How to Build a Successful Fashion Retail Business with Laura-Jean Bernhardson

In this conversation, Laura-Jean Bernhardson shares her experience as an entrepreneur in the fashion industry, from starting a knitwear business to opening multiple retail stores. You will learn about the benefits of building systems, mindset shifts that will help you grow with creativity and confidence, and ways to make your brand memorable. You will also hear about Laura-Jean’s pivot from retail brick and mortar to business coaching. Get ready to learn how to run your business the right way—through Laura’s lessons from decades in the industry.

About Laura-Jean Bernhardson

Laura-Jean Bernhardson has been an entrepreneur since 1994, starting with a handmade knitwear business that she grew into a seven-figure fashion design and retail company. Her boutiques, Fresh Collective, were known for carrying small batch artisanal clothing and accessories by local designers, including her own lines, Fresh Baked Goods, and Palette. But Laura-Jean didn't stop at fashion. She also co-founded a licensed daycare business that she ran successfully for over a decade. Over the years, her passion for mentoring other women entrepreneurs evolved into a full-time coaching business. Now, she helps founders grow businesses with heart, passion, and profit without burning out. And she's also on a mission to build a life that feels fun, flowy, and creatively fulfilling.

Contact info

Website: https://laura-jean.ca/

https://www.instagram.com/laurajeanbizcoach/

Takeaways

• Scale with systems by documenting processes, delegating decisions, and removing bottlenecks.

• Turn setbacks into wins by staying flexible and pivoting quickly.

• Collaborate strategically to share resources, cut costs, and create complementary products.

• Know your ideal customer through market research and tailor everything to their needs.

• Treat business like design by bringing creativity into sales, marketing, and operations.

• Hire expert help early to avoid mistakes and speed up growth.

• Push past fears to sell with confidence and connect authentically.