Shannon Lohr’s Factory45: Your Guide to Launching a Sustainable Fashion Brand

Do you dream of starting a sustainable fashion brand but don’t know where to begin? Look no further than Shannon Lohr’s Factory45 program. This self-paced course is designed to take sustainable fashion entrepreneurs from idea to launch, providing them with the tools and resources they need to build a successful brand.

What You Get

Factory45 is a comprehensive program that includes action-based modules, vetted supply chain databases, templates, and virtual training. Here’s what you can expect:

• Connections to a database of hundreds of suppliers who sell sustainable fabrics and low minimums.
• Strategies to get a response from these suppliers, including exact scripts outlining what to say (and what not to say), so that you can build relationships and start confidently sourcing the materials you need.
• An in-depth understanding of sewn manufacturing, how it works, what you need to know to avoid mistakes and how to efficiently source materials for production.
• An overview of sustainability so you’ll have a clear understanding of what makes a fabric “eco-friendly” and whether it’s the right fit for your product.
• A materials inventory template so you’ll know the exact fabric and materials you’ll need to go into production.
• Training on how to create your sketches and a professional spec sheet — even if you can’t draw!

Module 1: Sourcing

Effectively research and source the fabric and materials you need to create your apparel product, accessory line, or collection.

• Learn how to source sustainable fabrics and materials for your product.
• Get access to a database of vetted suppliers who offer low minimums.
• Receive scripts and strategies for building relationships with suppliers.
• Understand the ins and outs of sewn manufacturing.
• Learn what makes a fabric “eco-friendly” and how to determine if it’s the right fit for your product.

Module 2: Brand Identity

Identify who your ideal customer is, how to effectively communicate what you sell, and learn proven strategies that will get a potential customer’s attention.

• Understand smart business principles that will keep you “lean” and out of debt.
• Develop a complete brand strategy that speaks directly to your target market.
• Learn how to generate customer leads before launching your product.
• Implement the most effective marketing tactic for an ecommerce product launch.
• Create a “traffic engine” that will turn interested customers into repeat customers over time.

Module 3: Pre-Production

Connect with top industry designers, samplemakers, patternmakers, and production partners that will help you turn your ideas into prototypes and patterns.

• Get access to a database of vetted pattern/samplemakers who will work with you to create a “production-ready” pattern and prototype.
• Receive guidance and resources for navigating the sewn manufacturing industry as an outsider.
• Connect with production partners who offer low minimums and pay a fair and living wage to their workers.
• Learn how to perform a cost and budget analysis to determine how much capital you’ll need for production.
• Get access to a database of resources for sustainable packaging, hangtags, and labels.

Module 4: Ecommerce Marketing

Ensure that you’ll have buzz around your product launch. You can’t launch to crickets, so you need to learn how to build an audience before you start selling.

• Learn a tried-and-true content marketing strategy that attracts customers.
• Develop a media strategy for reaching out to press outlets and launching your product with buzz.
• Discover new social media tactics to connect with your target market and turn them into “early adopters.”
• Implement the top 10 proven launch strategies and learn how to leverage them for your product.
• Focus on the marketing strategies that actually work, so you don’t waste time and energy on what doesn’t.

Module 5: Preparing for Launch

Test your product at market by pre-selling. See first-hand how your target market responds to your product and raise money before creating inventory.

• Get a complete plan-of-attack for launching a successful pre-sales campaign that will fund your first production run.
• Receive creative direction for marketing videos, photography, campaign strategy, and product pre-selling.
• Develop a PR strategy for effectively communicating your unique selling position.
• Learn how to manage your supply chain remotely.
• Prepare for a successful brand launch!

Bonus Workshop Recordings

In addition to the program curriculum, access 100+ recordings of Factory45 Workshops. For anything that isn’t covered in the portal, the live workshops fill in the gaps and offer topical advice. Examples of Workshops include:

• How to Avoid Red Flags and Scams
• How to Use Email Marketing Automations to Nurture Your Audience
• Crafting a Brand Story to Use for Pre-Launch PR Opportunities
• Managing Your Supply Chain Remotely
• Financial Fluency & Your First Tax Season
• Self Care & Overcoming the Mental Load of being an Entrepreneur
• Working with Fit Models, Grading & Sizing
• Working with Influencers, Building Relationships & Negotiating Partnerships
• And so many more!

Shannon Lohr is the founder of Factory45, a program that helps entrepreneurs launch sustainable fashion brands. With over a decade of experience in the fashion industry, Shannon has a wealth of knowledge and resources to share with her students.

If you’re ready to turn your sustainable fashion dreams into a reality, join Factory45 today and get the tools and resources you need to launch your brand with confidence. Sign up now!