From Corporate Life to Creativity: How Andrea Rosemann Started Her Own Fashion Label

How did you come to set up your business?

Andrea M.: I spent almost 20 years working for large corporations, but I always wanted to make my own decisions and take responsibility for them. I realised that I didn’t want to carry on working for corporations until I retired, so I took the necessary steps. My daughter had finished her degree, so from that point of view it was also a good time. I’ve always been a solution-oriented person, and by setting up my own business, I solved a problem that I kept coming up against in my professional life:

Whilst working for the group, I was invited to join the board and, in accordance with the business dress code, needed a skirt with a hemline below the knee. However, this was not in line with current fashion trends. I had great difficulty finding a suitable suit.

However, a woman needs appropriate clothing not only for special events, but also for everyday situations. She often needs different hem and sleeve lengths to what is currently available. But the market has not provided this so far. I am now solving this problem. I am launching a women’s fashion label under my own name in the business fashion sector, which bridges the gap between standard sizes and made-to-measure. With me, for example, women can choose between different hem and sleeve lengths for dresses, in addition to the standard sizes (currently 34–42). They order their clothes from the online shop or from selected retail partners and have them delivered to their home within a few days.

What support did you receive during the process of setting up your business?

Andrea R.: As well as receiving excellent advice from the STARTERCENTER.NRW at  Dortmund’s Economic Development Agency, I was able to take part in a coaching programme that introduced me to the specifics of my industry. I received lots of valuable tips and contacts that always helped me take another step forward. This allowed me to continually refine and round off my concept. However, this process will never really be complete, because you always have to be ready to respond to external influences. And ultimately, valuable food for thought comes from many quarters. Which of these ideas are then implemented and taken on board is always up to me. To a certain extent, starting a business thrives on change... But that’s also what makes it so exciting...

If you recognise and seize the opportunities that arise, a small idea can quickly turn into something really big. Setbacks are always part of the process. And no matter how big they may seem... there’s only ever one direction to go. And that’s forwards!

What role did STARTERCENTER NRW play in this?

Andrea R.: STARTERCENTER.NRW, run by Dortmund’s Economic Development Agency, helped ensure that my concept and business plan were thought through down to the smallest detail by asking targeted questions. I received valuable advice and contacts. Thanks to their consistently positive support, I was able to achieve my goals quickly in a number of areas.

What advice would you give to someone who would like to start a business but hasn’t dared to do so yet?

Andrea R.: Success always starts with a good idea that gradually takes shape over time. As a founder, I constantly strive to identify obstacles early on and overcome them. ‘It can’t be done’ isn’t an option. You must always try first, because you grow with the challenges you face. I quickly realised that I couldn’t do everything on my own and brought experts from all fields into the team. However, fashion remains the linchpin, and so I’ve now managed to get Anne Berg on board for a collaboration with me. In future, she will select the appropriate pieces for my standardised business fashion range, which we will then have our designer create for the online shop and have manufactured by our production partner. Quality is important to me, which is why I have my fashion manufactured in Germany.

It is also hugely important to network effectively right from the start. Good contacts are essential for making progress. Through my network, for example, I am a featured guest on the ZDF programme