WRITTEN BY: KATE MACCABE
Elissa Bloom is the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator (PFI). She has been with the organization since 2011 and with the PFI board, launched the successful initiative which has been used as an international model for fashion incubation.
With over 20 years of both corporate and entrepreneurial experience, Elissa brings a unique and fresh understanding to the world of fashion and business. She has worked corporately for Bloomingdales and Anthropologie and has taught fashion entrepreneurship courses at Drexel University, Moore College of Art and Design, and Thomas Jefferson University. She launched a successful accessories brand, Elissa Bloom New York, which she oversaw for ten years. While managing all aspects of her company including design, sourcing, manufacturing, marketing, sales and distribution, Elissa learned what it takes to run a successful fashion company. She has a strong understanding of both the creative and commercial side of business and is committed to sharing her experience with others to help them achieve success in the business world.
Elissa is a highly sought after international speaker on fashion incubation and the business of fashion traveling to Italy, Russia, the Baltics, Israel, Scotland and Morrocco. In 2015 Elissa was invited by The White House to speak at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Kenya.
Elissa has been nominated as a 2019 “Connector of the Year” award with RAD Girls. In 2018 Elissa was awarded the Philadelphia Business Journal Woman of Distinction. In 2017 she was nominated as the Philadelphia Ambassador of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, a global event empowering female entrepreneurship that is celebrated in 144 countries with the United Nations. Elissa organized and led Philadelphia’s first and second annual event honoring female entrepreneurs in the region. In 2016 she was honored with the Trailblazer Award by Philly Fashion Week.
RAPID FIRE Q&A WITH ELISSA BLOOM: PHILADELPHIA FASHION INCUBATOR FOUNDER
Q: Can you share a little bit about your background?
A: My original background is in the home and accessories industry. In NYC I worked in home product development at Bloomingdale’s and then launched my accessories brand. It was a combination of pure intuition, passion, hustle and ignorance as I knew nothing about business or the accessories market but learned quickly and made it a successful brand in the marketplace.
Q: What inspired you to launch Philadelphia Fashion Incubator?
A: After having my own accessories company for 10 years in the marketplace, I had a desire to help other creatives. When I had my business there were no fashion incubators and few business resources. I wanted to address the gap I saw between emerging designers’ creative talents and the business skills needed to build successful, sustainable brands. I recognized that many designers had incredible ideas and design skills but often lacked the resources, industry knowledge, and support to turn those ideas into profitable ventures. My goal with PFI was to create a nurturing environment where designers could learn about the practical aspects of running a fashion business, such as production, branding, marketing, and sales. By providing mentorship, workspace, and opportunities for designers to showcase their collections, I wanted to equip them with the tools needed to succeed in a competitive industry.
Q: What makes Philadelphia Fashion Incubator unique?
A: The Philadelphia Fashion Incubator (PFI) uniquely nurtures emerging designers through a comprehensive program that combines business education, expert mentorship, and hands-on retail experience. This past spring, we launched a new space featuring a Retail Lab where designers and alumni can showcase and sell their collections, fostering direct engagement with customers. With a strong and successful alumni network, PFI continues to drive the revitalization of Philadelphia’s fashion sector by building a supportive, community-driven environment that empowers local talent.
Q: What has been the most challenging part of bringing Philadelphia Fashion Incubator to life so far?
A: One of the most challenging aspects of bringing the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator (PFI) to life has been securing sustainable funding and resources to support its mission. As a non-profit organization, PFI relies on partnerships, sponsorships, and grants to provide essential programs, mentorship, and retail opportunities for emerging designers. Building these relationships and ensuring consistent financial backing has required strategic planning, persistence, and a strong value proposition to demonstrate the long-term impact PFI can have on the local economy and fashion community.
Q: What is the most fulfilling part of bringing Philadelphia Fashion Incubator to life?
A: The most fulfilling part of bringing the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator (PFI) to life has been witnessing the growth and success of the emerging designers who participate in the program. Seeing their creative visions evolve into thriving businesses, with many going on to achieve significant milestones, is incredibly rewarding. The Incubator provides more than just education—it offers a supportive community, meaningful mentorship, and real-world retail experiences that empower designers to build sustainable brands.
Additionally, fostering a sense of community within Philadelphia’s fashion sector has been a source of immense pride. Watching designers collaborate, share resources, and uplift one another reflects the core mission of PFI. The ability to contribute to the local economy and establish Philadelphia as a vibrant hub for fashion innovation has been a deeply fulfilling aspect of the journey, knowing that PFI is helping to shape the future of fashion by nurturing the next generation of creative talent.
Q: Best advice you’ve ever received or advice you would like to share with aspiring founders and entrepreneurs?
A: I have a few – Never give up. Be persistent. Stay true to your vision. Be open to refining and evolving your business (product, business model, marketing and sales strategies) as you learn and grow.
Q: Can you share a little about any exciting events and launches coming up for Philadelphia Fashion Incubator?
A: We are excited to be launching the inaugural FashCon Philly, a premier business of fashion conference happening in Spring 2025. This groundbreaking event will bring together the brightest business minds, industry experts, and successful alumni, creating an unparalleled opportunity for Philadelphia’s fashion community—and beyond—to learn, connect, and thrive in the dynamic world of fashion entrepreneurship.
Q: What trends are on your radar in the ecommerce space, to help drive Philadelphia Fashion Incubator’s growth?
A: Key trends I’m seeing include the rise of product customization and the use of e-commerce as a platform for brand storytelling, where designers can share their creative and business journeys directly with customers. There’s a growing demand for more personalized connections, making it essential for brands to engage customers in meaningful, authentic ways. Additionally, cross-collaborations and creative partnerships are becoming powerful tools for expanding reach and creating unique offerings.
Q: Where can consumers learn more about you and Philadelphia Fashion Incubator?
A: Learn more about our program by visiting our website, and following us on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Interested in being a part of Philadelphia Fashion Incubator’s success as they bring the vision of designers to life? Contact Flywheel Strategy to start the conversation.
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT: