She is walking along a true entrepreneurship journey. Her name is Tori- Nichel and it is fairly easy to find her clothing company. Tori-Nichel is not only the name of an individual who is climbing to the top, but also the name of her clothing company. There is Ralph Lauren, Kenneth Cole, Calvin Klein, and now Tori Nichel. Tori Nichel is a brand that is soaring in the fashion industry. Its remarkably interesting and vibrant designs draw the attention of magazines, newspapers and many other publications. Tori-Nichel looks at the next chapter smiling and with the help of one of the biggest websites in the world. She found a creative way to get funding and expand her market by entering eBay’s Sellers Challenge this year. It was a good thing she did because she received $25,000 in return. She will be using eBay to grow her brand worldwide. When Tori-Nichel sees an opportunity she seeks it, whether it be networking, listening, or researching she is always one step ahead. Kenneth Cole has a close watch on one of its former designers.
Experience an interview with Tori-Nichel, as she helps you better understand her story and how to make it in the business world.
Tell us a little bit about yourself? Your background.
To give some background on myself, I am a native of Michigan. I became interested in fashion around the age of 7. I grew up around very fashionable women. I began studying fashion at the age of 16 with a woman named Christiane, whom is now 83 and has had the most profound influence on cultivating and developing my talent. Christiane is like a 2nd mom to me now. She taught me pattern making and draping. I studied fashion & textile design at Michigan State University and Fashion Design with an emphasis in evening wear at the Fashion Institute of Technology here in NYC.
Can you describe your clothing designs? How do they differ from the others out there?
The aesthetic of Tori Nichel is tailored in fit, eclectic in styling with a twist of 70′s influence. The quality of my fabrics and the attention to detail sets me apart from the competition.
How did you pull a job working at Kenneth Cole?
My friend recommended me for an assistant designer position at Kenneth Cole and I simply just applied and interviewed.
What did you learn and how did working there help you prepare for your own entrepreneurial venture?
At Kenneth Cole I learned the importance of brand identity, maintaining a consistent brand message, and marketing your product to the right consumer while standing out from your competition.
Did working at Kenneth Cole play a big role in the inspiration for your clothing designs?
Working at Kenneth Cole did not play a big role in inspiring me for my own designs. It did enable me to discover and develop my own aesthetic. In addition, from a business prospective, while working at Kenneth Cole I made it a point to shadow every other department in addition to design (production, technical design, merchandising) to fully understand what it would take to design, develop, produce and sell clothing.
Do you regret not starting up earlier?
I do not regret starting my business earlier. Unless one is a trust fund baby it takes a lot of patience and diligence, planning, research and a financial commitment no twenty something is ready for to launch a collection successfully and sustain it. My timing was right on point.
Do you recommend to individuals interested in started their own business, that they begin by working for a company similar to the one they intend to start?
Yes, I absolutely recommend individuals interested in starting their own business to apprentice at similar companies first. Learn from other’s mistakes and make a few mistakes on someone else’s dime in the learning process. The biggest mistake I see people make is not having enough on the job training and experience and business ac cum to sustain their business.
In 2008, you won $15,000 from The Miller Brewing Co. in a business plan competition. This year you were awarded $25,000 in the eBay Sellers Challenge. How were you able to win both of these? Have any secrets to your success?
In order to compete for business grants, work with banks and seek investors you must first prove your business is viable. Once you prove you have a viable business, you must prove it will be profitable. Finally, for me, I have to always be able to compete on a global level.
You have been recognized in the news and by many magazines. How do you go about getting this recognition?
I obtained recognition the old fashioned, grass roots way, word of mouth. I allowed the product to speak for itself. My secret weapon was follow-up. Follow-up and persistence proved to be the key to my success.
What do you do to keep yourself on top of the industry?
To stay on top of the industry I nurture my networks, I listen and watch the younger generation, research on a global level and monitor current retail trends as they relate to fashion and women’s buying power. I also remain accessible. My Blackberry is my best employee.
What are some important things you have learned along your journey?
Things I have learned:
1. Delegate responsibilities. If you own a company you cannot be the Sergeant and the Army.
2. Whatever you’ve calculated as your start up $ amount, double that number.
3. Hire a lawyer and an accountant straight out the gates
4. Always work by referrals
5. You cannot trust everyone
What are your personal and business goals?
My personal goals, I would like to settle down in the coming years and start a family. My business goals, the eBay boutique will launch this December, new product assortments will be available next year for Tori Nichel and finally the long anticipated cartoon will launch next year as well…stay tuned!
What advice can you give to aspiring entrepreneurs like yourself?
To the aspiring entrepreneurs, listen and research and study the experts and mentors in your industry who are successful. Do your due diligence and you will persevere.
Is there anything else you like to add?
I would like to thank my customers and retailers, colleagues, friends and family who continue to support me and the vision of Tori Nichel.
Check out ToriNichel.com
Thanks so much for doing the interview Tori Nichel!
She is walking along a true entrepreneurship journey. Her name is Tori Nichel and it is fairly easy to find her clothing company. Tori Nichel is not only the name of an individual who is climbing to the top, but also the name of her clothing company. There is Ralph Lauren, Kenneth Cole, Calvin Klein, and now Tori Nichel. Tori Nichel is a brand that is soaring in the fashion industry. Its remarkably interesting and vibrant designs draw the attention of magazines, newspapers and many other publications. Nichel looks at the next chapter smiling and with the help of one of the biggest websites in the world. She found a creative way to get funding and expand her market by entering eBay’s Sellers Challenge this year. It was a good thing she did because she received $25,000 in return. She will be using eBay to grow her brand worldwide. When Nichel sees an opportunity she seeks it, whether it be networking, listening, or researching she is always one step ahead. Kenneth Cole has a close watch on one of its former designers.
Experience an interview with Ms. Nichel, as she helps you better understand her story and how to make it in the business world.
Tell us a little bit about yourself? Your background.
To give some background on myself, I am a native of Michigan. I became interested in fashion around the age of 7. I grew up around very fashionable women. I began studying fashion at the age of 16 with a woman named Christiane, whom is now 83 and has had the most profound influence on cultivating and developing my talent. Christiane is like a 2nd mom to me now. She taught me pattern making and draping. I studied fashion & textile design at Michigan State University and Fashion Design with an emphasis in evening wear at the Fashion Institute of Technology here in NYC.
Can you describe your clothing designs? How do they differ from the others out there?
The aesthetic of Tori Nichel is tailored in fit, eclectic in styling with a twist of 70′s influence. The quality of my fabrics and the attention to detail sets me apart from the competition.
How did you pull a job working at Kenneth Cole?
My friend recommended me for an assistant designer position at Kenneth Cole and I simply just applied and interviewed.
What did you learn and how did working there help you prepare for your own entrepreneurial venture?
At Kenneth Cole I learned the importance of brand identity, maintaining a consistent brand message, and marketing your product to the right consumer while standing out from your competition.
Did working at Kenneth Cole play a big role in the inspiration for your clothing designs?
Working at Kenneth Cole did not play a big role in inspiring me for my own designs. It did enable me to discover and develop my own aesthetic. In addition, from a business prospective, while working at Kenneth Cole I made it a point to shadow every other department in addition to design (production, technical design, merchandising) to fully understand what it would take to design, develop, produce and sell clothing.
Do you regret not starting up earlier?
I do not regret starting my business earlier. Unless one is a trust fund baby it takes a lot of patience and diligence, planning, research and a financial commitment no twenty something is ready for to launch a collection successfully and sustain it. My timing was right on point.
Do you recommend to individuals interested in started their own business, that they begin by working for a company similar to the one they intend to start?
Yes, I absolutely recommend individuals interested in starting their own business to apprentice at similar companies first. Learn from other’s mistakes and make a few mistakes on someone else’s dime in the learning process. The biggest mistake I see people make is not having enough on the job training and experience and business ac cum to sustain their business.
In 2008, you won $15,000 from The Miller Brewing Co. in a business plan competition. This year you were awarded $25,000 in the eBay Sellers Challenge. How were you able to win both of these? Have any secrets to your success?
In order to compete for business grants, work with banks and seek investors you must first prove your business is viable. Once you prove you have a viable business, you must prove it will be profitable. Finally, for me, I have to always be able to compete on a global level.
You have been recognized in the news and by many magazines. How do you go about getting this recognition?
I obtained recognition the old fashioned, grass roots way, word of mouth. I allowed the product to speak for itself. My secret weapon was follow-up. Follow-up and persistence proved to be the key to my success.
What do you do to keep yourself on top of the industry?
To stay on top of the industry I nurture my networks, I listen and watch the younger generation, research on a global level and monitor current retail trends as they relate to fashion and women’s buying power. I also remain accessible. My Blackberry is my best employee.
What are some important things you have learned along your journey?
Things I have learned:
1. Delegate responsibilities. If you own a company you cannot be the Sergeant and the Army.
2. Whatever you’ve calculated as your start up $ amount, double that number.
3. Hire a lawyer and an accountant straight out the gates
4. Always work by referrals
5. You cannot trust everyone
What are your personal and business goals?
My personal goals, I would like to settle down in the coming years and start a family. My business goals, the eBay boutique will launch this December, new product assortments will be available next year for Tori Nichel and finally the long anticipated cartoon will launch next year as well…stay tuned!
What advice can you give to aspiring entrepreneurs like yourself?
To the aspiring entrepreneurs, listen and research and study the experts and mentors in your industry who are successful. Do your due diligence and you will persevere.
Is there anything else you like to add?
I would like to thank my customers and retailers, colleagues, friends and family who continue to support me and the vision of Tori Nichel.
November 22nd, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Hey Tori,
I wanted to tell you just how happy I am for you. Your clothing line is amazing and I’m sure your aware that I along with many others are your biggest fans. I also liked your interview, especially the things you’ve learned along the way. Your story is a truly inspiring one and I wish you much continued success.
Best,
Timothy
November 22nd, 2009 at 9:45 am
Hey Tori,
I wanted to tell you just how happy I am for you. Your clothing line is amazing and I’m sure your aware that I along with many others are your biggest fans. I also liked your interview, especially the things you’ve learned along the way. Your story is a truly inspiring one and I wish you much continued success.
Best,
Timothy