The Successful Fashion Designer

Imagine being slammed with client work… deadlines piling up… and still looking at your income like, “Wait—why doesn’t this match how hard I’m working?” That was Ingrid Lange—fully booked, wildly underpaid, and what she calls a “busy fool.” In this episode, Ingrid breaks down how she shifted from underpriced project work, to hourly for protection, and then back to premium project pricing based on value—plus how she doubled her rate with existing clients and got zero pushback. Quick heads up: we had a few choppy connection moments early on, but the insights are gold. Let’s dive in.About Ingrid:Ingrid Lange is a technical fashion designer who helps turn designs into physical, sellable products. She works across the full product development journey—from tech packs and global factory and material sourcing to prototype fittings and sustainable decisions. Ingrid has lived and worked in Bangladesh on assignment for major international brands, fully immersed in large-scale factory environments and overseeing product d

If your freelance strategy is “wait and hope a client emails me,” this episode is your wake-up call. Rebecca Kendall was in that exact spot—an experienced freelancer with great work under her belt, but relying too heavily on her network. That changed when she sent a simple visual follow-up to a past client... and it turned into a $4,000 project. We talk about the mindset shift that helped her get intentional, the niche pivot that made her more confident, and why you don’t need a giant audience to grow—you just need a plan. Let’s get into it.About Rebecca:Rebecca Kendall runs a creative and conscious textile design studio specializing in original print design, production ready placement prints and repeats with a focus on natural fibers and ethical production. Woven and printed checks are a speciality with florals, textures and playful illustration also featuring heavily. Fiber and sustainable sourcing, direction and advice is a passion and future focus for the studio.Connect with Rebecca: Follow her on Instagr

What if you could skip the job application—and still land the client? That’s exactly what JoAnne Hopkins did when she spotted a job post on Indeed, did a little sleuthing, and cold-pitched the founder directly. The result? A $7,800 freelance project doing what she loves most: tech design. In this episode, JoAnne shares how she turned burnout from running her own brand into clarity, confidence, and a booked-out freelance business she actually enjoys. If you’ve ever questioned your niche, your path, or your pricing—this episode will give you real talk, real strategy, and a whole lot of permission to do things your own way.Resources:266: From Self-Doubt and a Factory Job to Freelance Biz Owner: Caroline’s One-Year TransformationAbout JoAnne:JoAnne is an apparel technical design leader with over a decade of experience specializing in men’s swim and surf, as well as women’s swim, surf, activewear, resort, and lifestyle apparel. She has collaborated with both established brands and start-ups to bring exceptional pr

What if you could freelance *and* keep your full-time fashion job—without getting burned out, breaking any rules, or making your boss mad? That’s exactly what Mia Vasquez has figured out. As a seasoned tech designer in the workwear industry, she’s also built a sustainable freelance business on the side—and she does it all with full transparency and zero burnout. In this episode, Mia shares how she sets client boundaries, juggles the workload, and navigates the tricky topic of non-compete conflicts. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I really freelance while working full-time?”—this episode will show you how it’s done.About Mia:Mia Vasquez is a Technical Designer specializing in workwear, with extensive experience in plus-size fitting and garment development. She currently works in the corporate fashion industry while also supporting independent clients in building their personal clothing lines. Mia is passionate about creating well-constructed, inclusive designs that combine function with exceptional fit.Connect w

Imagine getting laid off—and 18 months later, you’re making more than your old job and booked solid into next year. That’s exactly what happened to today’s guest, Bre Simpson. After a series of life-shaking events, Bre decided she was never going to depend on corporate again. In this episode, she shares how she rebuilt from zero to a thriving freelance business, the scrappy steps that landed her first $250 project, and the systems that now bring her 5‑figure clients. Her story is proof that even when everything falls apart, you can rebuild something even stronger.About Bre:Bre Simpson is a freelance performance and activewear designer who helps new brands launch smarter, not harder. With over a decade of experience at powerhouse companies like Lululemon and Aritzia, she brings deep industry expertise to emerging and small-scale apparel brands. Bre specializes in bridging the gap between creative vision and production reality—offering corporate-level execution without the in-house overhead.Connect with Bre:Vis

Ever wondered how long it really takes to quit your job and go full-time as a freelance fashion designer? For Candice Stokes, it was less than a year. She went from working as an embroidery tech to earning *more* money on her own—working with dream clients and building a business that aligns with her values. In this episode, she shares exactly how she did it, from leveraging Instagram to streamlining her workflow, and what she’s learned since walking away from her 9-to-5.Resources:250: The $6K Freelancer: How She Replaced Her Salary in 30 DaysAbout Candice:Candice Stokes is a technical fashion designer who transforms creative ideas into expertly crafted garments, thanks to her hands-on skills and years of sewing experience. She’s passionate about how clothes tell stories—both cultural and personal—and loves geeking out over why fabric matters as much as fit. Whether she’s sketching, sewing, or decoding a tricky pattern, Candice brings humor and heart to her work (and plenty of coffee).Connect with Caroline:Vi

Imagine being so booked out as a freelancer that you can’t take on a single new client—so you start building a team. That’s where Louise Ryan found herself. In this episode, she shares how she went from solo footwear designer to scaling toward a full-blown agency. We talk about the mindset shifts, growing pains, and strategic moves that helped her evolve beyond a one-woman show. If you’re feeling maxed out and wondering what’s next, Louise’s story is the blueprint you’ve been looking for.Resources:209: From £4k to £12k A Month: How this Freelance Footwear Trend Consultant Did it!About Louise:Louise is an exceptional creative thinker, designer, and trend forecaster who is passionate about the footwear industry. Her drive to stay up-to-date with the latest innovations and fully comprehend the entire process of footwear design and development is truly inspiring. By collaborating with global trend agencies, brands, and factories, she can provide valuable insights that will shape the future of this dynamic industr

In Part 1, Caroline quit her underpaid factory job to run her freelance biz full-time. But what happened next? This episode is where it *really* gets juicy. Caroline opens up about the exact moment she raised her rate to $65/hour—and how terrifying it felt to say it out loud. She nearly backed down. She literally shook through the call. But she did it anyway. And now? She’s getting clients directly from LinkedIn, turning down work that doesn’t fit, and building a business that finally *feels* good. If you’ve ever been scared AF to charge more, set boundaries, or step into your power—this episode is for you.Resources:020: The Step by Step Guide to Fabric Sourcing for Your Fashion Brand (with low minimums) with Jay Arbetman266: From Self-Doubt and a Factory Job to Freelance Biz Owner: Caroline’s One-Year TransformationAbout Caroline:Caroline Kuhlman is a sample maker who specializes in collaborating with pattern makers to bring designs from 2D concepts to real-life garments—faster than factories can. Through he

If you’ve ever wondered *how the heck someone actually quits their job to freelance full-time*—this episode is it. Caroline Kuhlman went from working in a sewing factory, filled with doubt about her skills, to running her own thriving freelance fashion business...in just one year. She had no portfolio, no website, and no idea where to start. But she made it happen. In this episode, you’ll hear exactly how she did it—and the quiet, powerful steps that helped her finally leave a job that was draining the life out of her.Resources:020: The Step by Step Guide to Fabric Sourcing for Your Fashion Brand (with low minimums) with Jay ArbetmanAbout Caroline:Caroline Kuhlman is a sample maker who specializes in collaborating with pattern makers to bring designs from 2D concepts to real-life garments—faster than factories can. Through her hands-on process, clients gain valuable insights that help prevent costly production mistakes. Caroline loves bringing the tech pack, pattern, and materials together for the first time—

In Part 2, we pick up right where we left off—and go deep into the proposal process that helped Jade book aligned, high-paying clients without chasing or convincing. From discovery calls to saying no, you’ll hear exactly how she built a business model around energy alignment and long-term relationships—while raising a newborn.Resources:CLO3DStyle3DChris DoThe Fabricant AILook AINano Banana AI4 Fashion Designers Battle for $500 - Freelancer Pitching Challenge264: How Jade Strategically Prepared Her Freelance Business During Pregnancy (Part 1)About Jade:Jade is a seasoned 3D sartorial streetwear designer, pattern maker, and product developer who previously contributed her technical expertise at Alexander McQueen. Since 2013, has led design innovation through her creative studio, Atelier WCMF.With over 20 years of experience in pattern engineering and garment construction, Jade blends traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge digital tools (such as Clo3D, AI-enabled workflows, and virtual sampling) to streamli

If you've ever wondered how to keep your freelance momentum going during one of the most life-changing transitions—this episode is for you. Jade Wei didn’t wait until after having her baby to get back into freelancing. She made the bold decision to start rebuilding *while* she was pregnant. With no recent work, no active portfolio, and a toddler on the way, she used this time to reset everything—from her niche to her mindset. If you’re in a season of transition or feeling like you need a fresh start, this conversation is going to light a fire under you.Resources:CLO3DStyle3DChris DoThe Fabricant AILook AINano Banana AI4 Fashion Designers Battle for $500 - Freelancer Pitching ChallengeAbout Jade:Jade is a seasoned 3D sartorial streetwear designer, pattern maker, and product developer who previously contributed her technical expertise at Alexander McQueen. Since 2013, has led design innovation through her creative studio, Atelier WCMF.With over 20 years of experience in pattern engineering and garment construct

What if your biggest freelance project started with a LinkedIn message... and didn’t close for another 8 months? That’s exactly how Amanda Cabania landed a $9,000 client for a women’s golf brand. With no website, minimal marketing, and a lot of uncertainty, she wasn’t sure where things would lead—but she stayed patient, followed up, and eventually got the yes. In this episode, Amanda shares how it all played out, what helped her stay grounded through the wait, and what it really looks like to grow a freelance business while raising three kids.About Amanda:Amanda Cabania is a fashion industry professional based in Austin, TX and a proud mom of three young children who keep her on her toes. With 14 years of experience, she began her career in corporate fashion at Forever 21 after graduating from FIDM. While she has a strong background in the corporate world, her true passion lies in supporting and helping small businesses grow. Amanda completed the FAST program just a year ago, and although freelancing is still

Tired of saying yes to everything—and still not getting paid what you’re worth? Martha Fogarty was, too. After years of permalance gigs, unpaid invoices, and murky job titles, she drew a line in the sand. In this episode, Martha shares how getting hyper-clear on her niche and offer flipped the power dynamic, brought in multiple five-figure clients, and helped her build a freelance business that’s finally on her terms. If you’ve ever felt like clarity could change everything—this one proves it can.About Martha:Martha is the founder of LIFTOFF — fashion’s ultimate brand launch lab. Part design school, part business bootcamp, it’s where early-stage founders learn how to build labels that don’t just look good but become successful, profitable companies. She’s spent 25+ years helping companies go from scrappy idea to runway darlings with record-breaking revenues, including Chris Benz and Brandon Maxwell. Along the way, she’s picked up CFDA awards, launched, scaled and sold two brands of her own, and guided dozens

Just because you land a $10K freelance project doesn’t mean it all goes smoothly. Jacqueline’s back to share what *didn’t* go so great—and the one decision she regrets most. We unpack the lessons she’s learning around boundaries, overgiving, and setting clear terms from the start. Whether you’re early in your freelance business or landing big wins yourself, this episode is a must-listen for protecting your time, energy, and value.Resources:260: How Jacqueline Landed Her First $10K+ Freelance Fashion Project (Part 1)196: How This Freelancer Does Sourcing & Product Development for Factories (and is making bank)197: How to Sell Yourself As A Freelance Fashion Designer (without feeling gross) with Nikki Rausch250: The $6K Freelancer: How She Replaced Her Salary in 30 DaysConscious Fashion CollectiveThe Power Pause, Neha Ruch BookAbout Jacqueline:Jacqueline is a freelance denim designer who collaborates with ethical brands. Denim production has significant environmental and social consequences, mainly due to c

You ever wonder what it *actually* takes to land a $10,000+ freelance project in fashion? Jacqueline’s back for her third appearance—and this time, she walks us through how a total stranger found her on Google, filled out her project form, and signed a $10,498 contract without negotiating. We get into the exact pricing strategy, mindset shifts, and proposal she used to close it—and what she did *before* the contract even landed to help seal the deal. Let’s get into it.Resources:196: How This Freelancer Does Sourcing & Product Development for Factories (and is making bank)197: How to Sell Yourself As A Freelance Fashion Designer (without feeling gross) with Nikki Rausch250: The $6K Freelancer: How She Replaced Her Salary in 30 DaysConscious Fashion CollectiveThe Power Pause, Neha Ruch BookAbout Jacqueline:Jacqueline is a freelance denim designer who collaborates with ethical brands. Denim production has significant environmental and social consequences, mainly due to chemical dyes, excessive washing, and u

You’ve probably been told never to say yes to cheap work. But what if that project could launch your freelance career? That’s exactly what Max Guemto did. With no reviews and a fresh Upwork profile, he got a message from a client offering just $150—and instead of walking away, he saw a smart opportunity. In this episode, Max unpacks the mindset, strategy, and communication that made this “cheap” project totally worth it. If you’ve ever debated whether a low-budget job is worth your time, this story will shift your perspective.About Max:Max Guemto is a freelance 3D fashion and activewear designer currently based in Korea. After earning his degree in textile and clothing technology in Germany, he interned across the globe—from lingerie brands to spinning factories—before diving headfirst into freelancing. With a sharp eye for detail and a deeply strategic mindset, Max helps brands bring functional, innovative activewear to life.Connect with Max:Email him at maxguemto@gmail.comCheck out his website Follow on Ins

What if you could build a thriving freelance fashion business… while raising a toddler at home? That’s exactly what Philippa Cooper—aka Pip—has done, working just two days a week. In this episode, Pip shares how she went from a COVID layoff to building a client roster using platforms like PeoplePerHour and LinkedIn. You’ll hear how she doubled project rates, started integrating Clo 3D into her services, and got consistent inquiries without even having a website. If you’re trying to make freelancing work in the margins of your day, Pip’s story proves it’s 100% possible.What if you could build a freelance career during nap time and weekend evenings? That’s exactly what Philippa Cooper—aka Pip—has done. Specializing in technical outerwear, she shares how she turned part-time hours into consistent £1K+ months, how Clo 3D transformed her workflow, and why LinkedIn has become her go-to marketing tool. This episode is packed with real strategies, mindset shifts, and tactical advice for freelancers trying to make it

What happens after you hit $100K on Upwork? For Afroditi, it meant finally stepping away. In this second half of our in-person interview, she shares how she scaled her freelance business, raised her rates, and built a system that brought clients to her. But she also reveals why she chose to leave it all behind. From pricing mindset to proposal tips and her 2025 pivot strategy, this is an honest look at what growth really takes.In Part 2 of our conversation with Afroditi, we pick up after her rocky first year and dive into how she built a stable, high-paying freelance business. She talks about growing from $15 projects to $70/hour clients, using Upwork to teach herself strategy, and why she ultimately chose to leave the platform.Resources:Afroditi's Upwork Profile253: Tabitha’s First $1K Month (and Why She’s Quitting Her Day Job to Go All In on Freelancing)256: From $15 to $100K: Afroditi’s Fashion Freelance Journey on Upwork (Part 1)About Afroditi:Afroditi is a fashion technical designer who earned $100K on U

What if your first freelance project paid just $15 and took a week to complete... would you keep going? In this first episode of our two-part series, I sit down in person with Afroditi, a Greek fashion freelancer who started on Upwork with no clients and no portfolio. She opens up about landing that first $15 sketch job, the fear and uncertainty she faced, and why Upwork felt safer than anything else.Afroditi shares the raw, unfiltered truth of her first year freelancing: her strategies, the emotional toll of working without boundaries, and the surprising reasons she didn’t give up.Listen to this powerful story of grit and growth, especially if you’re just starting out or need a reminder that every expert was once a beginner.Resources:Afroditi's Upwork Profile 253: Tabitha’s First $1K Month (and Why She’s Quitting Her Day Job to Go All In on Freelancing)About Afroditi: Afroditi is a fashion technical designer based in Athens, Greece. She transitioned from teaching cello to fashion, and after a tough start in

Could you land a $75/hour freelance gig without even showing a portfolio? Sara Bleske did—and her story might just change the way you think about pitching.After being laid off from her full-time design job, surface and textile designer Sara Bleske didn’t wait until everything was “ready.” Instead, she led with sincerity, curiosity, and a desire to be helpful—and ended up landing her dream client from a cold email (yes, really). In this episode, Sara opens up about the moment she hit “send,” the nerves that followed when she thought she got ghosted, and the surprising way it all came together.You’ll hear how she navigated the leap into freelancing while juggling motherhood and self-doubt, and how she figured out her niche when her skills felt all over the place. From crafting thoughtful outreach messages to experimenting with social media and tools like ChatGPT, Sara shares the real, raw, and refreshingly simple strategies that helped her get started—and get paid.If you’re new to freelancing or have been at it