What if your first freelance project paid just $15 and took a week to complete... would you keep going? In this first episode of our two-part series, I sit down in person with Afroditi, a Greek fashion freelancer who started on Upwork with no clients and no portfolio. She opens up about landing that first $15 sketch job, the fear and uncertainty she faced, and why Upwork felt safer than anything else.
Afroditi shares the raw, unfiltered truth of her first year freelancing: her strategies, the emotional toll of working without boundaries, and the surprising reasons she didn’t give up.
Listen to this powerful story of grit and growth, especially if you’re just starting out or need a reminder that every expert was once a beginner.
Resources:
Afroditi's Upwork Profile
253: Tabitha’s First $1K Month (and Why She’s Quitting Her Day Job to Go All In on Freelancing)
About Afroditi:
Afroditi is a fashion technical designer based in Athens, Greece. She transitioned from teaching cello to fashion, and after a tough start in the industry, she built her career on Upwork (eventually crossing $100K on the platform).
Connect with Afroditi:
Follow on Instagram
Connect on LinkedIn
Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price
Could you land a $75/hour freelance gig without even showing a portfolio? Sara Bleske did—and her story might just change the way you think about pitching.
After being laid off from her full-time design job, surface and textile designer Sara Bleske didn’t wait until everything was “ready.” Instead, she led with sincerity, curiosity, and a desire to be helpful—and ended up landing her dream client from a cold email (yes, really). In this episode, Sara opens up about the moment she hit “send,” the nerves that followed when she thought she got ghosted, and the surprising way it all came together.
You’ll hear how she navigated the leap into freelancing while juggling motherhood and self-doubt, and how she figured out her niche when her skills felt all over the place. From crafting thoughtful outreach messages to experimenting with social media and tools like ChatGPT, Sara shares the real, raw, and refreshingly simple strategies that helped her get started—and get paid.
If you’re new to freelancing or have been at it a while, click play now to hear how genuine connection and a little courage can open big doors—even without a perfect portfolio.
Resources:
008: Freelance Textile Designer: How to Have A Successful Career with Michelle Fifis
About Sara:
Sara Bleske is a textile and surface pattern designer with over 15 years of in-house corporate experience in home textiles, decor, apparel, and craft ribbons/trims. She is passionate about creating patterns and surface designs that make people happy.
Connect with Sara:
Email her at sarablesketextiles@gmail.com
Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price
From Zero Reviews to $4K Clients: How Danielle Steman Broke Into Freelance Fashion With Just 8 Pitches
Ever wondered how to stand out on Upwork without a single rating, review, or testimonial? Danielle Steman did just that—and banked $4,000 from her first two freelance clients.
In this episode, you’ll meet Danielle, a former engineer from The Netherlands who left behind a stable tech career to carve out a bold new path in fashion. Specializing in made-to-measure and latex pattern making, she built a niche business from scratch—landing high-paying clients with just eight targeted pitches and zero experience on her profile.
You’ll hear how her technical background gave her an edge, how she uses mobile scanning and CAD to wow clients, and why saying no to non-niche work helped her grow faster. She also shares the mindset shifts that helped her go all-in, and the exact steps she took to start attracting international clients (hint: it’s simpler than you think!).
If you're new to freelancing or have been at it a while, click play now to learn how confidence, clarity, and a super-specific niche can unlock your freelance fashion career.
About Danielle:
Danielle Steman is a freelance patternmaker for liberated brands committed to sustainable practices and inclusivity.
She specializes in designs that fit like a glove, focusing on made-to-measure and latex garments. A fashion tech aficionado, she thrives on technical challenges and is a strong advocate for Made to Measure and Made to Order as the future of fashion. Over the past two years, she has been deeply engaged in exploring the integration of 2D, 3D, and scanning technologies to craft perfectly fitting patterns at the touch of a button.
Connect with Danielle:
Visit her website: https://daniellesteman.nl/
Email her at info@daniellesteman.nl
Follow on Instagram
Connect 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.
No degree, no industry connections, no Illustrator skills—and still crushing it as a fashion freelancer! Tabitha Calvin proves you don’t need the "perfect" background to make it happen. Just a year ago, she was a Spanish teacher with a dream—and now she’s designing streetwear collections for clients, including a former NBA player!
In this episode, we get real about what it’s like to build a freelance fashion career from scratch. From teaching herself Illustrator to landing $2,500 streetwear clients through LinkedIn and Upwork, Tabitha’s story is packed with hustle, discipline, and major mindset shifts. We talk about hitting that first $1,000 month, dealing with tough client feedback, and the confidence it takes to own your worth as a freelance fashion designer. If you’ve ever doubted whether you can break into fashion without a degree, connections, or years of experience, this episode will leave you fired up to chase your freelance dreams.
If you're just getting started or ready to go all in on your freelance fashion career, click play now and see what’s possible when you bet on yourself.
About Tabitha:
Tabitha is a certified Spanish teacher and freelance fashion designer, finally living the dream she’s had since she was 8. After getting into her dream fashion school but unable to afford it, she studied Spanish instead—but fashion never left her heart. She tried the boutique life in college but realized she just wanted to design. Everything changed when she discovered FAST through Heidi’s YouTube channel and went all in. Now, she’s building a steady client base, growing her network of fellow designers, and working toward her ultimate goal: transitioning into full-time freelance fashion design.
Connect with Tabitha:
Email her at tatacalvin@gmail.com
Follow on Instagram
Connect 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.
Curious how a self-taught freelancer with zero fashion experience charged 4x the going rate—and landed the client anyway? Fathima’s story is the bold confidence boost you didn’t know you needed.
This episode follows Fathima Thasneem’s surprising entrance into the freelance fashion world, where a single LinkedIn message turned into a high-paying opportunity. With no degree and no prior design clients, she faced tough questions about her background—and didn’t flinch. Instead, she leaned into her worth, set bold boundaries, and delivered with confidence. You’ll hear how she used LinkedIn to find leads, why she priced higher than anyone expected, and how her honest, strategic approach paid off.
If you’re new to freelancing or have been at it a while, click play now to hear how trusting your instincts and taking risks can lead to your first big client win.
About Fathima:
Fathima Thasneem is a freelance womenswear designer specializing in Young Contemporary fashion, with a passion for fun, playful, and feminine designs. She helps brands create standout collections that blend creativity with wearability, turning ideas into polished, production-ready visuals. Her streamlined approach refines concepts quickly and ensures a smooth transition into production. With precise fashion CADs and thoughtful detailing, she brings clarity to the design process, ensuring every piece aligns with the brand’s vision.
Connect with Fathima:
Email her at ft.thasneem@gmail.com
Follow on Instagram
Connect on LinkedIn
🎟️ Register for my training on April 24th: The Secret to Remote Clients and a Steady Paycheck in Fashion — now updated for 2025!
Sign up at www.sewheidi.com/live
Learn the powerful mindset shift that took Jolleen from underpaid to unstoppable in fashion freelancing!
Tired of feeling stuck, underpaid, or invisible in the fashion world? Jolleen Gabriel’s story will seriously light a fire under you. She went from earning just $18 a day in the Philippines to making over $4,000 a month as a freelance fashion designer—working only 20 hours a week. No massive audience. No secret connections. Just a smart strategy, a mindset shift, and some intentional Instagram magic.
In this episode, Jolleen shares how she built a thriving niche in swimwear, turned Instagram into a client-generating machine (without needing a huge following), and overcame self-doubt to confidently charge her worth. Her journey is packed with practical insights and inspiring mindset shifts that any freelancer can learn from.
If you’re new to freelancing or have been at it a while, click play now to discover how to land better clients, build a business you’re proud of, and finally charge what you're worth.
Resources:
197: How to Sell Yourself As A Freelance Fashion Designer (without feeling gross)
Bonus: The $200K Reality Check: Why Starting a Fashion Brand Costs More Than You Think
About Jolleen:
Jolleen Gabriel is a swimwear designer who loves helping people bring their brand visions to life. For her, it's about more than just creating beautiful designs; it's about empowering entrepreneurs to launch successful swimwear lines. She guides her clients through every step, from sketching concepts and developing tech packs to finding the perfect manufacturer. Her goal is to make the process as smooth and supportive as possible, so her clients feel confident and excited about building their dream brands.
Connect with Jolleen:
Email her at jolleengabriel@gmail.com
Check out her website
Follow on Instagram
Connect 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.
Discover how Candice Stokes went from undervalued to unstoppable in freelance fashion design!
Ever felt stuck in a job where your skills weren’t fully appreciated? Candice Stokes knows that feeling all too well. She spent years questioning if she was “ready” to freelance—if her portfolio was strong enough, if brands would take her seriously. But when she finally took the leap, she landed a $4,100 client in her very first month. A few weeks later? Another $2,000 project. Now, she’s on track to leave her full-time job behind for good.
In this episode, Candice breaks down her exact strategies for pitching, pricing, and standing out as a freelance fashion designer. She shares how she used ChatGPT to craft proposals that actually work, why your portfolio doesn’t need to be perfect, and how an Instagram post unexpectedly led to a key connection in Thailand. Plus, she opens up about her passion for ethical fashion and building a business that aligns with her values.
If you’ve ever wondered if freelancing could really work for you, Candice’s story will challenge everything you thought about being “ready.” Click play now to hear how she made it happen—and how you can, too!
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 Candice:
Email her at: hello@candicestokes.com
Visit her website
Follow on Instagram
Connect 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.
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 Startup
About 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: hello@unmarkedstreet.com
Visit her website: Unmarked Street
Visit her website: The Business of Apparel
Follow on Instagram
Connect on LinkedIn
Listen to her Podcast
Subscribe 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.
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 website
Email her at: alina.sanlop94@gmail.com
Follow on Instagram
Connect 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.
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 Bourgeois
232: Why This Freelance Fashion Designer Is Turning Down $120k+ Job Offers with Rachael Kranick
About 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 heidiherrman@gmail.com
Check out her website
View her portfolio
Follow on Instagram
Connect 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.
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 carolyn.chandler@gmail.com
Connect on LinkedIn
Connect 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.
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 Barnhart
197: How to Sell Yourself As A Freelance Fashion Designer (without feeling gross) with Nikki Rausch
About 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 website
Email her at: amy@amylynnsdesign.com
Follow on Instagram
Connect 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.
Discover how Gabriella Bilotta transformed a heartfelt LinkedIn message into a six-figure client!
In this episode, Gabriella shares her journey of building genuine connections, landing high-paying clients, and transitioning to full-time freelancing. She dives into her background in lingerie and sustainability, the value of mentorship with her coach Alison, and the role personal branding played in her success.
Gabriella also unpacks her strategies for pricing, networking, and fostering meaningful client relationships. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your freelancing game, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you build a thriving career.
If you’re ready to learn how authentic connections and smart strategies can transform your freelancing journey, click play now and start building your dream career today!
About Gabriella:
Gabriella Bilotta is a freelance women’s tailoring and contour technical designer based in Toronto, Canada. Passionate about sustainable sourcing, she excels in creating innovative designs that balance style and ethics. After earning her degree in fashion design from Toronto Metropolitan University, she completed a master’s in sustainability at the London College of Fashion. Gabriella believes freelancing enables unique collaborations with talented professionals, driving remarkable advancements in fashion. With a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, she inspires others to embrace sustainability while pushing the boundaries of design.
Connect with Gabriella:
Email her at: gabriellabilotta.designs@gmail.com
Connect 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.
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.
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 website
Email him at: sourcing@fashionresource.com
Connect 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.
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 website
Email her at: theuxfashiondesignagency@gmail.com
Connect 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.
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 Sweater
Download my Tech Pack Template
Grab 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.
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 Designers
About 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 website
Connect 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.
Ever had a client respond with, "Wow, that's a bit steep"? If you’re charging you're worth, you’ve probably seen that reaction before. But there are some easy ways to help clients get on board with your deserved rates.
Take Alison Pickthorn, for instance. She’s a student in my hands-on coaching program, Fast Track Turbo, and she just landed a $15,000 client. She chats about maintaining fair pricing, understanding your value, and how crafting a compelling, client-specific proposal can make all the difference. This episode is all about finding fulfillment, mastering the freelancer hustle, and staying true to your worth!
Listen now to get inspired by Alison's proactive hustle, the incredible support from a coaching program, and the rewarding freedom of freelance life that reignited her passion for design.
Resources:
235: What If A Brand Says You’re Too Expensive? Here’s How You Still Get the Client
About Allison:
Allison is an apparel designer with over 20 years of experience designing kids, baby, and licensed apparel for large retailers. In early 2024, she decided to transition into freelancing to continue doing what she loves while leaving behind what she doesn't. She lives in Seattle, Washington, with her amazing daughter and their two lazy cats.
Connect with Allison:
Visit her website
Email her at: allisonpickthorn@gmail.com
Connect 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.
This is Part 2 of my interview with Jonathan Stark.
If you're pricing hourly, you're potentially leaving a lot of money on the table in your freelance fashion design biz.
In this episode, business coach Jonathan Stark talks about value-based pricing. He shares his journey from charging by the hour to adopting a pricing strategy focusing on what clients truly value. From aligning services with client revenue goals, to three-tier value pricing strategies, to becoming meaningfully different, get ready to uncover some key insights that could totally change the way you think about pricing and your relationships with clients.
If you're ready to shift your perspective on pricing and client engagement from transactional to transformational, get inspired by real-life examples, practical tips, and the psychological underpinnings that make value-based pricing a winning strategy, click play now and significantly increase your profits.
Resources:
Value Pricing Bootcamp, a free six-day email course to teach you how to make more money without working more hours.
Book: Value Based Fees by Alan Weiss
About Jonathan:
Jonathan Stark is a former software developer who is on a mission to rid the world of hourly billing. He is the author of Hourly Billing Is Nuts, the host of Ditching Hourly, and writes a daily newsletter on pricing for independent professionals.
Connect with Jonathan:
Visit his website
Email him at: jstark@jonathanstark.com
Connect 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.
