback. Ashlyn emphasizes the significance of support from family and friends, her fears of failure, and the realities of managing cash flow as a new entrepreneur. The conversation also touches on the creative process, the importance of quality in fashion, and the unique offerings of her brand. In this engaging conversation, Ashlyn shares her journey of starting her fashion brand, Centerpiece, highlighting the emotional rewards of creation, the importance of social media authenticity, and the evolving landscape of the fashion industry. She discusses her experiences with photo shoots, connections made during Fashion Week, and the challenges of being a public figure on platforms like TikTok. Ashlyn emphasizes the significance of building a brand with meaning and community, while also offering valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the fashion space.

Takeaways

• Ashlyn started her fashion brand Centerpiece at 28 years old.

• She has a background in sales, but not necessarily in design.

• Customer feedback is crucial for brand development.

• Launching with a small collection allows for growth.

• Cash flow management is a significant challenge for new businesses.

• Support from family and friends is vital for entrepreneurs.

• Every day in the fashion industry is different and dynamic.

• Quality and uniqueness are key focuses for Centerpiece.

• The design process involves many technical details.

• Sampling can be costly but is essential for product development. The first photo shoot was a pivotal moment of pride.

• Connections made during Fashion Week can diversify content.

• Social media presence is crucial for brand authenticity.

• TikTok allows for a more genuine connection with audiences.

• Building a brand is about creating a community, not just products.

• It's important to be adaptable in your entrepreneurial journey.

• A brand name should reflect its essence and story.

• Starting early in your entrepreneurial journey is key.

• Having a tough skin is essential in the fashion industry.

• Trusting your vision is vital for success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ashlyn Lawrence and Centerpiece

03:14 Ashlyn's Journey: From Paris to Entrepreneurship

04:28 Gaining Confidence in Design

06:03 The Fast Track to Launching Centerpiece

07:10 Learning from Customer Feedback

09:34 Introducing Unique Fashion Pieces

10:59 Support Systems in Entrepreneurship

12:35 Facing Fears of Failure

14:07 A Day in the Life of a Fashion Brand Owner

16:39 Challenges of Cash Flow

18:10 Future Plans and Potential Investors

19:06 Navigating the Design Process

20:12 Sampling and Production Challenges

21:21 The Joy of Creation

23:15 Fashion Week Connections

25:44 Navigating Social Media Presence

27:20 The Power of Authenticity

30:37 Evolving Entrepreneurial Journeys

33:39 Building a Brand with Meaning

37:36 Advice for Aspiring Fashion Entrepreneurs

Keywords: fashion, entrepreneurship, Ashlyn Lawrence, Centre Piece, design, cash flow, support system, customer feedback, unique fashion, fashion industry, fashion, entrepreneurship, social media, branding, creativity, community, TikTok, authenticity, business advice, fashion industry