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Different Stages in Branding Your Clothing Line

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Gathering IdeasStage 1: GATHERING IDEAS

1# Write a list of company names you like and research how they came up with them. Since you’re trying to name a clothing brand, it would be best to investigate other similar businesses to see what you’re up against, assuming that all the ‘good’ names will be taken.

2# Write a list of 100-200 words that you associate with your business. This could be anything from values, to products and services, even words relating to your target market. Remember that you want your clothing brand to sound like what it is.

3# Make a list of keywords relating to your company, that highlight how your business differentiates from others in the sector. You may find that you offer something that represents a gap in the market, and you’ll certainly want to take advantage of that.

Check EverythingStage 2: CHECK EVERYTHING

Leave no domain unturned, no google search unchecked. In terms of the interest in growing as a business itself, you want to make sure that the obvious is covered. The domain name must be available. In fact, some clothing brands may start by checking for available domains before writing the lists, as essentially failure at this stage could stop you in your tracks.

Google your name. If you didn’t do it earlier, Google your name and variations of it. You don’t want anything negative associated with it, too many similar business names, or any scandals that could be confused as pertaining to your business activity.

Check a thesaurus AND a dictionary. In the case that you didn’t just invent your brand name, it’s always a fun task to see what other words are associated with the name. You may even find a better name in the process. It’s also a great way to make sure that you are 100% sure of what the name means.

Change the language. Let’s face it, some languages just sound sexier and more appetising. Try translating the name to see how it sounds in another mother tongue to see if you can add even more jazz to your brand identity.

Human CheckStage 3: HUMAN PROOF IT

I) The Bar Test: Imagine that you’ve just registered your new business name and you pop down to the pub to celebrate your victory in life, but there’s a live concert on. Someone asks you what your new enterprise is called, so you shout it in their ear.

Will they be able to: Remember it? Spell it? Pronounce it?

II) Readability test: Check text reaches a whole new level of geek in terms of name choosing, however, well worth a quick check. Pop the name into the online tool to check readability – the site also provides you with some excellent little SEO tips and tricks.

III) Common Sense: Invented names should be short -like etsy and ebay. Any longer and the human capacity to use them begins to fade.

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Antonio-Massey

Antonio Massey

Production Team: Folder

Antonio Massey recently joined NWCA in June of 2022. His role on the Production Team has greatly improved our processes and productivity. Antonio is always willing to lift heavy boxes or help his co-workers during busy times. In his free time, he enjoys playing with his dog and mastering video games.

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Alicia Wada

Shipping Clerk

Alicia Wada is passionate about helping her co-workers at Northwest Custom Apparel in any way that she can. She works in our Shipping and Logistics department. Alicia, who goes by Ali, has a bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics. She lived in Japan for ten years and recently brought her family to America in 2019. She is interested in learning crafts and textile art from around the world.

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Erik Mickelson

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Erik Mickelson’s position as Manager is more than a job, it’s a passion. It’s always fun and exciting because he enjoys marketing, computers, and coming up with innovative ideas to help NWCA grow. He majored in accounting and finance at Washington State University, graduating in 1996, and returned to school to obtain his Master of Business from WGU, graduating in 2016. Erik continually strives to advance his education through podcasts, audiobooks, and industry tradeshows. He is married to a remarkable and caring wife named Wendy, a Registered Nurse, with whom he shares his many hobbies and a love for the outdoors.

 

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Ruth Nhoung

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Steve Deland

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Steve Deland has been our amazing Artist since 2017. He loves working at Northwest Custom Apparel because he appreciates the goal-oriented, progressive-thinking management style. He is most passionate about his art, which includes scroll saw woodwork, and his five grandchildren.

 

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Taylar Hanson

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Taylar Hanson is a highly acclaimed Saleswoman at Northwest Custom Apparel. She has a BA in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles from Washington State University. “Go Cougs!” The best part of Taylar’s job is getting to work with longtime customers who trust us to do the best work and take care of their needs. She is passionate about appreciating nature, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

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Nika Lao is very knowledgeable in how the business is ran because she began as an Embroidery Machine Operator and has worked hard to become the excellent and personable saleswoman she is today. She enjoys the stress-free environment and the many chances to connect with her co-workers over potlucks, BBQs, and bowling parties. Nika is a proud sister of two highly successful brothers and can boast mastering three languages herself: Khmer, Thai, and English. She is an avid camper, enjoys going to farmer markets, and loves cooking.

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Bradley Wright

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Bradley Wright has been a vital team member of NWCA since 2017. As our accountant and knower-of-all-things, Bradley is proud to work closely with his wonderful colleagues. He studied at the University of Washington. These days he dedicates his free time to his new house.

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Dominic Nguyen

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Dominic Nguyen recently joined our Direct-To-Garment department. He says he loves the family work environment at Northwest Custom Apparel. In his free time, Dom likes to listen to music, hangout with friends, and play video games. He comes from a very big family which can be very chaotic at times, but is always exciting.

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Sothea Tann

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Sothea Tann recently joined the Production Team in 2022. She finds Northwest Custom Apparel to be a good working environment with helpful and friendly staff. In her free time, Sothea spends quality time with her family and, overall, focuses on a peaceful and happy lifestyle.

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Brian Beardsley

DTG Supervisor

Brian Beardsley has been with Northwest Custom Apparel since 2018. He is our DTG Supervisor. Brian loves that he gets to work with high-tech machines in a fun atmosphere. He has a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design. He said, “I always wanted to create visually interesting assets in a variety of mediums”. In his free time, he enjoys building and painting models, playing video games, designing, and playing his guitar.

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UT Tri Tran

Embroidery Machine Operator

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BunsereytheavyHoeu

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Sreynai Meang

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Savy Som

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SorphornSorm

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Jim Mickelson

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Jim Mickelson, after a successful career with a major oil company, founded Northwest Embroidery in 1977. This was the first commercial embroidery in the Pacific Northwest. Over the years, Jim has become the guru of embroidery never refusing to answer a question or offer advice to his fellow embroiders. Jim and his wife Leeanna raised four wonderful children who went on to successful business careers.