The recession is here but that shouldn't stop you or anybody in pursuing your dreams of owning your own clothing brand. If you are passionate about your idea and believe in it 100% than working twice as hard for the brand to be visible should not be a problem for you. If you are starting if for the sole purpose of making money I suggest another career choice. Yes the current economy has put a damper on things but by no means should that be the reason to throw in the towel. You just have to approach things a bit smarter these days than in the past. Success means different things to different people just try doing something.

Negotiating and bartering have never been at such high levels than they are now. Do you have a service that a screen printer might be able to utilize? Or maybe a product that you can do a trade of services with? Not everyone does but some do and people are willing to trade right now if it will benefit them. Just think back to when you were a kid trading baseball cards with your friends. Just don't give away your Wade Boggs rookie card this time and regret it later. Make sure the trade is fair and even to what you need. Maybe you know graphic and web design as well and working out a trade for a free website update for some screen printing might be something the screen printer is up for. It doesn't hurt to ask. Get your business online. There is so much space online that only requires time and very little money it is ridiculous but you have to take the time to use the various online platforms.

Is your new brand unique? Is it different? Make sure it stands outs like a black eye because the only way a brand will stand out with virtually no budget is if the concept has not been beaten into the ground yet by everyone around you. If your selling point is another all over print tee than just go back to the drawing table and find something that brings something new to the table. Look around you and reach out to your friends you can trust to pool in their ideas and resources. If you have no friends than start preying on and recruiting people at your local coffee shop or watering hole. The recession has caused many to do things they normally wouldn't. Some clothing brands are ok, some are flourishing and others are shutting down stores wondering how they are going to make payroll in three months. Don't rush to put stuff out there. Think about it and take your time. Surround yourself with ambitious positive people and watch your company flourish. Remember you can't do everything alone. You will make errors in the beginning you wish you hadn't but it is ok. They are not errors but lessons learned and that comes with launching your own business regardless of what it is. You have to learn as much as you can when you first get going because you will not always have the cash to pay others to do stuff for you. It is good to know as much as you can because you never know if you might have to pick up the slack for someone else's work.