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

Sew Heidi
  • 4.9 (304)
  • FASHION & BEAUTY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.)

  1. 1D AGO

    273: This Simple Follow-Up Strategy Landed Her a $4K Client

    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 Instagram Connect on LinkedIn   Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price

    34 min

  2. FEB 2

    272: The Cold Pitch That Landed JoAnne a $7800 Freelance Project

    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 Transformation About 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 products to market, with a strong focus on achieving the perfect fit. Connect with JoAnne:Email her at afibrands@gmail.com  Follow her on Instagram Connect on LinkedIn   Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price

    49 min

  3. JAN 19

    271: Balancing a Full-Time Job *and* Freelancing: How Mia Makes It Work

    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 with Mia:Email her at sewme4@yahoo.com  Connect on LinkedIn   Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price

    53 min

  4. JAN 5

    270: From Laid Off to Fully Booked: How Bre Replaced Her Salary in Under 2 Years

    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:Visit her websiteEmail her at bresimpson@yourfutureinfashion.com Follow on Instagram  Connect on LinkedIn   Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price

    44 min

  5. 12/08/2025

    269: She Quit Her Job in Under a Year—and Now Makes More Freelancing in Fashion

    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 Days About 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:Visit her websiteEmail her at hello@candicestokes.com Follow on Instagram  Connect on LinkedIn  Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price

    45 min

  6. 11/24/2025

    268: Solo to Scaling: How This Booked Out Footwear Freelancer Is Building an Agency

    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 industry. future of this dynamic industry. Connect with Caroline:Email her at louise@larcreative.com Follow on Instagram  Connect on LinkedIn Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price

    49 min

  7. 11/11/2025

    267: From $14/hour to $65/hour as a Freelance Sample Maker (Even Though She Was Scared AF to Charge More)

    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 Transformation About 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—and proudly calls herself a sewing nerd at your service. Connect with Caroline:Email her at raconteur@caroinekuhlman.comCheck out her website Follow on Instagram  Connect on LinkedIn Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price

    1h 12m

  8. 10/27/2025

    266: From Self-Doubt and a Factory Job to Freelance Biz Owner: Caroline’s One-Year Transformation

    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 Arbetman267: From $14/hour to $65/hour as a Freelance Sample Maker (Even Though She Was Scared AF to Charge More)About 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—and proudly calls herself a sewing nerd at your service. Connect with Caroline:Email her at raconteur@caroinekuhlman.comCheck out her website Follow on Instagram  Connect on LinkedIn Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price

    43 min
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4.9
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About

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.)

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