Chicago designer Mario Pinto (whose clients include Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey) is featured in today’s Wall Street Journal. Of note is the fact that Ms. Pinto’s first business was not successful. In response she surrounded herself with mentors in finance, law and other areas outside of fashion.
The importance of assembling a team of trusted advisers (accountants, lawyers and others) cannot be overemphasized. By having people on your team that are familiar with common problems you will most likely encounter and that know how to minimize the impact of these problems on your business, you greatly increase your chances for success. In addition, an investment in solid legal advice upfront usually serves to reduce costs later.
If you are a fashion designer looking to protect your intellectual property, leasing space or choosing a corporate structure for your business, engaging an attorney familiar with the legal issues that fashion designers encounter makes sense.
Original story here.