Fashion Designers Get Paid: Build Your Fashion Career On Your Own Terms
Sew Heidi
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 freelan...
My Top 10 Biz Challengs in 2024 (plus show updates for 2025)
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of your favorite podcast? In today's episode, I’m sharing some exciting updates for the Successful Fashion Designer Podcast in 2025 and reflecting on the challenges I faced in 2024. From business hurdles to personal struggles, I’ll dive into what I learned and how those lessons can help you navigate your own journey as we head into the new year.Join me as I share the highs, lows, and everything in between, and let’s get ready for an amazing 2025!
Sick of being tied to a desk and want more freedom in your day, snag my free training: How to Freelance in Fashion (even if you're terrified you don't have all the answers) by clicking here.
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244: Sourcing Secrets: How to Find the Perfect Factory and Avoid Expensive Mistakes
Walking into a tradeshow with no idea where to start can be intimidating!As a freelancer, having a plan of action for the next fashion trade show you attend can make all the difference. In this episode, I talk live with Andreu David, the Vice President of Sourcing at MAGIC, to get insights from an industry expert on how to make the most of a trade show. Andreu covers everything from understanding market levels and price points to the importance of factory operations and the benefits of attending trade shows. Discover how AI and 3D technology are shaping the future of fashion, and learn about the critical emphasis on sustainability and ethical production practices. Andreu also offers invaluable advice for freelancers and entrepreneurs, highlighting the need for transparency, trust, and strategic networking in building successful industry relationships. If you're in the fashion game, you can't afford to miss his insider tips on working with suppliers, the perks of attending trade shows, and the crucial role of AI and 3D tech in modern fashion.About Andreu:Andreu is the Vice President of SOURCING at MAGIC for Informa Markets Fashion, leading the largest sourcing trade show in North America. With over 20 years of fashion industry experience, he also serves as CEO of Brand Design Architects, teaches at Otis College of Art and Design, and runs his own brand. A graduate of USC (Marketing) and Parsons (Fashion Design), Andreu began his career with a design apprenticeship at Hermès and has held senior roles at Double RL Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic, and a New York startup brand. Connect with Andreu:Visit his websiteEmail him at: [email protected] on LinkedIn
Sick of being tied to a desk and want more freedom in your day, snag my free training: How to Freelance in Fashion (even if you're terrified you don't have all the answers) by clicking here.
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243: $0 to $6500: How this Design Director Landed Big Clients in Her First Month Freelancing
Freelancing in fashion might seem risky, but what if it didn’t have to be? You could replace or even exceed your corporate salary in just one month. In this episode, we will share how Aiden got noticed on Upwork, even without ratings. You’ll learn the negotiation tips that helped her turn a $2,000 offer into a $5,000 win. Aiden will also explain how she set up her profile so brands find and contact her, which means she doesn’t have to pitch herself anymore.If you’re tired of the stressful corporate world or feel overlooked by junior designers in interviews, you will enjoy this episode.Resources:Check out Aidenn's Upwork profile here to learn more about their work and services!About Aidenn:Aidenn is an accomplished Fashion Designer with expertise in design, sourcing, and product development. She has led successful product launches, built strategic vendor partnerships, and excels in cost reduction, quality control, and team collaboration. By leveraging user experience insights and new technologies, Aidenn consistently delivers solutions that meet consumer needs, streamline operations, and drive revenue growth.Connect with Aidenn:Visit her websiteEmail her at: [email protected] on LinkedIn
Sick of being tied to a desk and want more freedom in your day, snag my free training: How to Freelance in Fashion (even if you're terrified you don't have all the answers) by clicking here.
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242: I Paid $10 for a Tech Pack—and You Won't Believe What Happened
How do you compete with low prices on Upwork? Is a bargain the only thing clients will look for?I did an experiment and hired 5 freelancers at 5 different price points to see what you get for a tech pack at each level. The results are shocking and entertaining. Stick with me as I walk through the results, explaining why these low-priced options can lead to big problems for clients and why you shouldn't undervalue your own work. By the end, you'll see why quality tech packs are worth the investment and why it's okay to charge what you're worth. Resources:Watch the full video on YouTube: I Paid 5 Strangers on Upwork To Design a SweaterDownload my Tech Pack TemplateGrab my Guide to Pricing your Freelance Services
Sick of being tied to a desk and want more freedom in your day, snag my free training: How to Freelance in Fashion (even if you're terrified you don't have all the answers) by clicking here.
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241: Should You Have Set Package Rates as A Freelance Fashion Designer?
Starting with set package rates might feel tempting, but it’s like trying to sew a wedding dress on your first try—it’s better to start small and build up your skills.In today's episode, I'll share a better strategy for finding your pricing sweet spot and how to handle those tricky conversations when clients think your rates are too high. We'll uncover the nuances of custom versus package pricing, how to gauge client reactions, and strategies to ensure your services demonstrate clear value and more. Boost your confidence and revenue as a freelance fashion designer by hitting play to learn these strategies for pricing and communicating your value. Resources:How to Raise Your Freelance Rates in Fashion 💸 (with word for word scripts)How Much Do Fashion Freelancers Charge? (100+ Real-Life Examples)3 Ways to Calculate Your Freelance Rate for Fashion DesignersAbout Elexis:Based in Atlanta, Elexis is a women’s contemporary designer blending innovation with timeless elegance. With experience at top brands like Milano Di Rouge, Dolls Kill, and J.Crew, she creates trendsetting pieces that empower women. Passionate about the creative process, she sees design as storytelling and problem-solving. When not designing, Elexis draws inspiration from Atlanta’s vibrant energy.Connect with Elexis: Visit her websiteConnect on LinkedIn
Sick of being tied to a desk and want more freedom in your day, snag my free training: How to Freelance in Fashion (even if you're terrified you don't have all the answers) by clicking here.
About 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.)
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