A lot of sports fans aficionados tuned in last night to watch the Superbowl XLVI championship game between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants. It was a nail biting game that could have gone either way up to the very last minute. I bet many of the 111 million superbowl viewers most especially those who bet on sports are up on their feet the entire game. I myself was pacing back and forth hoping that my team, the Patriots will win. Did I tell you that we were at the mall and driving around the highway at 3:00pm on game day and the streets were empty. Many are already tuned in and partying amongst themselves. My coworkers invited me join in their betting pool, but being such a Square, I knew I wouldn’t win anyway so I passed. The score ended up being 21-17 in favor of New York, which is a shame. Better luck next time Pats!

Guest post written by Helen Gregory

It can be a little tough trying to decide on something when you have so many options. I think that the best example of that lately was when my family and I were in New York a few weeks ago. There are just so many things to do there that it’s hard to make priorities about which things you’d like to go to. It also doesn’t hurt that there are so many Broadway plays to choose from.

Before our trip, I did my research to see what was playing on Broadway and what would likely be discounted. When I was looking around for that, I ran across the site http://hearingaids.miracle-ear.com. I looked through it some and after that I decided to go in for a hearing test and get fitted with hearing aids.

I kind of had my heart set on the Sister Act Broadway play and that’s the one that we could all agree on because we’d all seen the movie. It was so much fun and I think that we chose a good play to go and see.

I started to become a godmother 18 years ago to a girl who was our neighbor’s daughter. I haven’t seen her since we moved to a different town and eventually to a different country. But I was fortunate enough to know a lot of very good friends who to entrust me to be their partners in nurturing the moral and spiritual well being of their children. Some I haven’t kept in touch with for a while and others I have kept close and monitored their growing up.

I also love indulging the kids with little girl dresses especially during their birthdays and Christmas. This is a tradition I have kept since I was a kid. I always received dresses from my aunts, mom, grandmother and godmothers. To me those dresses became so special and I remember most of them.

I want my god daughters to remember me that way, the ninang who would always give a dress on special occasions. The one who would spend time with them and love them so much. I also love sending them their favorite dolls of the moment.

Starting your own fashion and clothing line can be a fun and exciting venture; especially when you have total control over your business plan, business name, clothing designs, and all other decisions that must be made when starting a new business.

Continue reading the tips below to gain the best insight into starting your own fashion line.

Image from Flickr

Develop a Business Plan

• Perform research to determine your target market and competition. For example, if you want to design sports clothing, visit major sports retailers and examine the types of materials and styles of sports clothing being sold in the market.
• Determine the amount of funding you will need to begin your clothing line. You will need money for fabric, supplies, advertising and more. If you do not currently have the capital or financial means to start your business, you can work with lenders or banks in your area to secure an installment loan.
• Meet the business requirements for your region. Depending on where you reside, you may need to file specific legal paperwork or obtain a business license from your county clerk or court system.

Select a Business Name for Your Fashion Line

• Choose a business name that reflects you and your style. The name you choose should be catchy and permanent, so your brand can be recognized for years to come.
• Verify the availability of your business name. Your county clerk or appropriate governing bureau can verify whether a particular business name is available. You may also want to verify that a website or domain name similar to your business name is available before you settle on a specific name.
• Register your business name as a trademark. This will help prevent other entities from using your business name.

Develop a Website for your Fashion Business

• Hire a web developer. Get someone to help you design a professional website for your fashion line. The website should contain your logo and information about your clothing line.
• Publish your contact information and business location on the website. If you are selling your clothing line over the Web, ensure that a shopping cart or checkout option is integrated into your website.

Obtain a Business Loan

• Schedule a meeting with a financial institution or lender. At the time of your meeting, present your business plan in its entirety to the lender that can provide you with the funding and instant cash you need to start your fashion line.
• Choose a reputable lender. Get financing, such as installment loans from Great Plains Lending, at trusted lenders that can work with you to establish monthly payment options for the duration of your loan.

Promote and Sell your Fashion Line

• Market your clothing line. You can promote your new business online through your own website, social networking sites, classified ad websites, or in print publications such as magazines and newspapers.
• Feature your fashion line at community events such as fairs, expo center events, or charity events.

After you have met the appropriate business requirements and acquired the proper amount of financial means, you will be well on your way to becoming the hottest new fashion line in the industry.

Have you applied for a loan to support your fashion line? Tell us your story in the comments box.

Even after twenty eight years I still remember how my kindergarten classroom look like. I don’t know why and how. I don’t remember much about minor details of college friends and the school itself but I remember a lot about when I was young. Our all girls kindergarten class was held in the afternoon and we shared our classroom with the all boys class who held their classes in the morning. That is why we have pink and blue kids lockers and desks.

Those lockers for kids were meant for our extra uniform, socks, pair of underwear in case we get into “accidents”. We also store in these childrens lockers our artwork materials, workbooks, umbrellas and other school supplies. The teacher did not want us to be lugging anything with us except for our snacks and drinks.

Sometimes it’s fun to reminisce those good old days.