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47. From the Kitchen Floor to a 7-Figure B Corp Brand: How Kristi Soomer Built Encircled With No Fashion Experience

eCommerce Badassery · with Kristi Soomer · February 16, 2021 · 40 min

Summary

Kristi Soomer, founder of Encircled, shares her inspiring journey of building a 7-figure B Corp fashion brand from scratch with no prior fashion experience. She emphasizes the power of a strong brand mission, strategic investment in mentors and services, and continuous learning to overcome challenges and achieve significant growth. This episode is a must-listen for ecommerce operators looking for realistic advice on building a resilient and impactful brand.

Key takeaways

Themes

founder & leadershipdtc strategybrand & contentsupply chain & operations

Topics covered

bootstrapping a fashion brandb corp certificationinventory scaling decisionsstrategic investment for growthmission-driven businessovercoming lack of experience

Episode description

Armed with a second-hand sewing machine, an idea, and a little bit of grit, Kristi Soomer built a 7-figure fashion brand from her kitchen floor. Today’s guest started her brand with no fashion background and some pretty sad sewing skills, but she had a passion for her brand mission and invested in mentors and service providers to fill in the gaps. Hear Kristi’s story about how she built Encircled and what it REALLY took for her to get there. Here’s what you’ll learn: What it really takes to launch and grow a fashion brand How to know when it’s time to invest in more inventory The two things that were a total game-changer in Kristi's business The one thing she wishes she invested in sooner Connect with Kristi Her Fashion Brand Website: Encircled.co http://Encircled.co Her Fashion Brand Instagram: @encircled_ https://www.instagram.com/encircled_/ Her Podcast: Brave + Boss https://www.kristisoomer.com/pages/the-brave-and-boss-podcast Her Podcast Website: https://www.kristisoomer.com/ Read the Full Transcript eCommerceBadassery.com/47 FREE Resource Library Every freebie I’ve created to help you grow the traffic, sales, and profit in your eCommerce Business, all in one place! http://ecommercebadassery.com/freestuff Want More Badassery? Join the eCommerce Badassery Facebook Group and connect with other eCommerce entrepreneurs just like you! http://ecommercebadassery.com/facebook Let’s connect on Instagram @ecommercebadassery Ready to Level Up Your Email Marketing & eCommerce Business? Try the Klaviyo Email Marketing Platform - Built specifically for eCommerce, serving entrepreneurs, and iconic brands. https://ecommercebadassery.com/klaviyo Work With Me - Interested in getting my brain focused on YOUR business? Book your free clarity call and let’s see how I can help get you to the next level! http://bit.ly/EB-Discovery-Call Rate, Review, & Subscribe Like what you heard? I’d be forever grateful if you’d rate, review and subscribe to the show!

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Frequently asked about this episode

What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Invest in mentors and service providers to fill knowledge gaps and accelerate growth, especially when entering a new industry.
What does this episode say about dtc strategy?
Prioritize inventory management decisions proactively as your business scales, as this is critical for cash flow and growth.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Leverage a strong brand mission and values, like B Corp certification, to drive growth and connect with conscious consumers.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Don't be afraid to start with limited resources and skills; grit, continuous learning, and strategic investment are more important than initial expertise.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Identify and focus on key "game-changers" to propel your business forward and be willing to adapt your strategy.

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