Factory Girls is a fashion incubator focused on high-level apparel designers that are based in the Southeast. They provide studio space, access to pattern makers, sample makers and production. The Factory Girls’s team is passionate about growing the local fashion design industry by creating a fertile ground for local talent to flourish. With a mission to elevate the image of the Atlanta fashion culture, they look to cultivate and retain quality designers to enable Atlanta and the Southeast to have a future presence in the national and international scene.
We caught up with FG’s very own Rosa Thurner & Regina Weir to get the inside scoop on this fashionable new incubator. Check it out below and then find out more on Manufacturing Revival Radio and Pear-a-digms.
Year/Date Founded?
December 2013
Number of Employees?
2 (read more HERE!)
Founders/Execs?
Rosa Thurnher
Regina Weir
Funding or bootstrapped?
bootstrapped
How’d You Get The Idea For It?
We were inspired by 2 local designers, Abbey Glass & Megan Huntz. They were struggling to find local resources to produce their lines, as well as support and a sense of community for High End Apparel. We were separately searching for a project in which we could work to move forward the image and legitimacy of Fashion in Atlanta. Once we realized what a huge lack of resources their were we were inspired to help fill the void. Regina’s family background in manufacturing, combined with Rosa’s knowledge of the Atlanta market and retail management background, and the help of Abbey and Megan we started to face the challenges head on.
Who are your customers and what do they get?
Designers of high end apparel are our customers, and we provide pattern and sample making as well as small run production. We also provide some mentorship and advice.
Who are your competitors and how do you stand out?
Our competitors are the small mom and pop contract sewers. We offer a consistent more high end approach to the process available in Georgia.
Revenue Model?
Our revenue model is a combination of commerce and rental.
How does ATL weave into your story?
We love Atlanta and we started Factory Girls to contribute in a positive creative way.
Do you use any tools & services to manage your day-to-day?
Basecamp and Quickbooks as well as MailChimp and social media.
How do you stay informed & on top of emerging trends?
We read Womens Wear Daily and Business Of Fashion daily to find out what’s going on in the industry and we read local magazines and newspapers to find out what is happening locally. NPR is also a resource we listen to daily.
What kind of mentor could you use the most right now?
A business mentor that understands fashion.
Is there anything else you need (that money can’t buy)?
The support of Atlanta to help change the perception of what Atlanta Fashion is to the world.
In addition to working with designers, Factory Girls will hold classes, lectures, interactive discussions, and workshops to engage and educate the fashion community. Be sure and check their program schedule for the latest events!
[vimeo 97689377 w=500 h=281]
Be sure and check out their Indiegogo campaign and see how you can help alter the fashion landscape in the South.
[Photo Credit: http://www.factorygirlsatl.com/news/(featured) head shots courtesy of FG as well]
