Fashion Designers Get Paid: Build Your Fashion Career On Your Own Terms

Learn new strategies for finding freelance fashion design clients, and charging a retainer for consistent income! Sophia is a full-time fashion freelancer who moved from NYC to Texas and grew her freelance business--during Covid! If you’ve been struggling to find clients for your freelance fashion business, this episode is a must listen. For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Canadian designer Alexandra Suhner Isenberg studied fashion in Toronto, London, and Paris. She’s worked for brands including Burberry, freelanced, and taught fashion. But when an antique men’s chemise became her favorite thing to sleep in, Alexandra was inspired to start her brand, The Sleep Shirt. Listen for her fascinating story and how she built a successful luxury brand based around a single garment designed to perfection. For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Karen LePage is a freelance patternmaker and grader who specializes in size inclusivity and sustainability. She’s also a fit consultant, a sewing and fit teacher, an author, and a mom. Karen broke into the industry without going to fashion school, and she has built a thriving freelance business doing meaningful projects for clients she loves. In this episode of the Successful Fashion Designer Podcast, Karen shares how she did it, and how she’s found happiness in an industry where she never felt she belonged. For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Atlas Menswear founder Aaron Woolf has been athletic his whole life. Although this father of 4 has been an entrepreneur in other industries since 2014, he never thought he’d get into fashion. But he was fed up with dress shirts that didn’t fit his muscular build. And when he started talking to other men at the gym about the issue, Aaron discovered that he wasn’t the only one who wanted a muscular men’s clothing line. In this episode of the Successful Fashion Designer Podcast, Aaron and designer Jessica Dixon share the steps they took to get from that first idea to a product they’re proud to produce for other athletic and muscular men. For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Shilo Byrd has been in the industry for a decade and a half, and she knows her stuff. She’s a freelance luxury pattern maker, product developer, supply chain & production consultant, and a contributor at Vogue Business. In this episode of the SFD Podcast, Shilo chats about everything from understanding fit and the best way to learn new skills, to networking in fashion and her advice for starting your own brand. Whether you’re a freelancer, starting your own brand, or even just curious about the fashion industry, this episode has something for you! For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Alex is a self-taught freelance technical designer living in Ottawa, Ontario. He didn’t go to fashion school, and he never held a job in the industry. Yet he’s working with small fashion brands, helping them get their ideas into production alongside his full-time job. In this episode, he shares how he managed to carve a spot for himself as a fashion freelancer, and what he’s learned in the process. For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

To celebrate the new year, I'm sharing one of our most popular episodes EVER. Whether you caught this one the first time or it's new to you, listen for tons of practical advice from two 6+ figure fashion freelancers! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Since it's a holiday week here in the US, I'm sharing one of my favorite podcast episodes! Judy Karp worked in the NYC Fashion Industry since the 60's. This is her story. Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Have you ever found yourself sitting at your day job, feeling like something is missing? Have you always been full of ideas, daydreaming about a more creative life? My guest on this episode, Tara, pursued an accounting career for stability. But she could never shake the creative ideas that came to her, tempting her to explore something new. When one of those ideas led her to sew a purse, the result inspired an entire line of handbags and a successful brand Tara is proud to call her own. For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Since it's Thanksgiving week here in the US, I'm sharing one of my favorite episodes from this past year. It's my interview with Erika Neumayer of Rare Dirndl. She's build a successful brand with a tiny niche, and she shares tons of actionable tips on how she did it. For the full show notes and links, head over to Successful Fashion Designer. Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Oni Auer is a design director and fashion career mentor in NYC. She got started in fashion by scoring a position with BCBG when she was a mere 18 years old. She had an associates degree, but no industry connections or advantages to help her get ahead. Since then she has worked with a huge variety of companies including Bebe and UnderArmour. In the interview, she shares the skills and strategies she used to launch her career, keep working through the recession, and advance herself to design director, in the category she wanted most, at a company she loves to work for. For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Juan Pablo Martínez is a Colombian designer who has worked in sustainability for more than ten years, and in the fashion industry for more than two decades. One of the first sustainable designers in Latin America, he has also designed for Christian Lacroix, owned a successful boutique, shown his designs at a New York fashion show, and now he works to help educate brands on sustainable fashion. He has consistently found ways to succeed in all of his endeavors, and in this interview he shares all of the valuable lessons he’s learned over his prolific career. For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

*Note: This episode has a slight tic on the guest’s audio that we were unable to repair. But the interview is way too good not to share, so thank you for understanding!* Freelancing is a hot topic in the fashion industry right now. With almost everyone working from home, more and more companies have realized that remote work and flexible schedules can actually work for their business. And more employees are starting to realize that there are possibilities beyond that 9 to 5 grind! In this episode of the Successful Fashion Designer Podcast, I talk to Kristen Anderson. She’s a successful full-time freelancer, and she shares all the details of how she got here, what she’s learned, and what you can do to launch your freelancing career, and ditch your day job for good! For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Anna Triantafellou designs fantasy couture dresses for girls, and her business is now so successful that she supports her family of 3 on only her income. If you’re thinking this kind of success is only possible for lucky people with trust funds, you’ll definitely want to hear Anna’s story. Coming from a traumatic childhood in her native Russia, Anna has worked hard for everything she’s created. You may not think you can start a clothing line on Etsy, but from dog clothes to tutus to high-end couture, she made it happen. Anna creatively adapted to every change and weathered every setback. Listen to the story of how she found her passion, fought for it, and forged her own path to success. For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

When you think about starting your own clothing line, you probably imagine garments you designed completely from scratch gracing a magazine page or floating down a runway. But starting a fashion brand takes years and a major investment of cash. If what you really want is to get something of your own design out into the world, there are ways to get a taste of having your own line without the huge risk. In this episode of the SFD podcast, you’ll hear from Etsy success guru Jenni Waldrop of Fuzzy & Birch on how you can use the marketplace to start a clothing line with (almost) no money. For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Understanding trends and the direction the market is going to go is vital for anyone working in fashion. Print and textile designers need to understand what consumers are going to be looking for next. Thea Perez founded Polychrome.Design to provide prints as true digital working tools for fashion designers. Along the way, she has honed a process for print and color trend research that gives Polychrome an edge in the fashion industry. In this episode of the Successful Fashion Designer Podcast, Thea shares how she started her business, how they bring beautiful new prints to the market, and the market research process they use to deliver beautiful, on-trend prints to their clients. For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Mat Booth started his fashion career with a product design degree, some knowledge of sports, and a lot of passion. More than 15 years later, he’s a successful freelancer and has his own brand of men’s luggage and accessories. And he does it without living in a fashion hub. Hear Mat’s story of how he got into the industry, his shift into freelancing, and how he funded launching his fashion brand with his freelancing work. For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Not all successful fashion designers go to fashion school. Lila Stewart used to do marketing in the music industry, and her husband Jeremy was a political consultant. But when they decided they wanted to start a business with philanthropy at its heart, they found themselves entering the fashion industry with zero experience. In this episode of the SFD podcast, Lila tells the story of how they built HariMari shoes from the ground up. From completely unknown to being carried in every Nordstrom’s in the US, Lila and Jeremy have learned so much about what it takes to launch a fashion brand when you have no experience in the industry. For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Like many people working in the industry, Emilee Goff always knew she wanted to go into fashion. But when she managed to score an internship with Scott Sports right after she finished high school, Emilee’s career trajectory changed in ways she never imagined. In this episode of the SFD podcast, she shares what she’s learned along the way. For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Selena Leong has worked her way up from production associate, to product development, to technical design, to apparel design. Along the way she’s worked with brands on both coasts including Aeropostale, Forever 21, and even Ralph Lauren. And she did it all without ever going to fashion school. For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

If you want to see your garments and accessories in the hands of more than just a few customers, you need to understand how to get your fashion designs into production. On this episode of the Successful Fashion Designer podcast, patternmaker and designer Xochil Herrera Scheer of The Chicago Patternmaker draws on over a decade of experience to share what she’s learned about factories, production, and bringing your designs to life! For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Note: This episode was recorded several months ago, before the influx of major current events took over our collective awareness. While we know how seriously these issues are affecting the fashion industry and our individual listeners, we hope that you enjoy this break for a bit of normalcy. From internship to senior designer by the time she was 27? Outdoor and motorcyle apparel designer Kelsey Runge did it, and in this episode of the SFD podcast, she shares exactly what she’s done to design her perfect career. She says she’s had a lot of luck, but it took a ton of work and smart moves to get her where she is today. For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Do you really need a contract as a freelance fashion designer? What should your contract include? On this episode of the SFD Podcast, you’ll hear from small business attorney Andrea Sager on contracts, design ownership, payment disputes, and the best ways to protect yourself and your assets as a freelance fashion designer. For the complete show notes, head to Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Noemie Jouas is a self-taught designer who runs a bespoke dress brand that keeps her steadily busy with several clients a month. She describes her business as “a dream come true!” The incredible part? She’s still in college! Learn how she got started, where she finds her clients, and the one thing she says has made everything she’s accomplished possible. For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Note: This episode was recorded a few months ago, before the world got turned upside down. While we don't discuss how Covid-19 is affecting the industry, we hope you enjoy taking a break from the constant coverage for some fashion and normalcy. Understanding trends is so important when you work in fashion. If you want your designs to stand out and capture your market, you can’t just know what’s big now; you have to know what’s going to be big next. That’s where trend forecasters like Wendy Bendoni come in. From her two+ decades of experience in trend analysis and fashion marketing, including working at WGSN, Wendy shares why trends are the lifeblood of fashion, how trend forecasting has evolved over the past 20+ years, what to do if trend analysis sounds like work you want to pursue, and how as a designer you can sharpen your eye to spot what’s next in YOUR niche. For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Note: This episode was recorded several months ago, before the Covid-19 pandemic took over all of our lives. While we know your world may be turned upside down right now, we hope you’ll enjoy a break from the 24/7 coverage of current events for a little bit of fashion talk and simple normalcy! In this episode of the Successful Fashion Designer Podcast, you’ll hear from Belinda Jacobs of Tech Packs Co on what a tech pack REALLY needs, why they are SO important, and how you can be sure yours gets the job done RIGHT! For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Freelance pattern maker and product development specialist Alison Hoenes left her full-time job after just 3½ years in the industry to pursue a freelance career. Since then, she has perfected her niche, gone from zero customers to a steady clientele, and she now makes more than her full-time job working just 40 mostly-remote hours per week! Want to know how she got from fashion school to a freelancing dream life in just 5 years? Listen to this episode of the Successful Fashion Designer podcast! For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

How do you prevent your fashion designs from being stolen and safeguard your brand? And as a business owner, how do you legally protect yourself and your assets? On this episode of the SFD Podcast, you’ll hear from fashion industry attorney Andrea Sager on copyrights, trademarks, and other ways to be smart and protect your fashion designs, business name, and more. For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

When you’re launching a label, there are so many options and details that it can overwhelm even the most savvy designer. One of the questions you may be asking is, “Should I sell my fashion brand wholesale or direct-to-consumer?” On this episode of the Successful Fashion Designer podcast, you’ll hear from Ellie Mae Waters, founder and creative director of slow fashion brand Ellie Mae Studios. Through trial and error, Ellie Mae found that direct-to-consumer, small-batch, slow fashion was the best model to get her designs into the hands of both celebrities like Mila Kunis and everyday women who want modern staples made to last a lifetime. In the interview (which you’ll love), we will cover: How Ellie Mae got started in fashion (even after she decided university wasn’t for her!); The ways the fashion industry has broken her heart, and why she stuck it out; The ups and downs of the first year of her brand; How one person almost destroyed Ellie Mae Studios from within!; The winding path she took to perfect her business model; The creative and practical reasons she decided to shift away from wholesale; Who’s on her team and how they share the workload; Why Ellie Mae Studios uses unusual pricing for their pieces; And more! For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

In this special episode, Heidi chats with her husband Marc about her journey in fashion. Heidi talks about the one thing that has contributed to her success more than anything else, and how you can do the same for yourself! In this episode, Heidi and Marc talk about: How the history of the SFD podcast mirror’s Heidi’s overall journey in fashion; How Heidi broke into fashion with NO experience; Her journey from that first step to the pinnacles of her career (so far!); The most important factor Heidi credits with achieving her biggest goals; Some of the “wrong” steps she took, and how they still played a role in her success; How you can apply what she’s learned to your own career; And more! For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Steve Villanueva is an entrepreneur with a history of success in multiple industries. And, like at least 40% of men, he’s also less than 5 foot 9 inches tall. Frustrated with clothes that just weren’t made to fit short men, Steve set out to find a better way to design clothing for this underserved market. The things he discovered in his research and the unique approach he’s taken with his brand, Otero Menswear, may surprise you. In the interview (which you’ll love), we will cover: Why not studying fashion in school may have given Steve an advantage; One reason even the most talented designers can fail when they launch their brand; One of the most important steps Steve took FIRST; The cultural issue that drove their design concept; Why it’s not just about making things shorter; What Steve discovered about over 90% of men that helped his brand take shape--Literally! Why Otero’s business model is difficult for retail… And why they forged ahead with it anyway; The marketing challenges Steve wasn’t expecting; What he credits for Otero’s miniscule number of returns; Steve’s new strategy to change the retail game; And more! For the full show notes, including links to the people and resources mentioned, head to the Successful Fashion Designer website! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Michele Mavi is a recruiter and Strengths Coach who’s worked with fashion job seekers for over 15 years. On this episode of the SFD podcast, she shares what she’s learned about landing the best fashion job for YOUR unique set of skills and strengths. In the interview (which you’ll love), you’ll learn: Why understanding your strengths is so important Ideas you can use today to start identifying your strengths How to search for the RIGHT job (not just A job) The common résumé mistake that’s holding you back--and how to fix it What employers want to hear from a candidate for any kind of role Tips for how to make the most of your strengths even with your least favorite tasks A super important way to stand out when you apply for a fashion job Tips for working in a team with different personality types And more! For the full show notes, including links to all the resources mentioned in the episode, head over to Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Guests on the SFD podcast tend to fall into one of three categories: They’re employed by a company in the industry, they work as a fashion freelancer, or they’ve launched their own brand. In this episode, you’ll hear from someone who has done all three! If you’re wondering how to become a remote fashion freelancer, this episode is for you. In the interview (which you’ll love), we will cover: How Lily’s super specific degree helped her strong start in the industry What it was like designing collections for factories in Sri Lanka Her experience with the value of really knowing your niche and your customer The unique way she moved from working for a company to starting her brand How Lily managed to get her designs featured in major publications like Vogue--without hiring a PR company Why she decided to shut down a successful brand and become a remote fashion freelancer How she got started freelancing--and what she would do differently now What Lily says was a major factor in her freelance success How she stays busy despite not living in a major city What she’s learned about pricing, getting clients, and the tricky waters of navigating freelance projects And more! For the full show notes, including links to everything mentioned, head over to the Successful Fashion Designer website! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

In this special episode, check out Heidi’s interview on the Spirit of 608 podcast. The interview, which originally aired in March 2018, focuses on her work as a freelance fashion designer, and Heidi doles out tons of valuable freelancing advice for the fashion industry. She talks candidly about her fashion journey, sharing the highs, the lows, and the lessons she learned the hard way on her way to creating work and a lifestyle she loves. It was a direction she never expected to go, but now that she knows how freelancing can change a designer’s life, Heidi wants to share what she’s learned with YOU. In the interview (which you’ll love), we will cover: Heidi’s journey from graphic design school to Successful Fashion Designer Why having your own label may not be as glamorous as it seems The “dream” jobs that Heidi walked away from How she found her perfect fit as a designer Tips for fashion freelancers looking for their first clients How doing less as a freelancer actually helps you earn more What you should do differently when you’re pitching for freelance work (or ANY type of job!) Where to start when setting your rates And more! For the full show notes, including links to resources and people mentioned, head to the Successful Fashion Designer website! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Have you been dreaming of beginning a freelance career, but don’t know where to start? Or maybe you’ve been freelancing for a while, but you still have a ton of questions! Between pricing, juggling projects, finding clients and resources, and more, it can be overwhelming to navigate the fashion freelancing world alone. In this special AMA episode, two 6-figure+ freelance fashion designers, answer YOUR freelancing questions. For the full show notes, including links, resources, and more, head to Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

(On this special episode, I get personal. If that's not your thing, no worries--it's back to fashion insider interviews on the very next episode!) I got bad news spring 2017 when I was 35. My husband and I were in line at the airport heading to Costa Rica when my phone rang. It was my doctor with test results, so I answered with "I’m heading on vacation, don’t tell me anything, I’ll call you in 10 days." Instead, she blurted out, "you’re in menopause, and you’ll probably never get pregnant." In the middle of the airport, I burst into tears. It’s been a long 2.5 years since we got that phone call, and my husband Marc and I have dealt with a lot. During this time, we have also learned that what we’re going through is actually REALLY COMMON. Infertility affects 1 in 8 couples, and female factor is more common than male. Since I know that the majority of my followers are women between 25-45, something like this will affect A LOT of you. And so I feel some sort of obligation to talk openly about it for a few reasons: ✅ Education and awareness (I had no idea this was an issue until it hit me) ✅ To help you feel less alone (this stuff can be taboo, but it shouldn’t) ✅ To give you a chance to share your story (and tell you mine). This week is Thanksgiving here in the US, and I’m happy to tell you that Marc and I have a lot to be thankful for. If you’re going through any type of infertility, my deepest thoughts are with you. I’m 100% transparent about what we’ve experienced and want to see this topic become more approachable for everyone. If you have questions, want a shoulder to lean on, or care to share your story, I’m here for you. Email me anytime. Click here to join the last round of FAST!

When you first decide to work in the fashion industry, going to fashion school can seem like the one thing you need to score your dream job. But as many fashion graduates discover, completing that degree is only one step in the complicated and sometimes frustrating process of breaking into the industry. In this interview, designer Kate Norkeliunas shares all the details of how she landed her first design job with a well-known company right out of college--without having to work retail, take unpaid work, or move back home! In the interview (which you’ll love), we will cover: How she decided to change her major to fashion after pursuing a different field for 2 years What she did to boost her chances of getting an interview What she did for interviews that helped her stand out The dream job that didn’t happen How she scored her first design job right out of college What it was like starting her first job for a big company in NYC What she does as an assistant designer and the part she plays in the design and production process The biggest part of her job--that she DIDN’T learn in fashion school The biggest lesson from her first year working in fashion And more! For the full show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to our website, Successful Fashion Designer! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Is it possible to start a successful fashion brand when your niche is super small? Meet Erika Neumayer Ehrat of Rare Dirndl. Her full time job is designing and selling dirndls. Never found yourself desperately scouring the web for the perfect dirndl? We’re not surprised! It’s such a tiny niche market, it may not seem like a sustainable business model. But by knowing her customer so well that she’s even given her a name, Erika makes a living creating something extremely special for a small but dedicated customer base. In the interview (which you’ll love), we will cover: What even is a dirndl, anyway? The smart moves Erika made early on in her business What she learned from her years doing festivals and pop-up shops Why Erika narrowed her already small niche down further… ...and even further, and how she got super clear on her ideal customer The second ideal customer avatar that surprised her What she’s learned about creating a website to sell your designs How blogging on other topics helps her find her customers How she handles returns and custom designs The marketing strategy that works for her today And more! For the full show notes, head to the SFD website! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Fashion is a tough scene. Even when you manage to break into the fashion industry, how do you get into your dream category? With so much competition for design jobs, it seems like luck can play the biggest factor in many designer’s careers. But what if you could make luck work for you? In this episode, we spoke to Allion Juhasz. Allison has spent ten years in the industry, designing for big outdoor apparel names like Scott, UnderArmor, Obermeyer, and Ultimate Direction. These opportunities were open to Allison because she made the right moves at the right times. She readily admits that she’s been lucky--but she shares tons of ways that you can become lucky too! Follow her lead, and boost your chances of getting to design for the category YOU want most. In the interview (which you’ll love), we will cover: How she got into fashion--with a bachelor’s in marine biology How she got “lucky” with jobs--again and again! Why she left her first dream job (and what she would have done differently) Why she quit another job many designers would kill for--without a job lined up! Her tips for networking when it doesn’t come naturally to you How she has scored more great opportunities over the years Why working for a big brand isn’t always the best option How she spends her days in a smaller company with diverse aspects to her role Details about the product design and development process And more! Resources & People Mentioned Allison on Instagram Allison on LinkedIn Ultimate Direction Successful Fashion Designer: Free Resources for Fashion Designers! Enjoy the show? Help us out by: Rating us on iTunes – it really helps! Subscribing on iTunes Subscribing on YouTube Subscribing on Stitcher Subscribing on Google Play Subscribing on Spotify Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Sometimes it seems like there are as many ways to sell your fashion brand as there are types of fabric! But when you’re starting a fashion brand, should you sell your pieces on consignment? On this show, you’ll hear from Sam Murkoff. Sam’s brand, Manhattan Knights, was born when he started refashioning vintage tee shirts for himself and his friends in middle school. Sam got his brand where it is today by starting small, leveraging the ability to sell his work on consignment, and knocking on a LOT of doors. In the interview he shares details on everything he did in the first few years of launching a fashion brand. In the interview (which you’ll love), we will cover: How Sam transitioned from making shirts for his friends to selling to the public Why his brand was a little too niche, and what he did about it How he self-funded the early days of his brand The hugely valuable job that most people underestimate How he chose the first factory that produced his designs The little ways he made his pieces feel more upscale How working with a showroom helped evolve his brand Why he let go of one of the core tenets of his original brand The pros and cons of selling on consignment as a new designer The CRAZY way he got the word out about his brand And more! It started with tee shirts Despite a lifelong interest in fashion, Sam Murkoff didn’t intend to become a fashion designer. In his early teens, he cut up and reassembled garments, infusing his own unique style into clothes for himself and his friends. When he got to college, he majored in theater and began working in luxury retail. Aside from a little screenprinting, design wasn’t really on his mind. But when he realized he needed a creative outlet, he started making shirts again. That’s when Manhattan Knights really began. NYC Streetwear Sam quickly discovered that there was more interest in the clothes he was creating than just his inner circle. When the screen printer he’d been using encouraged him to get his work out there, he started offering his designs on consignment at small boutiques. This first line of streetwear, which played on his private school experience and satirized some major brands, came to be known as Cease & Desist. It appealed to a niche New York audience that grew his confidence and convinced him to make a real go at launching a brand. Bold Moves Since that first success, Sam has faced a steep learning curve. He’s continued to sell his work on consignment, worked with a showroom, and changed his production methods repeatedly. He’s now designing clothing that takes the sardonic humor of his early designs to a cut-and-sew line that transcends season and defies description. He’s had to pivot over and over in the process of creating a fashion brand that can actually sell. He also made one of the boldest moves we’ve heard of to publicize his fledgeling label! Through it all, Sam has kept his eye on the goal of taking his bold inspiration and irreverent sartorial attitude to a wider market, without losing the essence of where Manhattan Knights began. Resources & People Mentioned Manhattan Knights on Instagram Sam Murkoff on Instagram Shop Manhattan Knights Enjoy the show? Help us out by: Rating us on iTunes – it really helps! Subscribing on iTunes Subscribing on YouTube Subscribing on Stitcher Subscribing on Google Play Subscribing on Spotify Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Starting a fashion brand from scratch is a massive challenge. And when you don’t have big investors and influential connections, it can seem impossible. But these three young entrepreneurs found a way to beat the odds and make their brand a reality. Meet Salvatore Graci, Angelo Acquista, and Luca Graci, founders of luxury streetwear brand CSNV (Casanova). Their passion and seemingly endless determination helped them take CSNV from just an idea to the runway at LA Fashion Week and beyond. It sounds like a fairytale, but it wasn’t an easy journey. They share their highs, their lows, and the many lessons they learned along the way! In the interview (which you’ll love), we will cover: The first steps Salvo, Angelo, and Luca took when they decided to launch a brand How they made cold emailing work for them The personality traits that helped make them successful What moves helped them grow their brand’s exposure--and what fell flat! How they went about finding factories that could produce their designs (when searching on the internet got them nowhere!) The marketing campaign that failed, and how they regained their footing Why they turned down a huge investor How they got ready for LA Fashion Week When they quit their day jobs And more! “WHY NOT?” Luca, Angelo, and Salvatore were all less than 24 years old when they decided to turn their passion for elevated, Italian-inspired streetwear into a label of their own. It started with a phone call. Salvatore and Angelo had joked about starting a fashion line since high school, but a few years later, Salvo called Angelo and told him they should really do it. Angelo’s response? “Why not?” They had no experience and no real connections in the industry when they started. Yet in less than two years they went from cold-emailing influencers from Instagram, to being invited to LA Fashion Week. IT WASN’T ALWAYS EASY The road wasn’t without its obstacles. The guys recall starting out with optimism and enthusiasm, but they had plenty of setbacks. They sent hundreds of emails that never got a response. They made trip after trip to Italy to search for factories and suppliers, spending their savings and coming back exhausted, with nothing to show for it. “We’d come back from a trip and feel like we're still at zero. We're like, what? We just spent so much money, we spent so much time and effort... and yet we're still at zero. So what do we do?” What they did was keep on going. Although they all had times where they wanted to give up, eventually they found their footing, and gained the traction they needed to turn Casanova into a successful brand. DISCOVERING WHAT’S NEXT The guys and their brand are still evolving. Since recording the episode, they’ve rebranded again, and they’re still working on new pieces and new ways of getting their designs seen all over the world. One thing’s for sure: from “No way,” to the jetway, to the runway, these three were relentless in pursuing their dream. And it’s just the beginning. Resources & People Mentioned CSNVstudio.com CSNV on Instagram Enjoy the show? Help us out by: Rating us on iTunes – it really helps! Subscribing on iTunes Subscribing on YouTube Subscribing on Stitcher Subscribing on Google Play Subscribing on Spotify Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Whether you’re still in fashion school, or you’re looking toward your next opportunity, you’re probably wondering how to stand out in your fashion career. In such a competitive industry, it can feel like an uphill battle to even get noticed by fashion hiring managers among stiff competition. On this episode, we talk to London designer Barbara Houghton. With over 15 years of experience in the fashion industry, Barbara has been on both ends of the hiring process, and she wants to share what she’s learned about standing out in fashion and always getting the job! In the interview (which you’ll love), we will cover: Important things to look for when choosing a fashion school--because not all programs do this! The downside to working for high-end brands early in your career What Barbara did before the interview for her first job to give herself an edge (it’s something you should definitely be doing, too!) How Barbara survived her first job in London, and the realities of starting your fashion career in a major city The super creative way Barbara scored her next job as a fashion designer Her experience in a super creative role… and why she decided to leave it How she transitioned to working for a brand she really loves As a hiring manager, the top things she looks for when interviewing potential hires And more! EVOLVING SUCCESS From landing her first job in the fashion industry before she even finished fashion school, to working as a senior designer for a major supplier, UK fashion designer Barbara Houghton knows what it takes to get noticed by employers in the fashion industry. Over the course of her career, Barbara has gone from an assistant job she compares to The Devil Wears Prada to leading a division for one of the biggest suppliers of UK highstreet fashion. Through creativity and an intelligent and intentional approach to the job market, Barbara has been able to consistently move forward in her career. She has managed to always land that next great opportunity as her goals and desires have evolved. BREAKING IN Barbara still recalls feeling lucky to have found a job in fashion starting right after graduation (and she tells us how she did it!). Barbara didn’t have the advantage of her family paying for her education. So when she graduated from fashion school, she had to begin repaying her loans while surviving in London on a shoestring salary. That first job was incredibly demanding, with long hours and little reward. But putting in her time and giving 100% to that entry level position was worth it--when she was ready to move on, she was told she was very employable, because she “had worked in one of the hardest places there is to work.” MAKING OPPORTUNITIES COUNT Barbara happily moved on to bigger and better things, from creating collections start to finish for a highstreet boutique, to spotting trends for Miss Selfridge. She traveled the world as a freelance fashion designer for brands like New Look, Tesco, and Joy, before moving on to building and running a successful department for a major highstreet supplier. Barbara’s hard work and creative moves have taken her far in her fashion career. With a little determination and Barbara’s smart approach to job success, you too can stand out, upgrade your fashion career, and score the opportunity you’ve been dreaming of! Resources & People Mentioned Barbara’s Instagram University of Central Lancashire WGSN Enjoy the show? Help us out by: Rating us on iTunes – it really helps! Subscribing on iTunes Subscribing on YouTube Subscribing on Stitcher Subscribing on Google Play Subscribing on Spotify Click here to join the last round of FAST!

It's a summer of your favorite episodes! This episode, which originally aired June 12, 2017, was nominated as one listeners loved! In this episode I’m chatting with Chris Kidd, founder of Style Careers, the largest fashion only job listing site. With inside access to fashion industry employers and exposure to job seekers at their career fairs, Chris has learned what works - and what doesn't - in the job hunting process. We discussed the importance of presenting yourself as a modern candidate, what sectors of the industry are booming, and the most important information to include on your resume. You will learn: What the first inch of your resume must include to catch the employer's attention What parts of the industry are dying, and what parts are booming Guidance for young job seekers and advice for breaking into the industry Advice for older job seekers to stay up to date and relevant The importance of taking risks How fashion is competing with other "must have" items and why designers need to be aware of this Why the fashion industry is in a rut and what designers need to do to break out of it Guest Info & Resources: Style Careers job search site Style Portfolios Fashion Career Fairs Style Dispatch for industry news Fashion Retail job search site Enjoy the show? You can help us out by: Rating us on iTunes - it really helps! Subscribing on iTunes - I appreciate each and every one of you! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

It's a summer of your favorite episodes! This episode, which originally aired November 26, 2018, was nominated as one listeners loved! Being a lingerie designer is its own unique and interesting niche of working in the fashion industry. There are tons of different things you have to think about compared to designing, let’s say, shirts or jackets. But it’s a pretty cool job! Laurie Van Jonsson knows this firsthand. From launching her own lingerie brand that was sold in TopShop to working for other companies, she knows the ins and outs of being a lingerie designer. Her 15 years of experience make her an expert in this category, and in this interview, she shares it all. From how she broke into the lingerie industry, how she sold her designs to global retailers, and how she ultimately became a freelance lingerie designer. In the interview (which you’ll love) we cover: Designing within constraints and restrictions in the lingerie design industry (that’s how she found her niche!) The mistakes (many people make) of trying to cater to too many markets Working with large manufacturers as a lingerie designer Having the passion and belief in your product to sew it all yourself (by hand!) How to be the lingerie designer that stands out with major retail buyers (being “pest-like” was described as a positive trait here!) How Laurie started blogging, grew her business, wrote and published a book, and managed the supply and demand for niche lingerie sizes. How Laurie’s freelance work built off of the momentum of her other projects The mistakes people make when starting their own fashion brand Advice on the best way to start strong, save time, and save money Working with people as a freelancer in the lingerie fashion industry Setting clear expectations and scope with freelance clients How Laurie built a foundation of inbound referrals that led to projects The challenges of working with people across the globe And so much more! Freelance Designer with Lingerie Leanings Laurie van Johnson, a lingerie designer who started out in the industry back in 2003, first worked as a lingerie designer for brands, but quickly built her own brand of full cup, small back bras that she's sold throughout the world, including TopShop. Laurie now works as a freelance fashion designer working with other startup brands to help them launch labels and get patterns, grading, and tech packs all in order so that their bras and lingerie fit perfectly. After fifteen years in the fashion industry, she has great stories and loads of advice for freelancers and budding branders alike. Laurie has a rich history in the fashion industry. She studied Fashion and Textiles in school, and focused her obsession with detail into lingerie and swimwear as soon as she could. She focused her expertise on a small niche of the lingerie market, and quickly became an expert in the industry. She wrote “How to Become a Lingerie Designer” in 2012, and currently specializes in working with startup designers. Advice for Every Fashion Designer Laurie draws up designs, writes spec sheets, produces tech packs, and provides consultation for the startup lingerie designers of the world. She launched Van Jonsson Design again in September 2018, and she writes technical books, design sheets, and design patterns full time. Laurie spoke about finding her niche, what to charge freelance clients, and how she stood out with major retail buyers. Her passion for her craft is contagious and we know you’ll love hearing about her experience in the lingerie design realm! Resources & People Mentioned Laurie van Jonsson Website Laurie van Jonsson Instagram Vanjo Laurie van Jonsson Facebook Laurie van Jonsson Blog Click here to join the last round of FAST!

It's a summer of your favorite episodes! This episode, which originally aired January 7, 2019, was nominated as one listeners loved. There are a lot of different paths to becoming a freelance fashion designer. And Heather Royer took one I’d never heard of before. Instead of working directly with brands, she got her first freelance opportunity designing for a factory in China. The best part? There are ways you can create the same freelance opportunities for yourself, and she shares step by step her best advice to do this. In her 20+ years in the industry, Heather has worked for brands like Target, LL Bean, REI and Talbots. She now runs a team of 9 full time fashion designers located around the world while working remote from her home in south Florida. And it all started with one freelance gig from LinkedIn. In the interview (which you’ll love) we will cover: The simple change you can make to your LinkedIn profile to attract brands or factories looking for freelancers How to turn one freelance project into many to get more work and make more money What brands are looking for when interviewing and hiring freelance fashion designers How to give your opinion and feedback about design without sounding pushy or negative Why staying in touch with past coworkers and industry friends can make or break your success (even if you’re uncomfortable “networking”) What Heather’s transition from working as an employee to working freelance looked like and how you can do the same What Heather learned at her first (big!) freelance project for a Chinese company How she made the decision to start hiring designers to help her The skills Heather looks for in her own freelance candidates-for-hire How Heather runs her freelance business and the freelancers that work for her FROM 4H TO FASHION Heather Royer has created a job for herself that is unlike anything we’ve heard of before here at Successful Fashion Designer. But like most fashion designers, fashion was just a hobby in her early life. But she did get an early start! Heather was in 4H when she was little (the kids club that does hands-on projects surrounding health, science, and agriculture), and loved the sewing aspect of the group. She started making clothing when she was 7 years old! We’d say “the rest is history,” but we’d be leaving a lot out (like when she worked for the park service in Alaska building hiking trails–how cool is that??). Knowing she always had a passion for working in the fashion industry, she took fashion classes on the side, and then made the commitment to going to Rhode Island School of Design. She started designing kids’ outdoor clothes (talk about blending her loves), and then got a great first job as “just” an assistant–but she loved it! It was “the bottom of the barrel,” but she got great exposure to the industry that way. THEN CAME THE FREELANCING Heather’s freelancing career came about as more of a necessity–she wanted to move to Florida, but knew there weren’t going to be a lot of jobs in the fashion industry. So she took her fate into her own hands: she started working on her portfolio, working on her own projects, and branching out. She started her own jewelry line, and got a taste of business for herself. When one of her contacts on LinkedIn reached out to her about an opportunity, she was ready. This is where her career path delved into the unknown. Much like her work for the park service, Heather made her own… fashion-hiking-trail, if you will. What started as a simple proposal for a factory in China for men’s cold weather goods turned into a huge project and eventually a team of 9 full-time designers working for her. How? Partly the usual way: she gave it her all. She worked long long (long) hours, did tight turns, bent over backwards. But she also vocalized her ideas, drew on her previous experience, and eventually started outsourcing her workload to other freelancers, as well. Freelancing begets more freelancing! As much as she cringed at “networking,” she made it work with her friends and contacts. SUCCESSFUL (FREELANCE) FASHION DESIGNER Now that she’s the Vice President of Design and Operations for Weihai Luda Company, Heather is still looking forward. She has plans to build a private label, her own brands, and chooses to think of her company as an investment portfolio that she diversifies and keeps flexible. Heather’s rich experience building her own business has led to enormous insight into the life of a successful freelance fashion designer, and her advice is applicable to almost any fashion designer. She’s learned how to delegate, how to build a team, how to outline tangible results, and how to make sure things are getting done, all while acknowledging that the fashion industry is “not always glamorous. If you can see the humor in that, it’ll go a lot farther.” We loved hearing Heather’s inspirational story–you really can create the job you want! Resources & People Mentioned Heather Royer on LinkedIn Enjoy the show? Help us out

It's a summer of your favorite episodes! This episode, which originally aired May 28, 2018, was nominated as one listeners loved. The fashion job search process is not one to be taken lightly. Thankfully, my guest for this episode of The Successful Fashion Designer is Shellie Simpson, the Fashion Division Talent Director at Atrium Staffing. Shellie and her team at Atrium are creating a more personable relationship between top talent candidates and recruiters. She shares her 4 best practices for aspiring fashion professionals, and her insights will surely make your job search process easier and more enjoyable. She also explains the common freelance/employee dilemma, how to get started with a talent recruiter, and the one area that should NOT be the biggest highlight in post-internship interviews. Shellie shares this advice in a transparent and honest way that you don’t want to miss. Shellie’s best advice for presenting your portfolio in an effective way A fashion professional’s most effective tool is their portfolio – a creative display of your most effective ideas and a showcase of your design process. Shellie explains that interviewers want to see your work in Adobe Creative Suite programs and how you complete your design process. It’s also critical to demonstrate through your portfolio where you draw your inspiration from. Regarding the size of your portfolio, you can highlight your capabilities without overwhelming your interviewer. Including every project since your fashion school days may not be necessary – ensure you tailor your portfolio specifically for every company. Hear the full details on why portfolios can be your biggest asset when completed well by listening to this episode. Resumes receive 6 seconds worth of attention – make yours stand out! Resumes go through trends, just as every other segment in the fashion industry. The current best practice is to keep it simple! Shellie explains that many interviewers favor easy to scan, bullet-point format resumes. Results-driven resume language can also set you apart from the competition. Go beyond just a list of tasks that you performed! Be sure to explain if one of your designs became a best-seller, or if you increased revenue by a certain percentage. Shellie also explains the importance of letting your recruiter and/or interviewer know about any gaps in employment that may be on your resume. It will come up in conversation, and it’s important to explain why the gap is present and what you were working on during that time period. Remember, the average interviewer only spends 6 seconds per resume, so yours needs to highlight your best achievements in a succinct, engaging way. Perfect these interviewing skills and land your dream job! After you’ve worked with a recruiter, fine-tuned your resume, and perfected your portfolio the final step is to interview in-person with an employer. If you chose to work with a recruiter, they will help prepare you for the interview because they know the client. It’s essential to research the company and know their product well before walking through the door. You should also study your own resume ahead of time. Develop ways to explain your resume in an engaging, storytelling manner. Consider bringing printed tech packs, swatches, knits, or other physical items to supplement your portfolio and resume. Shellie explains, “Whatever physical items you decide to bring, they should show how you’re always drawing inspiration from the world around you.” Keeping everything organizing, being authentic and relatable, and asking questions are sure to allow you the greatest chances of success in your in-person interviews. For more tips, don’t miss this episode. This one step is key for success in your post-graduation fashion job search The most important takeaway from this episode of The Successful Fashion Designer is the importance of internships. Shellie says that “They’re so key to getting a position in the industry, and they’ll help elevate you moving forward.” Internships completed while in school and post-graduation will allow you to build your network and work on “real world” projects. Even if they are unpaid opportunities, don’t immediately shy away from them. The academic credit and resume-building experience alone will put you light years ahead of students who have fewer internships under their belt. The sweat equity will be worth it, we promise. Don’t miss the rest of this conversation with Shellie, you’ll be glad you listened! Connect with Shellie Connect with Shellie on LinkedIn Email Shellie Atrium Staffing website Follow Atrium Staffing on Twitter Follow Atrium Staffing on Facebook Click here to join the last round of FAST!

It's a summer of your favorite episodes! This episode, which originally aired June 26, 2017, was nominated as one listeners loved. Being a freelance textile designer can feel like a daunting process to tackle. It’s hard to figure out how to price your work and whether or not you should work with an agency or print house. Which is why I’m so excited to share the latest episode of the Successful Fashion Designer podcast with Michelle Fifis, founder of Pattern Observer and creator of the Textile Design Lab, a blog and community that helps creatives grow their textile design business. Michelle’s done textile work for Columbia Sportswear, Lucy Activewear, Jantzen Swimwear, Perry Ellis and had been featured in Stylesight.com, Elle Decor, and Nordstrom. In the interview, she shares how she got started and worked her way up in the industry, her strategy for leaving her full time job to start freelancing, and how she grew her blog into a successful online business. Michelle and I also talked about how to choose and start working with an agency or print house, how to stay motivated when you feel deflated, and not only how to price your work, but how to gracefully raise your prices. You will learn: -The role a textile designer plays in the fashion world -The pros and cons of working with an agent or print house -How to rediscover your creativity when you feel stuck -The importance of having patience with your career growth -How to stay up to date on trends if you don’t have access to expensive services like WGSN -The importance of having a community and not working in a vacuum. Guest Info & Resources: Pattern Observer blog Why it’s okay to take a break from social media Surtex textile show Vogue. Enjoy the show? You can help us out by: Rating us on iTunes – it really helps! Subscribing on iTunes – I appreciate each and every one of you! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

It's a summer of your favorite episodes! This episode, which originally aired October 30, 2017, was nominated as one listeners loved. Attending a trade show is expensive, so before you go, make sure you’re fully prepared. Get industry expert advice from Trish of DG Expo to make the most of your textile trade show visits. Learn what mistakes you should avoid, and how to walk away with the right fabrics, trims and contacts for your fashion brand. Trish has worked with companies that support startup and indie designers since 2009. Her breadth of knowledge isn’t just around trade shows, but the business that goes on behind launching and building a successful brand. From how to get started to ensure success (yes, it includes finances and costing) to how to make the most of your trade show visit, she’s extremely knowledgeable and graciously shared tons of tips during our interview. If you’re launching a label, you don’t want to miss this episode. You’ll discover not only how to make your trade show visit worthwhile, but also hear Trish’s insights on making it as a startup designer. You will learn: When you should attend your first tradeshow (hint: it’s sooner than you think) How to prepare for a successful show Why follow up after the show is the most important part of building relationships The difference between sourcing at a small show like DG Expo vs a large show like Magic How to explain to suppliers what you want if you don’t speak the right lingo Guest Info & Resources: DG Expo Website Nineteenth Amendment California Apparel News Enjoy the show? You can help us out by: Rating us on iTunes – it really helps! Subscribing on iTunes – I appreciate each and every one of you! Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Working in the fashion industry can be brutal. The long days, late nights, and cutthroat competition can make balancing a fashion career and motherhood seem impossible. But the reality is that women everywhere are finding ways to make it work. While there’s no magic answer for every situation, there are many ways to balance a career in fashion with being a mom. In today’s episode, you’ll hear from Karrie Foley. Karrie has a successful career as a freelance fashion designer, and has done it all while raising four young children. She’s here to share some of her secrets for success! In the interview (which you’ll love), we will cover: How Karrie got started working in the fashion industry Why a “top” fashion design school isn’t always the best option How Karrie managed to grow her career without living in New York or LA How she kept working after the birth of her first child What she did to get back into the fashion industry after taking three years off! How she jumped across fashion design categories and avoided getting pigeonholed What Karrie believes have been the keys to her continued success (Hint: You can do this too!) How she landed a great job right out of college Why it’s worth it to be kind in an unkind industry How Karrie is balancing her fashion design career with motherhood today And more! STARTING RIGHT From a young age, Karrie Foley knew she wanted to work in the fashion industry. Like many young aspiring designers, she dreamed of attending Parsons or FIT. But when the time came for college, her parents encouraged her to stay open to other options. Karrie ultimately settled on the University of Cincinnati, and that decision would have a profound effect on the direction of her fashion career. When she graduated, Karrie was able to turn an internship with Limited Too into a full-time job. From there, she went on to work for other big brands, including Disney Stores and Lane Bryant. LIFE HAPPENS When Karrie became pregnant with her first child, she knew things would have to change. As a full-time fashion designer, she’d been working long hours that she knew she couldn’t sustain once her baby was born. She originally planned to resign. But her hard work, and her great relationship with her boss, lead to a rare part-time position. That gave her the opportunity to work in the fashion industry while raising her first and second children. Karrie did eventually take time off when she had twins. But when she was ready, she managed to jump back into the industry--with multiple offers! BALANCING ACT Today, Karrie works full-time hours as a freelance designer for Thirty-One Gifts. She puts a lot into her job, and still makes time to be there with her kids. While she doesn’t have a perfect life, Karrie shows us that it’s really possible to balance motherhood with a successful career in fashion. Resources & People Mentioned Karrie’s Instagram Karrie on LinkedIn Karrie’s Facebook University of Cincinnati DAAP School of Design Thirty-One Gifts Enjoy the show? Help us out by: Rating us on iTunes – it really helps! Subscribing on iTunes Subscribing on YouTube Subscribing on Stitcher Subscribing on Google Play Subscribing on Spotify Click here to join the last round of FAST!

Kimberly Ponniah didn’t take the typical route into the fashion world. Yet through grit and perseverance, she went from knowing almost nothing about the industry to running a successful fashion design business. She now works full-time designing her own line of accessories, Wild June. Through years of experience, Kimberly learned how to use festival vending and more to grow a fashion brand from the ground up. From the euphoria of a successful launch to hating her business, she has been through highs and lows. Now, she’s sharing what she learned with you. In the interview (which you’ll love), we will cover: How Kimberly got started in her fashion design career What she did to make her first-ever festival a success What it’s like working with factories as an unknown designer How Kimberly dealt with a factory that couldn’t deliver on its promises Kimberly’s sink-or-swim moment--and how she managed to make the most of a product disaster! How she used exposure at festivals to build her customer base How Kimberly funded the early years of her fashion design business without burning out What she learned from her experiences with trade shows, wholesaling, and working with a showroom--and what she wishes she had done differently How Kimberly missed out on her dream account--Twice!! How WildJune has evolved to earn 5X the income The most valuable resources Kimberly relied on as a new fashion designer And more! FROM BUSINESS SCHOOL TO THE BUSINESS OF FASHION Kimberly didn’t grow up dreaming of a career in fashion design. In college, she studied business. But she never quite fit in. After she graduated, she realized she’d chosen the wrong major. When she started traveling and fell in love with India, she knew she wanted to build a career that would let her spend more time there. In 2011, after a lot of research and some fateful advice from a business advisor, Kimberly decided to start her own line of belt bags. Since she didn’t have any background in fashion, she knew she would need help. She started with an ad on Craigslist for a technical designer. That’s how she met Liz, who became an invaluable advisor and friend. Liz helped Kimberly learn the ropes and plan for the ups and downs of starting out as a new fashion designer. Together they finalized Kimberly’s designs and put her very first sample run into production. Kimberly quit her job and let go of her apartment before she even received the first shipment of her new accessories. The day she received her products, she barely looked at them before putting the box in her car and driving ten hours to set up as a vendor outside Burning Man. She wasn’t even sure she’d be accepted as a vendor! Kimberly’s courage paid off. She was allowed to sell at the bazaar, and that first festival was a huge success. Kimberly sold almost everything she had brought. But getting started in the fashion design business isn’t always smooth sailing. FACTORY FAIL Kimberly happily returned to India, and spent six months there looking for factories to put her line into production. Finding factories as an unknown fashion designer was hard work, and she had to figure things out as she went. It didn’t get easier after choosing a factory. Her first production run was delayed by months. And when it came, things got worse. Kimberly had put down $7,000–a huge amount to her, yet only a third of the factory’s minimum order. And instead of the beautiful belt bags she’d been waiting for, she found herself neck deep in merchandise that was literally falling apart. She could have let that setback derail her. Instead, she set out to get those belts sold. Not only did she do it, but in the process she even grew her brand’s reputation and following. “I was in it for the long haul,” she remembers. It was her sink-or-swim moment, and she asked herself, “Am I gonna sink, or am I gonna swim? I’m a swimmer. I’m gonna swim through this.” LEARNING THE HARD (AND HARDER) WAY At that time, Kimberly was working all kinds of “mindless” jobs in order to support her budding fashion business. She was physically exhausted, but she kept her mind on her business goals. Part of that was making her first visit to the MAGIC fashion trade show in Las Vegas. There she met Roger, the owner of a factory in Indonesia. He could produce her designs at a much better quality—with no minimums. This was a major turning point for her fashion design business. Now she had products that matched quality she wanted to be known for. Although she had found a great niche market, Kimberly wanted to grow her business and branch out from the festival scene. She’d been vending at 13 festivals a year and was ready for a change. So, she brought her new designs to another trade show in New York. That show was another big success. Not only did she write a ton of orders, but she was also noticed by wholesale giant ShopBop. Wholesale was a different animal. Although her belts sold well, Kimberly had to adjust how she did things. There were intense shipping req