My Size

Have you seen the commercial where the viewer is asked to guess the number the man is thinking about: It is his credit score.

Yet, despite their wide use we resent being treated as a number. It is impersonal. It is de-humanizing.

Everyday, somewhere apparel customers shop through store racks in search of that one apparel item they hope will reflect their

personal likes in fabric, design, color, price, and that most important, personal number: Size, nobody's business, right?

Have you heard the consumer cynicism of manufactured apparel captured in the phrase: "One size fits none"?

Size is not just a number. It is a number reflecting an individual's personal information.

Computer buyers can have their custom-made computer manufacturered right in Round Rock.

Apparel customers deserve no less than "My Size" custom-made apparel at competitive prices.

"My Size" is a promise made possible through contractor - retailer apparel networks, only.

Nobody need ever again guess your number size. Nobody ever again needs to know it.

So, what does your apparel network look like?

Two greatly talented women

We spend years making a living using our talents as employees. We have made many an employer wealthy with their use of our wealth. That's not a complain. That's a commitment of mutual advantage called the employer/employee relationship, but I want to tell you about two great talents.

I posed the question to my friend, "What is the difference between an upscale, high-price dress at Neiman Marcus and a similar dress at an independent retail
store"? "None" I replied before she could answer. That is the Neiman Marcus dress is manufactured by an individual on the production floor. The other is manufactured by the same individual in their home as an independent contractor for his/her client, the independent retailer.

I posed this same question with my reply to my friend. She had heard me go on so many times about my business dream for creating apparel networks.

Today, she surprised me. "I used to make dresses for Neiman Marcus" she said.
"Really?" I said.
"Yeah, it was just a few of us in a small shop" she explained.
My friend had just described what I had reasoned, but never really knew for a fact. The truth is, I explained to her, there are hundreds, perhaps thousands,
of small shops like that one in Taylor Texas. The government categorizes them as "independent contractors" and they are vital to apparel manufacturers who outsource work to them.
*
I was visiting with a couple. They had left a familiar setting, lifestyle and country along with their professional careers to come to America. The living room where
we sat was filled with portraits of couples. Most of them wore the most extraordinary wedding dresses found in the best of wedding dress boutiques.
It was her husband who gave me a tour of their portrait gallery explaining, while his wife sat without comment, the wedding dresses were the creation of her hands.

She had been an executive administrative assistant for many years in her country. In America she was helping provide for their family through her custodial
job. Yet, the enormous talent and ability to design and create wedding dresses seemed as easy as boiling water. It was something she had done over the
years, not so much as a hobby and certainly not as a job, but as a favor for friends and relatives.

FOR FREE!

I will not speak of friends and family who would take such advantage. I will speak of her talent. There are many like her.

Is there not an independent apparel boutique specializing in wedding dresses who could not or would not contract such talent? How about my friend with the ability
to make dresses no differently than she made for Neiman Marcus?

Apparel networks between contractors and retailers are the creation of one vast, enormous talent pool. It is a direct model which allows retailers to market their own
label or simply Made in USA.

Don't let another year go by without the income potential of your resources; your Knowledge, Skills and Experience in apparel.

The Changing Face of Texas Labor

Although this report dates from 2003 it is still true. I have pulled some key points in the article. wm

3 Take special note of the "Industries losing the most jobs": Apparel manufacturing.
Take special note of the "Texas Industries Adding the Most jobs": Specialty Trade Contractors.

5 More jobs in small firms, greater use of leased and independent contract labor means fewer and shorter career ladders

Changing nature of work: New paradigm for career ladders

3 Increased role for contingent workers, outsourcing, independent contractors with few promotional ladders.

* * *

What does this mean for those who have lost their employment in apparel?

It means you ought not expect the job market in apparel manufacturing to open back up, again.

It means that apparel, as a part of the US retail sector, is adding jobs. However, the report also points out those being hired are educated and have college degrees.

What it means is there is plenty of opportunity for those who love to work apparel.

Both, government and industry regard apparel manufacturing as non-to-low-skilled and there's no room or need for them in the new and improved automated apparel manufacturing floor.

Working Mannequin sees these former apparel employees as having Knowledge, Skills and Experience (KSE). Working Mannequin believes it is this KSE which qualifies them to fill the
need among the "smaller firms" for "leased and independent contract" as mentioned above in number 5.

The Working Mannequin direct model of apparel networks is putting a face of private ownership in Texas and the nation. The direct model makes you the "smaller firm" and "independent contract" accountable to no one, but yourself.

How does this change affect you?

High School Prom Dress Survey

This survey was submitted to Round Rock high school campuses.

You are invited to share what is important to you. This survey is anonymous. Please, participate even if you have never purchased a Prom Dress. The information will be used by Round Rock Independent Contractors and Independent Apparel Retailers.

Rate the following from 1 (being the most important) to 10 (being the least important).

Copy blue text below. Clickcomments to open comments box. Scroll down and paste blue text into "Leave your comment" box. Type in your number choices. Type in Word Verification. Choose an Identity. You can type in additional comments at bottom of your survey. Publish your comment.

___ cost ___ design

___ fabric ___ style

___ service ___ color

___ availability of choices ___ retailer

___ brand ___ retailer location

Texas Textiles - Office of the Governor

I have highlighted in red the text at the bottom. There's an opportunity for textile to support apparel networks. wm

http://www.bidc.state.tx.us/industry%20profiles/profiletextiles.pdf

Textiles Industry Overview

The textiles industry (NAICS 313, 314) includes establishments – or mills - that transform basic fiber into a
product, such as yarn or fabric, which is further manufactured into usable items, such as apparel, rugs,
curtains, rope, bags, or linens, for individual or industrial consumption. Processes include fiber preparation
and spinning, fabric knitting or weaving, textile finishing, and cutting and sewing.

Texas Industry Facts

Firms 544
Establishments 565
Employment 11,352
Average Weekly Wage $617, $502 *
Value Added Per Employee $43,590
Value of Shipments $1.2 billion
Total Capital Investments $24.3 million
Sources: Texas Workforce Commission - 2005Q4
Employment & Wages, Annual Survey of Manufactures, 2004
* NAICS 313, 314

How Texas Ranks

All Employees 9
Production Workers 9
Value Added 12
Value of Shipments 10
Total Capital Investments 11
Source: Annual Survey of Manufactures, 2004
* NAICS 314 – 313 data are incomplete

Texas Exports

• In 2005, Texas textiles and fabric products
exports were valued at $1.3 billion and textile mill
products exports were valued at $290.2 million.
• In 2005, textiles and fabric exports was Texas 14th
largest category and textile mill exports was Texas
22nd largest category.
Source: WISERTrade, 2005 (NAICS 313, 314)

Top Export Markets

Textiles and Fabric Products
Mexico $1,189,435,624
Guatemala $24,577,174
El Salvador $17,326,351
Nicaragua $14,902,051
Textile Mill Products
Mexico $218,063,406
Canada $17,413,327
Kuwait $10,670,182
Japan $6,040,855
Source: WISERTrade, 2005 (NAICS 313, 314)

Major Industry Employers in Texas

Company Location Product Description
Sahara Sportswear El Paso Clothing, bags, rainwear & windwear embroidery
VF Jeanswear El Paso Blue jeans
American Cotton Growers Littlefield Denim fabrics
Homemaker Industries Brownsville Braided rugs
Mid-West Textile Co. El Paso Industrial wiping cloths
Source: Texas Manufacturers Register 2006

Recent Industry Trends
• 2005Q4 Texas textiles industry employment remained the same while wages, firms, and establishments
decreased slightly since 2004Q4.
• From 2003 to 2004, Texas textiles industry’s Value Added per Employee decreased 32%, Value of
Shipments decreased 20%, and Total Capital Investments increased 32%.
Sources: Texas Workforce Commission - 2005Q4 & 2004Q4 Employment & Wages, Annual Survey of Manufactures, 2003 & 2004

Office of the Governor - Economic Development & Tourism September 2006
T E X A S I N D U S T R Y P R O F I L E

Texas Apparel - Office of the Governor

I have highlighted in red the text at the bottom. Those who lost their employ in the apparel industry have their Knowledge, Skills, and Experience to create apparel, still. wm



http://www.bidc.state.tx.us/industry%20profiles/profileapparel.pdf

Apparel Industry Overview

The apparel industry (NAICS 315) includes establishments that cut and sew and manufacture fabrics and
garments, including: ready-to-wear and custom apparel; textile and knitting mills; contractors, jobbers, and
tailors; millinery; footwear; luggage and handbags; and personal leather goods such as watchbands.

Texas Industry Facts

Firms 446
Establishments 459
Employment 8,948
Average Weekly Wage $514
Value Added Per Employee $68,704
Value of Shipments $1.6 billion
Total Capital Investments $15 million
Sources: Texas Workforce Commission - 2005Q4 Employment &
Wages, Annual Survey of Manufactures, 2004

How Texas Ranks

All Employees 6
Production Workers 6
Value Added 5
Value of Shipments 4
Total Capital Investments 4
Source: Annual Survey of Manufactures, 2004

Texas Exports

• In 2005, Texas apparel and accessories exports
were valued at $482.7 million – up from $427
million.
• In 2005, apparel and accessories was Texas 20th
largest exporting category.
Source: WISERTrade, 2005 (NAICS 315)

Top Export Markets

Mexico $353,289,146
Canada $44,365,305
Honduras $35,564,074
Belize $9,082,642
Australia $4,833,043
Source: WISERTrade, 2005 (NAICS 315)

Major Industry Employers in Texas

Company Location Product Description
Haggar Clothing Dallas Men's, women's & children's apparel
Walls Industries Cleburne Workwear, hunting, & outdoor apparel
VF Jeanswear El Paso Jeans
Orc Industries Brownsville Military outerwear
MFI International El Paso Contract sewing, assembly & packaging
Source: Texas Manufacturers Register 2006

Recent Industry Trends

• 2005Q4 Texas apparel industry average weekly wages, firms and establishments have decreased slightly, and employment has decreased about 8% since 2004Q4.
• From 2003 to 2004, Texas apparel industry’s Value Added per Employee increased 6%, Value of Shipments decreased almost 6%, and Total Capital Investments increased 50%.
Sources: Texas Workforce Commission - 2005Q4 & 2004Q4 Employment & Wages, Annual Survey of Manufactures, 2003 & 2004

Office of the Governor - Economic Development & Tourism September 2006
T E X A S I N D U S T R Y P R O F I L E

BUSINESS PRESENTATION

If you are involved in apparel retail, design, production, distribution or related fields you are invited to attend a presentation on local independent contractors and independent apparel retailer networks

Where:

Church building (Portable C)
1200 N. Georgetown Street
Round Rock, TX 78664

When:

Friday, January 19, 7:00PM

Cost: Free

Directions:

If you are driving south on I-35 take Hwy 79 exit, turn left (east) toward Hutto and Taylor. Go to third traffic light, Georgetown Street/Hwy 79 intersection w/Walgreens drugstore. Turn left: 1200 N. Georgetown Street is just behind corner business plaza

If you are driving north on I-35 take Hwy 79 exit, turn right (east) toward Hutto and Taylor. Go to third traffic light, Georgetown Street/Hwy 79 intersection w/Walgreens drugstore. Turn left: 1200 N. Georgetown Street is just behind corner business plaza

Interview: Round Rock Army Store

Carmen Montoya is one of thousands of individuals with a wealth of Knowledge, Skills and Experience in apparel making. She is owner and manager of:

Round Rock Army Store
Carmen Montoya, owner
2001 N. Mays Street
Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 246-7033

WM Do you see yourself as a designer?

CM I've heard that term used so many different ways. I see myself primarily as one who works to create a dress or other apparel creation with the client's wishes in mind.

WM As a father of three daughters I remember hearing of their search with their friends for prom dresses. Are prom dresses a custom apparel need ICs can meet for high school girls?

CM Yes, I truly believe we can help the public, especially the young generation, on this issue.

WM What is the big need you see in apparel?

CM My sister in Laredo and I were talking just today. She's been in apparel many years too and we were talking about how there's so much apparel on the store racks out there that simply just does not fit. Recently, I was asked by a vendor to partner in a plus size apparel creation enterprise because this vendor has learned there are people whose apparel needs and wants are not going to be found in the apparel department of most stores.

WM Why do you think that is the case?

CM Quantity is more important than quality on the production floor. People are not taught the value of quality. Quantity means nothing if you have to do rework to improve your quality.

WM I've always thought you learn your process well, first, and the quantity, with quality, will follow. A manufacturer may sell quite a large amount before people catch on to their poor quality. An independent doesn't have that luxury. It's got to be quality from the beginning.

WM How many years have you been in apparel?

CM I've been in apparel over twenty years including manufacturing and custom apparel.
Some of the custom apparel I have made in the past have been costumes for kids and some adults. I went from the Power Rangers to Cinderella, Sylvester, Tweety Bird and others.
I have made some outfits for granddaughters, my husband, myself, and various customers.

WM Clearly, you have alot of experience in different aspects of apparel.

WM Have you ever worked with a group of independents?

CM I have never worked with a network or a group of independents. However, I like the idea of working with other individuals and the ideas they bring to an apparel creation. I want to see the group come together to express one idea of which we have all been a part.

Interview: City Jeans of Texas (Round Rock)

City Jeans of Texas (CJT)
Edda & Luis Rivera (owners)
105 South Mays Street
Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 255-6463

WM What is unique about City Jeans of Texas?

CJT I sell up to twenty (20) different lines of quality, high-dollar jeans off-price in all
price ranges.

CJT What are IC apparel networks?

WM Independent Contractor (IC) networks are groups of people with Knowledge,
Skills, and Experience (KSE) who create apparel in their homes locally, regionally,
and nationally.

CJT What can a network do for City Jeans of Texas?

WM A network can deliver product in numbers. It can meet a particular service request from
a retailer or consumer. It can bring customers in the door. It can generate income. A
network can create a City Jeans of Texas design with the CJT label.

CJT What are my obligations to a network?

WM Retailers are under no obligation to buy from a network or to acquire membership.

CJT Where would I meet ICs to create my apparel?

WM You could meet ICs in business meetings, workshops, fashion/dinner shows, word-of-
mouth and online.

CJT Why have I not heard of apparel networks?

WM There may be some apparel networks out there of which WM is not aware. These would probably work from the traditional employer/employee model and service major retailers. However, we don't believe there are any in existence with a direct model to service Independent Apparel Retailers in local, regional and national locations that can equal the WM model.

CJT Who are the people who make up apparel networks?

WM They are designers, fabric retailers, buyers, sewing machine retailers, sewing
instructors, apparel retailers, sellers, cutters, sewers, pattern makers and more.

CJT What is a direct model?

WM It is the ability to create apparel locally for apparel retailers or consumers without
a middleman. It dispenses with "one size fits none" mass produced apparel and
and allows for a "custom service" or "customer made" service at reasonable prices.

You may reply to this post.

The benefits of a personal Independent Contractor Network

What do you say when your place of employment shuts down?
What do you say when your job is exported overseas?
What is your answer to a payraise which does not reflect fuel, food, rent costs?
How do you feel when your company CEO's salary numbers in the millions?

What Working Mannequin has heard and observed from people affected by these questions is that too many people just accept it all. Others take on a bitter view of the situation. These may choose to take action either by withdrawing, taking on another job, launching their sideline business. Still, others increase their "investment" in the lottery.

The consequences of the above questions affect us in very real ways: emotionally, physically, spiritually and economically. They affect our children, too.

Note the placement of "economically" as last in the list. Everyone of us can vote and cheer for an individual or a political party, but none of these can take the place of a personal resposibility on our part to change our emotional, physical, spiritual and economic situation.

As long as we look either to continue to delude ourselves with the "security" of a job or deceive ourselves that "being my own man/woman" will alter our family's livelihood, not much of any substance will really happen.

Working Mannequin is commited to calling individuals to create their own Independent Contractor Network in apparel. If you possess the Knowledge, Skills and Experience (see KSE post) why would you continue to belittle that treasure as a means to alter your family's life?

Among the benefits of a personal Independent Contractor Network (ICN) are the following:

• You use what you've all ready got: Your KSE
• You create apparel, not as an employee, but as an IC.
• You can, like corporations, leverage tax law to your advantage
• You choose, draw and select others with like skills and passions for your own projects
• You determine what apparel items you wish to create
• You set your own pace
• You control your own quality
• You decide whether to create your own or another IC's designs
• You determine which Apparel Retailers make up your business circle
• You determine if you want to grow your network
• You create the time for your family
• You determine how, where and how rapidly you grow your network
• You determine the price of your work
• You set your economic goals in terms of revenue you want to create for your family
• You determine whether workshop investments are right for your business
• You choose to take action, not just talk or act out in bitterness

Networks bring you into an association with others. A network is not a guarantee of the people who are its makeup, but you share common goals, desires which speak to each others emotional, physical, spiritual and economic pursuits. You can determine what you will do for yourself, but not by yourself; that is, you are not alone.

Working Mannequin has a vision to show people the benefits of a personal Independent Contractor Network for themselves. We begin with apparel, but their are other fields which lend themselves very well to independent contracting. Look for future Working Mannequin business presentations on our blog.

We welcome your reply to all our posts.

Thank you and may the God of Heaven and Earth enlighten and bless you and yours. WM

Share your thoughts by responding to this post.