Behind the Scenes of the #1 Business Program for Fashion Startups: Meet the Factory45 Team
The other day I was on a podcast interview and the host asked me the one thing I wish I had done sooner when starting Factory45.
My answer?
Hiring.
For the past eight years, I’ve always seen steady growth in my business but it wasn’t until 2021 when I brought on three new integral team members that things really took off.
They say you’re only as strong as the people around you and that couldn’t be more true over here at Factory45.
So it’s that team that I want to introduce you to today : )
Emily Belyea | Creative Director | Evergreen, Colorado
Most-loved fashion item: Cropped Mockneck Sweater from Factory45’er VETTA. It’s simultaneously the most lovely and most comfortable thing I own.
Bee Dean | Content Manager | Boca Raton, Florida
Most-loved fashion item: Gray Sherpa Sweater. It goes with everything, super comfy, washes well, and it’s gray, so it’s always on trend.
Hannah McDermott | Director of Enrollment | San Diego, CA
Most-loved fashion item: Chambray shirt – the one I’m wearing in this photo! It quite literally went around the world with me, one of the few items I brought on all my travels since it was so versatile.
Maddi Neufeld | Director of Operations | Galway, Ireland
Most-loved fashion item: Forest green sweater dress from TWO THIRDS. I love that I can wear it at home or out and I feel cozy and elegant.
Melina Dio | Podcast Manager | Boston, Massachusetts
Most-loved fashion item: Black midi dress. It is smocked at the bodice and flows out and down from there. I love it because it is so versatile and comfortable.
Erika Radcliffe | Client Tech Support | Las Vegas, Nevada
Most-loved fashion item: Black chenille sweater that I bought from a little store in Vermont. It’s stylish and cozy and at the time I bought it I thought I was spending too much, but I’ve ended up wearing it regularly for 5 years!
Shannon Lohr (that’s me!) | Founder & CEO | San Diego, California
Most-loved fashion item: Wide-Brim Felt Wool Hat from Factory45’er LIYA Collective. It’s the perfect sun-blocking accessory here in Southern California and it’s one of those pieces I know I’ll have for years to come.
And of course, we can’t forget our amazing Alumni Mentors who keep the Factory45 program running with 1:1 student support.
I will say, hiring is one of the most challenging parts of growing a business. But when you take the time and energy to train, nurture and develop the right team of people, it’s one of the best things that can happen to you as an entrepreneur and CEO.
So, consider this a little team appreciation day and I hope wherever you are in your business-building journey, you’re surrounded by great people, too.
P.S. Join me during Thursday’s Live Show for our monthly Fashion Startup Q+A! Email me with your questions or bring them LIVE on Feb. 17th at 12:30pm ET!
ON THE PODCAST:
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