Scaling Independent Fashion Brands with Flying Solo’s Elizabeth Solomeina

In this conversation, Elizabeth Solomeina, co-founder of Flying Solo, shares her insights on the challenges independent designers face in the fashion industry. She emphasizes the importance of a sustainable approach to growth, the need for strategic planning before expanding into international markets, and the value of press exposure in building brand credibility. Elizabeth also discusses the significance of separating personal identity from creative work and offers practical advice for designers feeling stuck in their journey. The conversation concludes with an exciting announcement about the upcoming Flying Solo Awards, aimed at recognizing talent in the fashion industry.

About Elizabeth Solomeina

Elizabeth Solomeina is the co-founder and managing director of Flying Solo, an innovative fashion platform with flagship stores in New York City and Paris. Since 2016, she's built a space created for designers, by designers, supporting 250+ independent brands through retail, runway shows in Paris, New York, and Milan, and meaningful editorial exposure. Elizabeth is also a designer herself, which means she understands firsthand the challenges creators face when talent alone isn't enough to build a sustainable business. Flying Solo has been called the future of retail.

• The slow journey is the most sustainable one for designers.
• Independent designers often face challenges in scaling their businesses.
• Press exposure is crucial for building brand credibility.
• Designers should avoid overproduction to maintain cash flow.
• Understanding different markets is essential for international expansion.
• Feedback from customers is vital for product development.
• A business mindset is necessary for success in fashion.
• Designers should separate their identity from their creations.
• The first two years of a fashion business can be particularly challenging.
• Flying Solo aims to celebrate unseen talent in the fashion industry.
  

Website: flyingsolo.nyc

Instagram: @flyingsolonyc

Linkedin: @eliazbeth-solomeina