Powerful Moments From Our Sourcing Trip To India | Fashion Field Notes
As a fashion business consultant, one of the most common questions I’m asked is, “How do I find a clothing manufacturer?” And for good reason, too. For emerging brands, choosing the right supplier is key to business success. But there is no denying the obstacles, like identifying sustainable manufacturers, selecting fabrics from afar, navigating cultural differences, and simply knowing where to start!
Author: Elizabeth Formosa
Our biannual India Sourcing Trip, co-hosted by Emma Puttick, founder of Naudic, was born from our desire to share our industry experience and help break down these barriers for local Australian brands. This five-day immersive journey is designed to directly connect designers with our favourite clothing manufacturers in India.
Elizabeth and Emma Discuss Sourcing in India on the Fashion Business Mindset Podcast
This trip is about feeling supported, travelling alongside like-minded creatives and trusted industry guides (that’s us!) It’s about being there on the ground, having meaningful conversations with credible suppliers who understand the Australian marketplace and want to help you grow your business.
Our third and most recent trip reaffirmed for Emma and me that India has so much to offer Australian fashion brands and that the clothing suppliers we connect with during these trips are ready to do business immediately. What some might not realise is that this is rare. Establishing a supply chain in India can take years. We are proud that our pre-existing relationship with these suppliers can help fast-track this process.
Fresh from our March 2024 journey, Emma and I paused to reflect on our favourite moments.
1.The Camaraderie and Collaboration
This program's most beautiful byproduct is the friendships forged along the way. We witness participants supporting each other, taking a genuine interest in not only each other’s businesses but also their lives. Seeing creatives on similar journeys, who started the week as strangers, jump in to help each other with designs, fabric selection, or input is pure magic.
2. The Creative and Personal Growth
On day one, most people feel very much out of their comfort zone. It’s to be expected! It’s all new, India is a fast-paced country, and there is a lot that we want to achieve. But by day five, we find that a true transformation has occurred. Having spent the week being stretched personally, professionally, and creatively, our designers reflect on the week with excitement and a sense of achievement.
3. The Strong In-Person Connections
While we all benefit from the convenience of being online, I think we can all agree that trying to form partnerships over email cannot compare to the power of speaking in person. We hope to not only facilitate these opportunities but also remove the often time-consuming experience of finding and connecting with credible manufacturers. For us, one of the most rewarding and electrifying moments is being together as a group in the showrooms, where designers get to excitedly feel fabrics, meet suppliers, and imagine the possibilities for themselves.
Travel With Us
Our India Sourcing Trip has become a calendar highlight, so naturally, we’re already planning the next one! Click HERE for more information and to express your interest in securing your place for 28th September - 6th October 2024.
How we can help at Fashion Equipped
Working with a fashion business consultant and strategist can be highly beneficial for your business. The magic happens when a business owner decides to Invest in working ON the business as well as IN the business.
If you need help with sourcing or business growth strategies, Fashion Equipped offers powerful consulting solutions.
Email us at info@fashionequipped.com.au
Tune into the Podcast with Elizabeth and Marie discussing the benefits of attending the Global Sourcing expo, such as:
Accessing over 350 Suppliers from small to large scale manufacturers, right here on our doorstep in Australia
Exploring new and Innovative Supply Chain Solutions
Develop & Source new products and categories
Expand your Network & Connect with Industry
We’ll help get you ‘source ready’ - with a framework for developing your strategy, choosing your manufacturer and building that all-important relationship. Explore our Mini Course Shop.
