Founder's Field Notes Podcast // Rachel Nilsson-CEO and Founder of RAGS
Shark Tank Tips From Rags To Raches Founder, Rachel Nilsson!
In this episode, host Jason Klug sits down with Rachel Nilsson, the CEO and Founder of Rags to Raches, a rad apparel company. Rachel's entrepreneurial journey began in high school, where she discovered her talent for creating custom clothing. From selling her tees to a JMR, a skate boutique in Utah, to finding a niche market in second-hand kids' clothes, Rachel realized the demand for her unique creations.
Rachel shares her experiences and lessons learned along the way. She discusses her early struggles and how she turned her passion into a profitable side hustle. With determination and a keen eye for identifying market gaps, Rachel built Rags to Raches by delivering exceptional products that customers couldn't resist. She takes us through her manufacturing decisions, including the transition from local production in LA to overseas operations in India.
One highlight of Rachel's journey is her appearance on Shark Tank. She reveals how the exposure and the power of word-of-mouth contributed to the growth and success of her brand. The discussion dives deep into the key factors that make Rags to Raches stand out, from their focus on fit to their strategy of launching limited lines each week.
Throughout the episode, Rachel imparts valuable advice for entrepreneurs. She emphasizes the importance of avoiding burnout by outsourcing tasks and learning from mistakes. She also shares insights on hiring and delegating, encouraging founders to trust their instincts and consider the type of leaders they want to be. Rachel's perspective on smart money and the virtue of patience adds another layer of wisdom to the conversation.
Join us on Founder's Field Notes as we explore Rachel Nilsson's remarkable entrepreneurial journey. Discover how she created an incredible brand and community through word-of-mouth marketing and exceptional products. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical guidance, and the secrets to building a successful product-focused business. Tune in now and take your business to the next level with Founder's Field Notes.
About Rachel:
Rachel Nilsson is an accomplished entrepreneur and current CEO and Founder of RAGS to Raches, an innovative apparel company based in American Fork, Utah. With a passion for creating custom clothing, Rachel embarked on her entrepreneurial journey right out of high school. She quickly gained recognition when people started wearing her unique creations, and she saw an opportunity to turn her talent into a business.
Rachel began selling her custom clothes on instagram. To her surprise, she discovered a niche market and a strong demand for her creative designs. This early success fueled her entrepreneurial spirit, and she recognized the potential for growth.
Rachel's determination led her to explore manufacturing options, and she made the strategic decision to start producing her clothing line in Los Angeles. Understanding the importance of scalability and avoiding burnout, she eventually moved manufacturing operations to India. This strategic move allowed RAGS to meet the increasing demand for their products while maintaining quality and expanding their reach.
The incredible journey of RAGS to Raches caught the attention of the renowned television show Shark Tank. Through a stroke of luck, Rachel had the opportunity to pitch her business on the show, gaining significant exposure and further propelling her brand's success. With a focus on delivering exceptional products and fostering a strong community, RAGS to Raches became a sensation, largely driven by word-of-mouth recommendations.
Rachel's entrepreneurial achievements extend beyond RAGS to Raches. She is also a co-founder of Tangible School, an initiative aimed at providing valuable education to aspiring entrepreneurs. Additionally, she serves as a board member of Silicon Slopes, an influential organization within Utah's thriving tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
With her remarkable accomplishments, Rachel Nilsson has become a respected figure in the world of entrepreneurship. Through her journey, she has learned invaluable lessons, emphasizing the importance of avoiding burnout, learning from mistakes, and trusting her instincts. Her insights into leadership, smart financial decisions, and the power of patience offer guidance and inspiration to fellow entrepreneurs.
https://rags.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-nilsson-09184a120/