Connecting Culture, Creativity, and Community with Erika Neumayer Ehrat of Rare Dirndl

In episode 49, Erika Neumayer Ehrat shares how she’s built a niche business - Rare Dirndl -  creating fashion-forward styles that still honor traditions to help American women celebrate German culture. "I started Rare Dirndl in 2010 because, as an active member of the German community in Chicago, I was so disappointed to see that Germany's dirndl designs were lightyears ahead of the designs coming out of the US. So, I decided to change that! Today we are a small team of women dedicated to bringing the world high-quality & fashion-forward dirndls, blouses, bloomers, and accessories." In this episode, you’ll learn: The market gap Erika noticed in the US Dirndl market How Erika built a business around such a small niche What makes Rare Dirndls so rare How Erika connects with her heritage through clothing Places to wear a dirndl other than Octoberfest How to know it is time to stop making everything yourself in your business How Erika got started working with a factory instead of making everything herself What outsourcing did for Erika’s business and lifestyle The line between wearing cultural dress in your own personal style and cultural appropriation - and how Rare Dirndl respects the cultural intent. How Erika manages the seasonality of cash flow and sales in her business People and resources mentioned in this episode: Rare Dirndl website Erika’’s email Rare Dirndl Instagram Rare Dirndl Facebook Rare Dirndl TikTok Do you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.