The Successful Fashion Designer

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; W

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!

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

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 d

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! 

(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

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

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 cu

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 a

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

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 (whe

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

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 t

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

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 ma

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

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 s

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 worthwhil

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

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