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01About
Factory45 takes sustainable fashion & accessories brands from idea to launch. Over the past 8+ years, Factory45’s founder Shannon Lohr has mentored hundreds of people who have an idea for a clothing brand but aren’t sure where to start. You’ll learn how to source fabric, set up manufacturing, and raise money to launch your brand in the most time-efficient and cost-effective way possible. You’ll also receive individual support from one of our hand-selected team of Factory45 graduates and get behind-the-scenes access to building and growing a sustainable fashion brand. Think of it as an accelerator program + 1:1 support + mastermind + individual mentorship all wrapped up into one world-class training. Interested in launching your sustainable fashion or accessories brand through Factory45? Book a consult call to see if we’re the right fit! Factory45 has been featured on Forbes, Entrepreneur, Triple Pundit, Design Sponge, Boston Business Journal & more. Past clients include: VETTA Poppy Row Bevy Goods Sotela Fair Seas Supply Co. Mamachic Forest & Fin Alter UR Ego Be Kind Vibes Advah Designs ... and many others.
Founded
2014
Team
1
Industry
Apparel & Accessories
Based in
Boston, MA, United States
02Capabilities
What they can do
The stages of production this manufacturer takes on.
Samples and facility photography this manufacturer has published.
3 images
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Lara Neece, who is the founder of Forest and Fin, joined Factory45 to launch the Bicycle Wrap Skirt. She raised over $20,000 on Kickstarter to fund her first production run.
Tiffany Shown launched Fair Seas Supply Co., a line of organic cotton Turkish towels, through the Spring 2015 program of Factory45. She produced a run of 500 units with a cut and sew facility in San Diego.
Cara Bartlett launched VETTA, a five-piece capsule wardrobe, through Factory45. With the help of a Kickstarter campaign that tripled its goal amount to raise nearly $90K, VETTA is in production in the garment district of NYC.
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04Reputation
What brands say
5·29 reviews
Tina X.December 2022
Worth it!
During the start of the pandemic in 2020, I was in a period of my life where I knew I wanted to make moves. I had applied to grad schools and been accepted to my top choices with merit scholarships, but even so, the cost of tuition and time commitment were enough to make me hesitant and defer. The degree would have only served to further my 'day job' career, while I was deeply considering the idea of venturing into something completely different and creative that made use of my arts background and reflected my personal values, like designing my own line of sustainable/ethical products.
Then, I discovered Factory45, thoroughly researched it, took advantage of their free workshops, and signed up for this 'online fashion business school' for a mere fraction of the tuition I would have needed to pay if I went to grad school. Plus, F45 offered way more flexibility to complete the program on your terms which was a concern of mine for 'traditional' school, as I had witnessed my husband struggling to balance full time work with his grad program. I definitely feel I made the right choice and am so happy to be where I am now, having successfully launched my fashion brand via a crowdfunding campaign that raised over $24k, less than a year after I joined F45.
The resources and course content are exactly what you need to get from start to launch, and even after you complete the course, you continue to benefit from the supportive and motivating community of alums and mentors, who are always there to help work through problems or anything that isn't covered in the curriculum. Additionally, F45 as a company is continually evolving to expand its offerings and benefits - I personally look forward to seeing what they have in store for next year and beyond.
I highly recommend F45 to anyone who is serious about starting their own brand - 100% worth it! :)
Farrell O.July 2022
Amazing Resources & Community
Before joining the Factory 45 program I had a handful of handmade samples that I made on a sewing machine in my living room. Now, I have a successfully launched business that I can be proud of! Factory45 provided me with the resources (databases, email templates & guides), community (Facebook, co-working sessions), support (access to a 1:1 mentor) and structure (modules and check-ins) that I needed to take action. Before Factory45 I was spending hours going down rabbit-holes on Google. Factory45 is worth every penny because it puts everything in one place. It saves you countless hours of time and trouble, and offers a community of individuals going through the same things you are. I would 100% recommend this program to anyone looking to start their own sustainable fashion brand!
Christopher J.May 2021
Factory 45 - Is a remarkable creation with exceptional leadership and exceptional resources to make Cut and Sew and designers successful!
I can not say it adequately enough - the best resource I have ever found and I am grateful for Maker's Row that led me to it! Provided everything I needed to succeed! They deserve 10 stars. Just that great...
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Worth it!
Tina X.December 2022
During the start of the pandemic in 2020, I was in a period of my life where I knew I wanted to make moves. I had applied to grad schools and been accepted to my top choices with merit scholarships, but even so, the cost of tuition and time commitment were enough to make me hesitant and defer. The degree would have only served to further my 'day job' career, while I was deeply considering the idea of venturing into something completely different and creative that made use of my arts background and reflected my personal values, like designing my own line of sustainable/ethical products.
Then, I discovered Factory45, thoroughly researched it, took advantage of their free workshops, and signed up for this 'online fashion business school' for a mere fraction of the tuition I would have needed to pay if I went to grad school. Plus, F45 offered way more flexibility to complete the program on your terms which was a concern of mine for 'traditional' school, as I had witnessed my husband struggling to balance full time work with his grad program. I definitely feel I made the right choice and am so happy to be where I am now, having successfully launched my fashion brand via a crowdfunding campaign that raised over $24k, less than a year after I joined F45.
The resources and course content are exactly what you need to get from start to launch, and even after you complete the course, you continue to benefit from the supportive and motivating community of alums and mentors, who are always there to help work through problems or anything that isn't covered in the curriculum. Additionally, F45 as a company is continually evolving to expand its offerings and benefits - I personally look forward to seeing what they have in store for next year and beyond.
I highly recommend F45 to anyone who is serious about starting their own brand - 100% worth it! :)
Amazing Resources & Community
Farrell O.July 2022
Before joining the Factory 45 program I had a handful of handmade samples that I made on a sewing machine in my living room. Now, I have a successfully launched business that I can be proud of! Factory45 provided me with the resources (databases, email templates & guides), community (Facebook, co-working sessions), support (access to a 1:1 mentor) and structure (modules and check-ins) that I needed to take action. Before Factory45 I was spending hours going down rabbit-holes on Google. Factory45 is worth every penny because it puts everything in one place. It saves you countless hours of time and trouble, and offers a community of individuals going through the same things you are. I would 100% recommend this program to anyone looking to start their own sustainable fashion brand!
Factory 45 - Is a remarkable creation with exceptional leadership and exceptional resources to make Cut and Sew and designers successful!
Christopher J.May 2021
I can not say it adequately enough - the best resource I have ever found and I am grateful for Maker's Row that led me to it! Provided everything I needed to succeed! They deserve 10 stars. Just that great...
29 reviews
Tina X.December 2022
Worth it!
During the start of the pandemic in 2020, I was in a period of my life where I knew I wanted to make moves. I had applied to grad schools and been accepted to my top choices with merit scholarships, but even so, the cost of tuition and time commitment were enough to make me hesitant and defer. The degree would have only served to further my 'day job' career, while I was deeply considering the idea of venturing into something completely different and creative that made use of my arts background and reflected my personal values, like designing my own line of sustainable/ethical products.
Then, I discovered Factory45, thoroughly researched it, took advantage of their free workshops, and signed up for this 'online fashion business school' for a mere fraction of the tuition I would have needed to pay if I went to grad school. Plus, F45 offered way more flexibility to complete the program on your terms which was a concern of mine for 'traditional' school, as I had witnessed my husband struggling to balance full time work with his grad program. I definitely feel I made the right choice and am so happy to be where I am now, having successfully launched my fashion brand via a crowdfunding campaign that raised over $24k, less than a year after I joined F45.
The resources and course content are exactly what you need to get from start to launch, and even after you complete the course, you continue to benefit from the supportive and motivating community of alums and mentors, who are always there to help work through problems or anything that isn't covered in the curriculum. Additionally, F45 as a company is continually evolving to expand its offerings and benefits - I personally look forward to seeing what they have in store for next year and beyond.
I highly recommend F45 to anyone who is serious about starting their own brand - 100% worth it! :)
Farrell O.July 2022
Amazing Resources & Community
Before joining the Factory 45 program I had a handful of handmade samples that I made on a sewing machine in my living room. Now, I have a successfully launched business that I can be proud of! Factory45 provided me with the resources (databases, email templates & guides), community (Facebook, co-working sessions), support (access to a 1:1 mentor) and structure (modules and check-ins) that I needed to take action. Before Factory45 I was spending hours going down rabbit-holes on Google. Factory45 is worth every penny because it puts everything in one place. It saves you countless hours of time and trouble, and offers a community of individuals going through the same things you are. I would 100% recommend this program to anyone looking to start their own sustainable fashion brand!
Christopher J.May 2021
Factory 45 - Is a remarkable creation with exceptional leadership and exceptional resources to make Cut and Sew and designers successful!
I can not say it adequately enough - the best resource I have ever found and I am grateful for Maker's Row that led me to it! Provided everything I needed to succeed! They deserve 10 stars. Just that great...
Sallyann H.December 2020
Factory45 is a great program!
The program is a very clear step-by-step course on how to launch a sustainable brand from start to finish.
Shannon guides you through the program in easy to follow modules. She provides you with all the resources needed for fabric sourcing, pattern & sample making through to manufacturing. And all the tools required for marketing, branding, and raising money to launch your brand successfully.
You are grouped with a mentor, along with other Factory45’ers doing the program and have regular Zoom classes, where you can brainstorm together, bounce ideas off each other, or just get inspired and motivated when needed.
And you get the added bonus of making new friends and connections along the way!
Nics A.December 2020
Would recommend this to anyone!
I've been thinking about starting my own fashion brand for a while and finally took the plunge to just get started in the midst of the pandemic.
This program is so well structured that it provides you with all the foundations to launch. What stood out to me the most are:
(1) The comprehensiveness of the program from the fabric sourcing, manufacturing, business operations, marketing, launching. Everything is covered.
(2) The one-on-one support from Shannon. I really couldn't stress this distinction enough! Despite being in one of the largest cohorts of the program, I feel like I always get personalized advice and support from Shannon. I don't know of any other group coaching program that offers this level of personal coaching.
(3) The network of mentors and other Factory45 brands. Starting your own business can be a mentally exhausting and lonely experience. But the ability for me to be able to connect with alumni mentors and other brands in my cohort going through the same up/downs are so helpful.
If you're thinking of a starting a sustainable fashion brand, this program is one of the best out there! I'd recommend it to anyone.
Joanna C.December 2020
100% Worth It!
This program is worth the investment; it saves you time and money. If you don't know where to start or you're stuck on what's next, this program guides you along the way. Shannon put together the "how" for you with easy to follow modules and checklists. You immediately have a community of people that are on similar paths, and the support from the mentors and Shannon is incredibly helpful and needed.
Rena E.December 2020
Perfect program for those who don't know where to start!
This program is great for ANYONE wanting to start a sustainable fashion brand. I enrolled in the program with an idea and that was it. The step by step course Shannon created, covers every part of developing and launching a fashion brand. From sourcing, to production, to marketing to your launch, all the major and minor details are there. In addition to all of the knowledge in the course here are the "bonus" features of Factory 45 that I don't see many other programs offering.
1. Complete access to Shannon! The designated office hours were prefect and she responded to all of my emails within 24 hours.
2. The community within the Facebook group. Going though the course with 100 other people in the process of developing and launching their own line is amazing. There is always someone to bounce ideas off of, and everyone is so supportive.
3. The Mentors. This year the program consisted of former Factory 45 cohorts who have successfully launched their business. Having access to and seeing people who have succeeded is amazing. They were able to provide that extra motivation to keep going no matter how hard things might get.
Overall, Factory 45 is a great program and a must for anyone wanting to develop their own sustainable fashion line.
Natalie F.December 2020
EXACTLY what I needed.
I waited for an entire year to get into this program, and I have to say it was worth. the. wait.
Having absolutely no experience in design, I had an idea for a sustainable accessory that absolutely consumed me! I knew as soon as I saw the Factory 45 program that it was exactly what I needed.From the very first module, I was off and running. Not only does Shannon cover everything from branding and marketing, to sourcing and crowdfunding... and everything in between...but the mentor and group I was paired with was just the personal support I needed.
With my social media up and running, my website in progress, and my samples almost complete, I can confidently say that I WILL be launching my sustainable product in 2021, thanks to Factory 45.
05Location
Boston
MA, United States
Apparel & Accessories manufacturing
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