Starting your own fashion brand is the dream for many – but it’s not a walk in the park. In this episode of the SFF podcast, Sofia Luzon recalls the late nights of sewing, packing & shipping, talking with suppliers, and more sewing for her lingerie brand. Not only was it overwhelming, but it took 5 years of dedicated work for Sofia to even pay herself – and even that was less than minimum wage! Then, after attending our Freelance Week last year and learning from some of my free resources, Sofia decided to dip her toes into the world of fashion freelancing. After creating a portfolio, an account on Upwork, and working up the courage to start pitching, she had her first client in just 10 days. Not only is she in complete control of her work life, but she is consulting for brands and hasn’t been without a project since. Listen to this episode to learn how Sofia started her career, and you might want to rethink your journey in starting a brand. Plus, get tips on how Sofia found clients, sent pitches, and gained confidence to have a sustainable income as a fashion design freelancer. For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer!
Show Notes
Starting your own fashion brand is the dream for many – but it’s not a walk in the park. In this episode of the SFF podcast, Sofia Luzon recalls the late nights of sewing, packing & shipping, talking with suppliers, and more sewing for her lingerie brand. Not only was it overwhelming, but it took 5 years of dedicated work for Sofia to even pay herself – and even that was less than minimum wage!
Then, after attending our Freelance Week last year and learning from some of my free resources, Sofia decided to dip her toes into the world of fashion freelancing. After creating a portfolio, an account on Upwork, and working up the courage to start pitching, she had her first client in just 10 days. Not only is she in complete control of her work life, but she is consulting for brands and hasn’t been without a project since.
Listen to this episode to learn how Sofia started her career, and you might want to rethink your journey in starting a brand. Plus, get tips on how Sofia found clients, sent pitches, and gained confidence to have a sustainable income as a fashion design freelancer.
For the complete show notes, including links to the resources mentioned, head over to Successful Fashion Designer!
Creators and Guests
Host
Heidi Weinberg {Sew Heidi}
Heidi (aka Sew Heidi) is a self-taught freelance fashion designer who built a six-figure business without a degree, portfolio, or industry connections. After years of burnout in the fashion industry, she went freelance—and never looked back. Now, she helps other designers ditch toxic jobs, land better clients, and build flexible careers they love. Through her podcast, courses, and resources, Heidi has helped thousands of designers take control of their fashion path and finally get paid what they’re worth.
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, textile designer and beyond) who want more flexibility in their career while still doing work they love.
You'll learn how to build a freelance fashion business, so you can do the work you love 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.)