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

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!

Show Notes

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!

What is Fashion Designers Get Paid: Build Your Fashion Career On Your Own Terms?

This is a show for burnt-out fashion designers (and TDs, PDs, patternmakers and beyond) who want more flexibility while still doing work they love. As a freelance fashion designer, you can build your fashion career on your own terms. Freelancing in fashion is the only way to get freedom in your day (instead of being tied to a desk). Whether you want to earn extra money on the side, fund your fashion brand, or replace your salary, the FDGP podcast will help you get there. Listen in for actionable tips and strategies to kickstart or grow your career as a freelance fashion designer, build your confidence, and create the life you want. Hosted by $100k+ fashion freelancer Sew Heidi, the show features interviews and strategy sessions with successful freelance fashion designers from around the world who've ditched toxic fashion jobs and taken control of their own destinies. This is the only place to get REAL insights from REAL freelancers who have built REAL careers on their own terms. (Formerly the Successful Fashion Freelancer podcast.)