• Who: Melanie DiSalvo
• Website: shopvirtueandvice.com
• Course Topic: Fashion Company
• Interesting Stats: Multi-6-Figures/Year

Who are you and what course have you created?

I help people launch and scale sustainable fashion businesses.

What market does your online course serve?

Anyone that wants to start a fashion company but does not know where to start. I also help established brands clean up their supply chains.

What’s the biggest benefit of taking your course?

I think the biggest benefit is learning what you don’t know. A lot of people think starting a fashion company is easy, thanks to shows like How To Make It In America, or influencers selling relabeled white-label product. But, the reality is, that it’s very difficult, and there is a steep learning curve.

Usually, people come to me after they have lost thousands trying to do it on their own, and realize it's way harder than they thought it would be, and they have no idea what they are doing. - Melanie DiSalvo Click To Tweet

How did you get into the market?

I had a pretty big list of current clients, and I noticed they were all asking me the same questions, and struggling with the same things. So, I took the most common questions I was getting asked and created a course around them.

Why did you decide to create an online course in the first place?

I reached a point where I had more people wanting my help than I had hours in the day, and I felt bad turning them away.

Did you have any moments of doubt before you created/launched it?

No. I have been sourcing and doing product development for over a decade. I have lived in factories overseas. There is no doubt in my mind I am good at what I do.

What’s your online course like?

Weekly video lessons, weekly live zoom calls, special guest speakers, and a community slack. And, all my students get my phone number, in case they need immediate help.

How long did it take you to create your course?

It took two years to create my course. For the first two years, I taught the course live. I ended up changing the lessons based on the questions and feedback I received. After I knew every single question someone could ask for each lesson, and the best way to teach it, I then recorded the lessons.

Tell us a little about the process of launching your course and getting your first sale(s).

It came easily. I already had a waiting list of people who wanted to work with me. So I just told them about it and did get some sales.

Do you have a lead magnet?

I give away a super secret sourcing document, that will cut your sourcing time in half. And, then in weekly emails, I give away lots more free stuff!

What’s the traffic strategy that works best for you?

I use a comprehensive marketing strategy to get customers from all different platforms.

What online course platform are you using?

I use Kajabi as my course platform.

Do you like it?

It’s ok, but I am thinking about switching because of the price.

Are there any features you wish it had?

No, it has everything I need.

What made you decide to use your chosen platform over others?

I got free trials of a few platforms; Kajabi was the easiest for me to set up and required the smallest time investment from my end, so at the end of the free trial, I went with them.

What other tools do you use to run your online course business?

I also Klaviyo.

Do you have any big mistakes you’ve made along the way that you’d be willing to share?

My biggest mistake was hiring an ad firm. They lost $12,000 in 2 months. I knew the leads they were getting me wouldn’t convert, but they insisted they were experts. That was the one time I didn’t trust my gut, and I wish I had.

Please share some idea of revenue.

I earn multi-six figures a year.

Please tell us a little about what the money you’ve earned from your course has done for you.

I already had a successful consultancy business. The course has allowed me more free and personal time.

What advice do you have for people just starting out?

Don’t fake it till you make it. People can see right through that.

If you want to create a course, create it in something you are actually good at. - Melanie DiSalvo Click To Tweet

Learn more about Melanie DiSalvo of shopvirtueandvice.com:

• Website: shopvirtueandvice.com
• Instagram