19 Business Ideas For Fashionista [2024]

Updated: July 28th, 2024

Are you passionate about fashion and dreaming of turning your style savvy into a thriving business in 2024? This article explores potential business ideas tailored for fashionistas like you, offering creative ways to blend your love for fashion with entrepreneurial aspirations.

From launching your own boutique to creating a fashion blog, the possibilities are endless. You could even explore niche markets like sustainable fashion or personalized styling services. Each idea is designed to inspire and guide you in starting a venture that resonates with your unique flair.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or looking to expand your current fashion endeavor, these suggestions could be your gateway to success. Dive into this guide to discover the paths you could take to make your fashion dreams a reality.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other fashionista businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a fashion design business ($101K/month)

Starting a fashion design business offers fashionistas the perfect blend of creativity and entrepreneurship, allowing you to channel your unique style into original clothing and accessories. You could begin by designing a small collection that showcases your vision, utilizing your knowledge of market trends to create pieces that resonate with your audience. As you gradually expand your brand, the potential for growth is significant, providing countless opportunities to make an impact in the ever-evolving fashion industry. Interested in learning more? Check out some successful fashion design business stories.

Why start a fashion design business?

  • Turning your creative ideas into tangible products is incredibly rewarding.
  • The fashion industry is full of opportunities for innovative and unique brands.
  • Flexibility to align your business values with current trends, like sustainability.

How much you can make: $150 — $525,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started My Own Lingerie Business Side Hustle

Love Lorn Lingerie started as a side hustle and now generates $1.9k per month in revenue through Etsy and local events, with plans to expand into wholesale and increase marketing efforts to eventually replace the founder's day job.

Read by 30,196 founders

2. Become a fashion designer ($71.5K/month)

Starting a fashion design business is a perfect fit for a fashionista. As someone who lives and breathes fashion, you could leverage your innate sense for trends and aesthetics to create unique clothing, accessories, or footwear that cater to a diverse audience. By combining your passion with a keen understanding of the fashion industry, you could develop a brand that not only supplements your income but also establishes you as an influential voice in the fashion world.

For more on this, you can see how other fashion designers have created successful businesses on Starter Story.

Thinking about becoming a fashion designer?

  • Express your creativity. By designing your own pieces, you have the freedom to bring your unique vision to life and share it with the world.
  • High market demand. The fashion industry is always on the lookout for fresh talent and innovative designs.
  • Potential for high income. Successful fashion designers can generate a substantial income while doing what they love.

How much you can make: $100 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,850 (?)

How long does it take to build: 82 days (?)

How A Teacher Started A Successful Handmade Jewelry Business Online

A primary school teacher found his passion for jewelry-making, turning it into a successful business generating $2500-3000 per month through sales at the Creative Queenstown Arts and Crafts Market, online, and through stockists, with plans to expand and eventually make it his full-time profession.

Read by 43,957 founders

3. Start a women's clothing line ($79.8K/month)

Starting a women’s clothing line is a great way to immerse yourself in the dynamic world of fashion while leveraging your creativity and unique style. With the continuous evolution of trends and the endless demand for stylish and innovative apparel, you could create a brand that resonates deeply with consumers. Moreover, with relatively low startup costs and various platforms to sell your designs, breaking into the market is more feasible than ever. To learn more about how to start, you can explore detailed guidelines here.

Why start a women’s clothing line?

  • You could express your artistic flair by designing unique apparel that stands out in the market.
  • As a fashionista, you have an innate understanding of evolving trends, which will help you stay ahead of the competition.
  • Owning a clothing line allows you to be your own boss, providing unmatched flexibility and creative freedom.

How much you can make: $500 — $600,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)

How I Grew My Clothing Boutique to $10K/Month in 6 Months

Boutique Rye is an online-only women's clothing and accessories boutique that has grown to 3,200 Facebook Group members and a successful website through organic customer sharing, live sales, and open communication with customers.

Read by 36,808 founders

4. Start an etsy shop ($47.5K/month)

Starting an Etsy shop can be a fantastic way for a fashionista to turn their passion for style into a profitable venture. Etsy's platform is perfect for selling unique, handmade fashion items, vintage accessories, and custom art supplies, allowing you to showcase your creative talents while supplementing your income. This online marketplace also offers a great opportunity to build your brand and connect with a global audience of fashion enthusiasts.

Creating an Etsy shop is relatively simple: you'll need an Etsy account, a PayPal account, a clear product idea or category, and a visually appealing storefront with high-quality photos of your items. This can be your chance to turn your love for fashion into a thriving business, whether as a side hustle or a full-time endeavor. To learn more about Etsy business success stories, check out this link.

Why start an Etsy shop? - You have the freedom to express your unique fashion sense and creativity. - Etsy's established platform allows you to reach a global audience without significant upfront costs. - It's a flexible business model that can start as a side hustle and potentially grow into your main source of income.

How much you can make: $100 — $750,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A $12K/Month Business Selling Productivity Planners Online

Chasing Planner Peace is a planner company that has expanded from selling planner inserts on Etsy, to offering a one-stop shop customizable planner experience with over 300 inserts, a planner line, and various other related products, gaining a monthly revenue of around $25,000 at its busiest time of year.

Read by 64,163 founders

5. Start an online retail store ($173K/month)

As a fashionista, starting an online retail store provides a unique platform to turn your passion for style into a profitable venture. All you need is a computer, a domain, and a web hosting service to get started. By focusing on a specific niche and leveraging your insider knowledge of trends, you could create a curated shopping experience that resonates with your audience. Additionally, you could either adopt a drop shipping model or sell self-made products, offering flexibility in how you manage inventory and overhead costs.

Why start an online retail store?

  • Transform your passion into profit: Use your keen eye for fashion to curate products that appeal to like-minded fashion enthusiasts.
  • Flexibility and low startup costs: A computer, domain, and hosting service are all you need to begin, making this venture accessible and scalable.
  • Global reach: An online store is not limited by geography, allowing you to reach customers worldwide.

For more details on how to get started, check out Starter Story's online retail store success stories.

How much you can make: $400 — $1,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

How I Started A 1.6K/Month LEGO Reselling Business At The Age Of 14

A high school student turned his love for LEGO into a $1.6k/month business, Summerfield's Toys, by reselling sets online through eBay, BrickLink, and Facebook Marketplace, in addition to buying and reselling brand new sets.

Read by 27,844 founders

6. Start a fashion blogging business ($34.2K/month)

Starting a fashion blogging business can be an exciting way to blend your love for fashion trends and news with a lucrative side hustle or even a full-time business. Imagine sharing your unique fashion insights and style tips while earning passive income. The process is straightforward: buy a domain, create a website, and start creating compelling content. However, the real magic happens when you leverage social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube to amplify your reach and build a loyal following.

Why start a fashion blogging business?

  • Tap into your passion and make money. By sharing your love of fashion, you could monetize your interests and turn a hobby into a profitable venture.
  • Build a personal brand. Establish yourself as a fashion authority and open doors to collaborations, sponsorships, and other revenue opportunities.
  • Enjoy flexibility. Fashion blogging offers the freedom to work from anywhere and set your own schedule, balancing personal and professional life seamlessly.

Learn more about the profitability of starting a fashion blogging business on Starter Story.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $134,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)

How I Make $10K/Month Selling Printable Sewing Patterns From My Fashion Blog

Learn how this DIY blogger turned sewing pattern maker generates over $10k per month in passive income, and discover her tips for building an authentic brand on a budget.

Read by 27,317 founders

7. Start a fashion accessories business ($53.2K/month)

Starting a fashion accessories business can be an excellent opportunity for fashionistas to monetize their passion for style and design. With your keen eye for trends and an understanding of how to elevate an outfit with the perfect accessory, you can help clients express their personal and professional styles. From curating collections of jewelry, scarves, and sunglasses to offering personalized style consultations, the possibilities for entrepreneurship are vast. To explore more about this exciting venture, check out this starter guide.

Why start a fashion accessories business?

  • Fashion accessories offer a broad range of products, allowing you to showcase your versatility and creativity.
  • You could create a flexible business model, from e-commerce to in-person consulting, making it easier to fit your lifestyle.
  • As a fashionista, you'll stay immersed in the latest trends and continually evolve your personal and professional aesthetic.

How much you can make: $150 — $190,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,800 (?)

How long does it take to build: 230 days (?)

Woodies Sunglasses: $3.5 Million Per Year With One Employee

Woodies, a wood sunglasses brand founded by Cory Stout, reached over $3.5M in revenue in 2018, despite starting with only $15K from a failed business and has succeeded through Amazon sales, spending $50K monthly on PPC and keeping ACOS at 30%.

Read by 22,764 founders

8. Start a clothing line ($212K/month)

Starting a clothing line is a fantastic way to leverage your fashion sense and creativity into a profitable business. With minimal startup costs, you could bring your unique style to life, gaining visibility in a booming industry that spans from niche brands to massive entities like Nike and Uniqlo. As a fashionista, this venture allows you to transform your passion into an income stream while making your mark in the fashion world.

Why start a clothing line?

  • You could showcase your unique style and fashion sensibility, setting yourself apart in a crowded market.
  • With low startup costs, you have the flexibility to experiment and innovate without significant financial risk.
  • The potential for growth is massive, allowing you to scale your brand from a side hustle to a full-fledged business.

For more insights on starting a clothing line, check out some success stories and tips here.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $2,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,434 (?)

How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)

How I Turned A Silly Idea Into A $1M+ Brand

Founder Kyle Bergman turned a personal problem into a viral apparel brand, generating over $300k in sales within 18 months through Amazon and his own website, and raising $108k through a Kickstarter and Indiegogo campaign.

Read by 32,632 founders

9. Start a fashion accessories brand ($65.1K/month)

As a fashionista, leveraging your keen eye for style to start a fashion accessories brand can be an exciting venture. With the global fashion accessories market projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.3% during the forecast period (2021 - 2026), the timing to enter this industry couldn't be better. By offering unique, trendy pieces like handbags, jewelry, or hair accessories, you could not only make a fashion statement but also carve out a profitable niche for yourself. For more insights and success stories, visit this page.

Why start a fashion accessories brand?

  • Capitalize on market growth. The fashion accessories market is expanding, providing ample opportunities for new entrants.
  • Low entry barrier. Starting with small accessories like jewelry or wallets requires relatively lower initial investment.
  • Leverage your fashion sense. Your innate ability to spot and set trends will give you an edge in curating a unique and attractive collection.

How much you can make: $1,250 — $300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $7,250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

Launching A Jewelry Brand By Focusing On An Unattended Niche

Mazi + Zo offers high-quality and modern jewelry for sorority sisters and other women, developed by founder Lizzy Klein after discovering a lack of stylish options in the market, and is now expanding into the broader market with organic social media being the most successful channel.

Read by 9,250 founders

10. Start a cooking class

Starting a cooking class can be a valuable side hustle or even a full-fledged business for fashionistas with a passion for food. Use your flair for creativity and aesthetics to design engaging and visually appealing culinary experiences. Whether online or offline, a well-curated cooking class can elevate your brand and offer an irresistible combination of style and substance.

To get started, choose a niche that aligns with your interests and creates content that resonates with your audience. Enhance your reach by offering free content on social media and charge subscription fees for exclusive, members-only recipes and classes. For more insights on this business, you can explore further here.

Why starting a cooking class?

  • Diversify your creative portfolio: Broaden your brand appeal by integrating culinary arts with fashion.
  • Monetize your passion: Turn your love for cooking into a profitable venture.
  • Engage with a wider audience: Attract food enthusiasts as well as fashion lovers, enhancing your overall brand reach.

How much you can make: $100,000/month

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Started A Cooking Classes Business With 7 Locations

Hipcooks is a 7-location cooking school business that has grown organically to reach $100k/month in revenue, and attracts and retains customers through their communal approach, vibrant online presence, and updated Google and Yelp business pages.

Read by 9,905 founders

11. Start a women's fashion business ($107K/month)

Starting a women's fashion business can be an exciting and profitable endeavor for any fashionista. The women's fashion market has been steadily growing, offering opportunities to specialize in niche products or innovative offerings. By tapping into this large and diverse industry, you could turn your passion for fashion into a lucrative business, ranging from dresses and pants to shirts, coats, and accessories.

With the immense size of the women's fashion market, even capturing a small percentage of customers means significant profits. The flexibility to expand into different fashion accessories also provides ample opportunities to diversify and grow your business over time. For real-world inspiration and examples, you could explore success stories and marketing ideas tailored for women's fashion businesses on Starter Story.

Why start a women's fashion business?

  • You have a unique eye for style that can cater to niche markets.
  • The industry’s growth means more opportunities for profit and expansion.
  • A wide variety of products allows for diversification in your offerings, increasing your revenue streams.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $300,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

On Growing A Blog About Sustainable Fashion To 60K Monthly Visitors And $6K/Month In Revenue

This case study follows the founder of Sustainably Chic, a sustainable fashion blog with 60k monthly visitors and $6k monthly revenue, providing insights on building a successful blog, effective branding, and the importance of value and sustainability.

Read by 10,520 founders

12. Start an ecommerce store ($287K/month)

Setting up an eCommerce store is a fantastic way for fashionistas to supplement their income or even kickstart a full-fledged business. The convenience and efficiency of online shopping make it an attractive option for consumers, especially when they can access unique and trendy fashion pieces right from the comfort of their homes. By leveraging your fashion sense and curating stylish collections, you could reach a global audience and build a loyal customer base eager for your unique fashion finds. For more insights, you can explore success stories in this space.

Why start an eCommerce store?

  • Lower overhead costs mean you could maximize your profit margins.
  • Reach a wider audience, tapping into markets far beyond your local area.
  • Flexibility to manage your store from anywhere, giving you the freedom to balance other responsibilities.

How much you can make: $350 — $13,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Started A $20K/Month Southern Inspired Candle Business

Southern Elegance Candle Company, founded by D'Shawn Russell, started as a side hustle making around $200 per weekend at a local Farmers Market, but now averages approximately $20,000 per month in sales across their retail site, wholesale site, and Faire.

Read by 72,182 founders

13. Start an ecommerce retailing business ($482K/month)

Starting an ecommerce retailing business can be your gateway to the vast online market. At its core, this business involves selling products directly to consumers through an online store. Combine your passion for products with a user-friendly e-commerce platform like Shopify or WooCommerce, and you could be well on your way. The beauty of ecommerce is its flexibility—you can choose products that align with your interests or tap into trending consumer demands.

If you’re eager to blend creativity with commerce, ecommerce retailing offers a promising avenue to explore. From setting up a professional website to managing inventory and handling marketing strategies, expect to wear many hats. Yet, the rewards are compelling: a global customer base, potential for scaling, and control over your brand. Dive in to create your own online retail empire and check out these ecommerce retailing success stories for inspiration.

Why start an ecommerce retailing business?

  • You'll reach a global audience effortlessly, expanding your customer base far beyond local limits.
  • You could turn your passion for fashion into a profitable venture by selling products you love.
  • Control over branding and marketing strategies allows you to craft your unique fashion identity.

How much you can make: $2,500 — $3,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Partnered With Mark Cuban To Start A $250K/Month Company Selling eBikes

Tower Electric Bikes is a direct-to-consumer eBike brand co-founded by Stephan Aarstol and Mark Cuban, which has done over $36 million in sales since its $150,000 investment in 2012, and produced and sold everything from paddleboards to electric bikes for half the retail price, with the aim of creating the world's first famous eBike brand.

Read by 28,086 founders

14. Start a productized service ($121K/month)

Starting a productized service as a fashionista is a savvy way to turn your expertise into a steady stream of income. By breaking down your broader fashion services—like personal shopping, styling consultations, or wardrobe audits—into easily marketable packages, you could sell the same value to multiple clients, generating recurring revenue. This business model allows you to offer specialized fashion advice at a flat fee, making it both attractive and accessible to a broader audience, while also creating a semi-passive source of income.

Why starting a productized service?
- Predictable revenue: Recurring fees create a stable income, providing financial security.
- Scalable business model: Sell the same service to multiple clients without additional work.
- Consistent client experience: Offering standardized packages ensures quality and efficiency.

For more insights on starting a productized service business, check out this success stories guide.

How much you can make: $200 — $1,750,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How We Bootstrapped A Music Licensing Business to $2.5M/Year

EasySongLicensing.com grew from a mobile recording business to a bootstrapped music licensing agent, with a user base of over 60,000 clients and a gross profit of $2.5M in 2018, seeing a 30% increase in 2019, through investment in online marketing, customer service, and forming new partnerships.

Read by 17,326 founders

15. Start a fashion business ($51.6K/month)

As a fashionista, starting a fashion business provides you with the perfect avenue to channel your passion for style into a profitable venture. With the fashion industry valued at $473.42 billion in 2022 and growing at a rate of 8.3% over the previous year, the potential for financial success is significant. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have revolutionized how fashion products are marketed, making it easier than ever to reach a global audience with your unique designs and curated collections.

Why start a fashion business?

  • You could transform your love for fashion into a source of income, leveraging your unique style and expertise.
  • The growth of digital marketing platforms provides you with numerous opportunities to promote and sell your products worldwide.
  • Being in the fashion industry allows you to continuously innovate and stay ahead of trends, making your business both exciting and fulfilling.

For more ideas and insights, check out these fashion business success stories.

How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $7,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

How I Make $10K/Month Selling Printable Sewing Patterns From My Fashion Blog

Learn how this DIY blogger turned sewing pattern maker generates over $10k per month in passive income, and discover her tips for building an authentic brand on a budget.

Read by 27,317 founders

16. Print on demand business ($411K/month)

Starting a print-on-demand business would make perfect sense for a fashionista looking to supplement income, make extra money, or even establish a side business. With your keen eye for style and trends, you could design customized apparel, home goods, phone cases, and other merchandise that appeal to a global audience. Leveraging platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy as virtual storefronts allows you to focus on your passion for design while benefiting from dropshipping production and fulfillment services, eliminating the need for upfront inventory costs.

Additionally, the minimal startup costs and the flexibility to run the business from home make it a scalable venture that fits seamlessly with fashionable endeavors. By tapping into your creativity, you have the potential to monetize your unique designs and build a business at your own pace. For more in-depth information on the profitability of print-on-demand businesses, you might find it useful to explore further here.

Why start a print-on-demand business?

  • No upfront inventory costs. You could create and sell your designs without investing in large quantities of stock.
  • Flexibility to work from home. This business model allows you to maintain your lifestyle while earning extra income.
  • Expanding your brand globally. Using online marketplaces, you could reach a wide audience and establish a personal brand known for its unique style.

How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Started A $330K/Month Ecommerce Specialized In 3D Printing

Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.

Read by 29,902 founders

17. Start a self-improvement blog ($34.9K/month)

If you're a fashionista with a passion for personal growth and helping others reach their full potential, starting a self-improvement blog could be a lucrative and fulfilling venture. A self-improvement blog allows you to share tips and strategies on personal development, mental health, and goal achievement, all while building a loyal audience through engaging content. As your blog gains traction, you could monetize it through advertising, sponsored posts, or selling your own courses, offering both personal satisfaction and financial gain.

Why start a self-improvement blog?

  • You could leverage your expertise in fashion to offer unique perspectives on confidence and personal growth.
  • Combining fashion with self-improvement topics could create a niche blog, attracting a wider audience and increasing your monetization opportunities.
  • A successful blog can become a platform for your own self-branding and possibly lead to collaborations and sponsorships within the fashion and wellness industries.

For more insights, check out success stories from those who have already started their self-improvement blogs.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $300 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How I Started A $6K/Month Blog To Help Women Transitioning From Dyed Hair To Natural Gray Hair

Katie Emery founded KatieGoesPlatinum.com, a website advising women on how to transition from dyed hair to their natural gray hair, which earns an average of $6,000 per month in revenue through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and advertisements.

Read by 11,781 founders

18. Start an interior design consulting business ($33.4K/month)

Starting an interior design consulting business could be an excellent venture for a fashionista looking to supplement their income or even create a full-time business. Your keen eye for style, color, and trends in fashion naturally translates to the world of interior design. With your refined aesthetic sense and trendsetting mindset, you could help clients transform their living or commercial spaces into stylish, functional environments.

You would leverage your understanding of design principles, space planning, and your ability to visualize and execute a cohesive vision. Additionally, building a portfolio of your previous design work and polishing your business skills in marketing and project management will be crucial. For more insights, check out our interior design consulting business success stories.

Why start an interior design consulting business?

  • You could extend your fashion expertise from clothing to spaces, creating stylish environments for your clients.
  • The demand for aesthetically pleasing and functional living spaces is ever-growing, providing you with ongoing opportunities.
  • As a fashionista, your unique style can set you apart in the highly competitive design field, attracting clients who resonate with your vision.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $110,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $6,250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How We (Mother And Daughter) Started A $1M/Year Boutique Design Firm

Mother and daughter duo turn passion for antiques and design into a boutique design firm with over $1 million in annual revenue and hundreds of trophy projects, showcasing the importance of grit, determination, and passion in building a successful business.

Read by 8,869 founders

19. Start a preppy clothing business

Starting a preppy clothing business as a fashionista is a fantastic way to combine your passion for timeless style with entrepreneurship. Preppy clothing embodies the classic sophistication of Ivy League culture and vintage Americana, offering an evergreen appeal that transcends generational trends. By focusing on high-quality garments such as polo shirts, cable-knit sweaters, and chinos, you could create a brand that resonates with a broad audience and stands the test of time.

To succeed, you'll need a discerning eye for detail, an understanding of quality fabrics, and the ability to source reliable manufacturers. Digital marketing and a polished online store will be critical for building your brand's presence and reaching customers. For more insights, check out Starting A Preppy Clothing Business Success Stories.

Why consider starting a preppy clothing business?

  • Evergreen appeal: Preppy fashion is timeless, ensuring your designs stay relevant year after year.
  • Broad audience: The classic style appeals to multiple demographics, increasing your potential customer base.
  • Creative fulfillment: As a fashionista, you'll get to design and curate pieces that reflect your unique take on classic style.

How much you can make: $21,000/month

I Started A Preppy Clothing Brand That Makes $21K/Month

Lazyjack Press, a luxury men's accessories brand, offers high-quality, Italian silk ties, pocket squares, bow ties, and socks with uniquely named designs and a focus on fun, appealing to audiences of all ages, and is primarily sold through trade shows and pop-up shops.

Read by 20,328 founders

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.