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

• Bonus: The $200K Reality Check: Why Starting a Fashion Brand Costs More Than You Think

  Think you can launch a fashion line with a few thousand dollars? You might want to think again. In this eye-opening bonus episode, Rachel Erickson breaks down the real cost of building a successful fashion brand—and spoiler alert: it’s not cheap.After crunching the numbers, Rachel discovered that $200,000 is the magic number to hit profitability by year three. But where does all that money actually go? She walks us through the financial roadmap, from inventory costs to hiring a team, and reveals why many brands run out of cash before they even get off the ground.Beyond just the numbers, she also shares creative ways to fund your brand without drowning in debt . From freelancing to grants (and even unexpected funding strategies), she lays out real, practical solutions for making your dream brand a reality.If you’ve ever thought about launching your own line or working with clients who are, this episode is a must-listen. Press play now to hear the real numbers and learn how to set yourself—or your clients—up for long-term success in the fashion industry!Resources:021: How to Get Funding for Your Fashion StartupAbout Rachel:After 20 years of working for corporate apparel brands across the U.S., Rachel took a leap of faith and launched her own business consulting company in October 2021. Now, through her company, Unmarked Street, she partners with a variety of apparel brands, offering expertise in development, production, project management, and industry insights. With a vast network of connections across the industry and a deep passion for teaching and sharing knowledge, Rachel is excited to share her insights and experiences with the community!Connect with Rachel:Email her at: [email protected] her website: Unmarked StreetVisit her website: The Business of ApparelFollow on InstagramConnect on LinkedIn Listen to her PodcastSubscribe to her YouTube Channel 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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• 249: Landing a $12K Client at MAGIC: The Trade Show Networking Strategy That Worked

  From Nervous to Thriving: Discover how Alina Sanchez-Lopez transformed trade show nerves into a $12,000 freelance triumph!Ever walked into a trade show feeling completely out of place, unsure of how to approach potential clients? That was Alina—until a few key mindset shifts and strategic moves changed everything. A casual chat at Magic turned into a game-changing $12K project, reigniting her passion for design and proving that in-person networking can lead to massive freelance success.In this episode, Alina pulls back the curtain on how she overcame the initial awkwardness, what she said to grab a brand’s attention, and the smart strategies that helped her stand out in a sea of fashion pros. She also shares how she navigated the leap from corporate burnout to freelance freedom, creating a career that gives her both flexibility and fulfillment. Whether you’re gearing up for your first trade show or looking to refine your networking skills, this conversation is packed with insights you can apply right away.If you’re new to freelancing or have been at it for a while, click play now to learn how to confidently network at trade shows and turn conversations into paid design work!About Alina: Alina is a Freelance Designer & Consultant dedicated to helping small brands discover their unique identity, transform ideas into standout designs, and create fashion with purpose. Specializing in eco-conscious activewear and streetwear, she combines innovative design, technical expertise, and a passion for sustainability to bring bold ideas to life. Her mission is to empower clients to build impactful and distinctive fashion lines that inspire and resonate. Connect with Alina:Visit her websiteEmail her at: [email protected] on InstagramConnect 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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• 248: The $3K Personalized Pitch: How Heidi Closed a Big Client in 6 Weeks

  Ever wondered how some freelance fashion designers land dream clients with just a simple email? In this episode, Heidi Herrman breaks down her secret sauce for securing a $3,000 project with a personalized pitch. From using ChatGPT to find niche brands to crafting an authentic, heartfelt message, she shares all the ins and outs of her process. You’ll be inspired by Heidi's genuine approach and her knack for turning a one-off gig into an ongoing client relationship.But it doesn't stop there! Heidi dives deeper into setting the right rates, negotiating contracts, and building trust with clients. She talks about her experiences working with various brands, including a cool outdoor brand called Fayette Chill and a vibrant apparel company named Sky Goat. Whether you’re a seasoned freelancer or just starting, this episode is packed with golden nuggets to help you grow your fashion business. Tune in to get the full scoop on how to win clients and create lasting connections in the fashion industry!Resources:228: How this Freelance Fashion Designer Built A MILLION Dollar Design Agency with Connie Bourgeois232: Why This Freelance Fashion Designer Is Turning Down $120k+ Job Offers with Rachael KranickAbout Heidi:Welcome to the creative world of Heidi Herrman, a visionary multi-media artist and seasoned fashion designer. With over two decades of experience in apparel design and development, Heidi has merged her passion for contemporary art and sustainable fashion into H² Design & Art. At H², She specializes in innovative textile, encaustic, and mixed media artwork, as well as forward-thinking, sustainable fashion solutions. With a focus on thoughtful design, sustainability, and product innovation, Heidi collaborates with companies and individuals who share a commitment to creating meaningful, impactful products and experiences.Connect with Heidi:Email her at [email protected] out her websiteView her portfolioFollow on InstagramConnect 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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• 247: Attracting Premium Clients on Upwork: How Carolyn Landed A $2700 Project (without pitching)

  Ever wonder how some freelancers land big-ticket clients while others struggle to get responses?Imagine setting up your Upwork profile in just half a day and scoring a $27,100 project just weeks later. Sounds unreal, right? That’s exactly what happened to Carolyn. In this episode, she breaks down the key moves that helped her attract premium clients—without years of trial and error.Carolyn shares how she went from working with high-street brands in the UK and navigating the job market in Hong Kong to building a thriving freelance career in knitwear design. We dive into her approach to pricing projects, crafting pitches that actually get responses, and the simple tweaks she made to her Upwork profile to stand out in a sea of freelancers. Plus, she spills some insider tips on using Illustrator for knitwear design and how she landed repeat work with top clients.If you're looking to boost your freelance income, attract high-quality clients, and learn real-world strategies from someone who’s been there, hit play now!About Carolyn:After studying Fashion Knitwear Design at Nottingham Trent University in the UK, Carolyn moved to Hong Kong for a one-year graduate trainee placement. More than 20 years later, she is still there. Initially, she worked for a small, family-owned knitwear manufacturer that supplied the UK and EU markets. Later, she transitioned to a large corporate sourcing office, just before the pandemic. In April 2024, Carolyn was made redundant but quickly adapted. She started FAST in May and began freelancing in July, securing her first project that same month. Her expertise lies in knitwear, with extensive experience in women's and men's wear, as well as some experience in children's wear. Ultimately, Carolyn chose to focus on womenswear as her niche. Connect with Carolyn:Email her at [email protected] on InstagramConnect on LinkedInConnect on Upwork 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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• 246: The Pricing Strategy That Doubled Amy’s Freelance Income (without doubling her workload)

  Ever feel like you’re undercharging for your freelance services? Amy Barnhart shares how a smart pricing shift and one game-changing service helped her nearly double her income in just one year.In this episode, Amy Barnhart, a freelance fashion designer, reveals the strategic decisions that transformed her business, including raising her rates for tech packs and introducing a new print design service tailored to the men’s golf fashion niche. These moves not only boosted her revenue but also strengthened her client relationships and positioned her as an industry expert.Amy also spills her secrets for running successful discovery calls that consistently convert leads into paying clients. Whether you’re trying to figure out when to raise your rates, how to expand your services, or ways to stand out in your niche, Amy’s insights are packed with actionable advice and real-world examples you can use right away.If you’re ready to grow your freelance income, click play now to learn how Amy’s strategies can work for you!Resources:133: The Fashion Freelancer Who Never Wanted to Be a Freelancer with Amy Barnhart197: How to Sell Yourself As A Freelance Fashion Designer (without feeling gross) with Nikki RauschAbout Amy:Amy helps men's golf startups transition from design to production, collaborating on creative designs while managing the intricate technical details, allowing them to focus on the bigger picture.Connect with Amy:Visit her websiteEmail her at: [email protected] on InstagramConnect 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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