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With age, comes wisdom - and also change. Women 50+ years old are often overlooked by the fashion industry, but Birdie & Claire founder Julie Corwin celebrates style at every age. As these women go through transitions in their lives and bodies, Julie’s business has changed as well. In episode 107, Julie shares how her brand has stayed flexible and draws inspiration from the experience of women who have come before her.
Julie is the founder and owner of Birdie & Claire, an independent women’s apparel brand dedicated to timeless, elevated style for women at every stage of life. The inspiration for Birdie & Claire came when Julie was shopping with her mom, aunt, and grandmother for an upcoming family wedding, and she noticed the limited age-inclusive clothing options available. Hearing their frustration about the lack of brands catering to women as they age inspired Julie to create a line that celebrates timeless style and confidence across generations.
After completing her MBA, Julie launched Birdie & Claire, producing thoughtfully designed small-batch collections in NYC, with knitwear sustainably crafted on demand in Brooklyn. Birdie & Claire’s focus on versatile, flattering pieces that mix and match seamlessly is rooted in the brand’s mission to create clothing that resonates with women of all ages and offers style, comfort, and quality that is made to last.
In this episode, you’ll learn:How Birdie & Claire defines age-appropriatenessHow Julie designs and runs her business with change in mindWhere Julie gathered research outside of customer interviews and what it revealedThe silver lining of starting her brand during the peak of the pandemicWhy Julie decided to offer both knitwear and cut & sew pieces in her brandWhy Birdie & Claire’s first collection was more casual when the initial idea was for eventwearWhat Julie did to better understand the language of fashionThe stereotypes about and the diversity amongst women age 50+How Birdie & Claire supports Julie in her current stage of lifeThe wisdom Julie has learned from older womenPeople and resources mentioned in this episode:Birdie & Claire websiteBirdie & Claire InstagramJulie’s EmailWiser Than Me podcastFashion Reimagined documentaryDo you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.
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In episode 106, Erin shares how conversations have shaped their brand and how she turns those insights into empathetic action. It was after decades in the industry at big-name brands like Nike, Converse, and Nordstrom that Erin and her co-founder realized just how hard it is for plus-size women to find clothes that fit after an elevator conversation with a co-worker. That conversation sparked others that began Erin and Yi’s entrepreneurial journey as the founders of See ROSE Go.
Accomplished Chief Merchandising Officer with over 20 years of industry experience leading innovative strategies across fashion and retail, Erin’s career began as a Nordstrom buyer. It was with Nordstrom that Erin discovered her passion for enhancing the customer experience, through empathy and an in-depth understanding of the customer’s point of view.
Nike Inc. recruited Erin to lead an Outlet division for Men’s, Women’s, and Kid’s Apparel and Accessories. She was quickly promoted to direct Men’s Apparel Merchandising for the Asia Pacific / China region. More recently, she drove significant growth in women’s apparel, optimizing product lines and achieving exceptional GM% as the Global Women’s Merchandising Director. In these roles, Erin remained consumer-centric, leading insight strategy and product creation to enhance the overall customer experience through superior products.
In 2018, Erin co-founded See ROSE Go, a plus-size fashion brand with an ethos in intentional design, innovation, and mindful sustainability. Leading merchandising strategy, omni-channel distribution, and business development, Erin also successfully secured VC funding as a new founder with a newborn at home. In 2021, See ROSE Go received an honorable mention in Fast Company’s Innovation by Design Awards for the proprietary tech/lifestyle fabric, CoolROSE™. In 2023 Erin received a U.S. Patent for this fabric. CoolROSE™ was invented as a direct response to issues women deal with but seldom speak about - body heat, sweat, and pilling from friction between body parts.
Erin and See ROSE Go have been recognized by Forbes, CBS Money, and WWD for challenging industry norms. She was recently featured with her Co-Founder, Yi Zhou, in Authority Magazine as female disruptors shaking up their industry. It is the See ROSE Go mission to see women embrace their power and “go”. To Erin, style isn’t just how a woman looks, it is how she moves and feels and the impact she makes while wearing See ROSE Go. Get to know more about Erin and See ROSE Go at, https://seerosego.com/blogs/meet-the-founders
In this episode, you’ll learn:How co-founders Erin and Yi start and continue conversations with women in their target marketHow Erin organizes the insights from each conversation and breaks them down into actionable informationHow Erin’s Nike background gives her a performance-focused product perspectiveThe market gap that See ROSE Go fills and the revelation that started it allThe process of developing and patenting their CoolROSE fabricHow Erin stays connected with the See ROSE Go communityHow Erin and Yi have funded the brand and why they’ve changed approaches over the yearsWhat Erin is most proud ofPeople and resources mentioned in this episode:See ROSE Go website (Erin shared a 20% discount with How Fitting listeners! Use code SMILE.)See ROSE Go InstagramErin’s LinkedInDo you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.
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In episode 105, hear the step-by-step timeline that Ari took to design, launch, and produce her first product for her historically-inspired maternity brand Glean & Grace. In our conversation, she reveals the ways the process didn’t go as planned, but how it has been rewarding and encouraging nonetheless.
Ari is a trained tailor turned sustainable clothing designer. Ari and her husband have 2 kids, a 3 year old and an 18 month old. She uses historic patterning and modern design to create beautifully functional clothing for mothers who want to feel like themselves again.
In this episode, you’ll learn:How working with a factory was different than Ari expectedHow Ari got connected with her factory and fabric supplierWhat Ari sent to her factory to get startedHow Ari’s perspective on designing clothing changed when she started making clothes for others instead of just herselfWhy historical maternity clothes are a key source of inspiration for Glean & GraceThe exact timeline it took to launch Glean & Grace’s first productWhy Ari is thankful she didn’t meet her day-of-launch goalWhat Ari is planning to do differently for her next collectionPeople and resources mentioned in this episode:Glean & Grace websiteGlean & Grace InstagramMotif Handmade - fair trade handwoven fabricsThanapara Swallows - fair trade factoryFashion Brain Academy - Jane HamillMrs. Emily brandDo you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.
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In episode 104, hear how Aiste designs for longevity, how she’s learned to do better when it comes to sustainability over the years, and what still needs to happen to make ethical fashion brands viable in the long-term. With over a decade in business, Aiste knows what works and what doesn’t and openly shares her knowledge.
Aiste Zitnikaite is a Lithuanian born designer based in Hyannis, Cape Cod, MA. Aiste studied fashion design at Lasalle College in Montreal, Canada and spent several years working in Montreal’s fashion industry. This is when she became more aware of some of the problematic practices of mainstream fashion brands such as wastefulness and the working conditions at overseas factories. This is when her interest in sustainable fashion truly developed. It was the early 2000s, so sustainability was not that often discussed in fashion.
Aiste’s passion for a more eco-conscious alternative led her to seek out brands that focused on ethical production but she found it hard to find designs that appealed to her aesthetic. In 2013, DEVINTO was created to fill that gap in the market as a sustainable, ethically conscious slow fashion label. Her specialty is in classic, elegant women’s wear that’s made to order (and often custom made) from her studio. Inspired by style that is at once feminine and empowering, elegant and defiant, while remaining simple and comfortable, Aiste designs, patterns, cuts and sews every piece in her studio.
Longevity is a key design component for DEVINTO. With a taste for vintage and French fashion, DEVINTO has a timeless aesthetic and a belief that while style and glamor should be easily accessible, fashion should not harm our planet. Production is purposeful that is why all designs are hand cut in small batches to minimize waste and overproduction. The customers are encouraged to reach out directly for more personalized fits. Aiste aims to bring back a more personal connection to clothing that was sadly lost in the wake of mass produced fashion.
In this episode, you’ll learn:Why Aiste wanted to do better with her brand and what “better” means to herWhy most of Devinto’s collections are made with knit fabricsHow Aiste designs for longevityHow Aiste manages her time How Devinto’s business model works with the seasonality of the locationWhy Aiste sells on Etsy in addition to her own websiteWhy Aiste teaches sewing alongside running her own brandWhat Aiste thinks it will take for sustainable fashion businesses to be more profitablePeople and resources mentioned in this episode:Devinto websiteDevinto InstagramDevinto TikTokAiste’s LinkedInDo you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.
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In episode 103, Kristen Chester shares the beautiful moments and the uncertain realities of growing a fashion brand. She started Casa Danu after surviving breast cancer which transformed the way she thinks about clothing. Her mission with the brand is to help women feel more alive and more like themselves no matter what they are going through. Tune in to hear how Kristen makes decisions about production, materials, and profitability in alignment with this mission.
Kristen is the founder of Casa Danu, a sustainable womenswear brand focused on vibrant, chic, and print-forward clothing (think caftans, kimonos, and coordinated sets) that has 1 goal: to help as many women as possible, especially those impacted by cancer, feel beautiful, empowered, and full of life.
Kristen started the brand after being diagnosed with breast cancer at 34 years old and 6 months pregnant. During this time, when she was at her lowest physically, mentally, and emotionally, she longed for comfortable clothing that helped her feel put together, beautiful, and ALIVE. Today, Casa Danu exists to uplift women going through similar challenges, cancer or otherwise, who feel that they have lost a part of themselves. Every Casa Danu purchase helps donate a beautiful garment to a deserving woman impacted by cancer, spreading a little extra joy where it’s needed most.
In this episode, you’ll learn:Why joy and color became integral aspects of the Casa Danu brandWhat transformed Kristen’s perspective on clothingWhy Kristen wanted to start her brand “right” and what “right” meant to herHow Kristen finds the budget to donate one product for every product soldThe ways Casa Danu has helped Kristen reconnect with herself and helped other women connect with each otherHow Kristen makes decisions that are values-aligned in her businessPeople and resources mentioned in this episode:Casa Danu websiteCasa Danu InstagramLet My People Go Surfing book by Patagonia founder Yvon ChouinardFactory 45 - sustainable fashion brand acceleratorMasala Threads - ethical manufacturing consulting agencyDo you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.
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In episode 102, women’s workwear brand founder Aditi Sinha speaks out against pocket inequality for women in the workplace. Hear how she is leveraging extensive research and customer feedback to close this gap - not just with the size of pockets - through her brand Point of View Label.
Aditi Sinha is the founder & CEO of Point of View, a Seattle based functional and designer workwear brand on a mission to end pockets inequality for women through smartphone pockets in everything they make. POV has started the 'Pockets Pledge' movement, a change.org petition where women all over the world demand functional pockets from the fashion industry.
With over 15 years of work experience, Aditi is a big tech marketing executive alum with the likes of Amazon as well as early member of decacorn start ups back home in India. In her role as a founder and former corporate business leader, she has mentored multiple women and start ups in the early stages of their professional journey. Aditi is passionate about bringing meaningful change with respect to women's equity and diversity.
In this episode, you’ll learn:Aditi’s point of view on women’s workwearWhy pocket inequality is a big deal in the workplaceThe research Aditi did before starting POV and what it revealed about today’s women in the workforceHow Point of View Label’s brand tenants helped curate their debut collectionHow Aditi met her co-founder SakinaHow Aditi collects and organizes customer feedback in a way that is useful for future referenceWhen polarizing designs are a good thingPeople and resources mentioned in this episode:Point of View Label websitePoint of View Label InstagramDo you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.
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In episode 101, Kalia Carter gets real about the challenges she’s faced creating BodyCon The Brand exclusively to fit full-bust women. She’s faced pushback from factories and internet trolls alike for her unwavering focus on full-bust fit, but she’s also created the pieces she’s always wished she could wear and has a growing community of women in her niche that get it and support what she’s building.
Kalia started BodyCon the Brand as a fuller-bust clothing brand. Growing up she had always struggled to find pieces she was comfortable in, that flattered her, and that actually fit. This applied to almost everything: bras, tops, dresses, and swimsuits. You name it! Everything was either too small on the chest and fit the waist, or fit the chest and was too big on the waist! Kalia started this brand to attempt to solve this problem! She first launched in March of 2024 and has been able to serve hundreds of happy customers. Kalia is actively working on new pieces and always looking for inspiration in new trends!
In this episode, you’ll learn:How Kalia developed and stays firm on BodyCon The Brand’s full-bust size chartHow to communicate sizing effectively for e-commerce The expensive lesson Kalia learned about manufacturingWhy Kalia uses a different factory for each of her designsHow Kalia develops her tech packs without having good comp samples to referenceThe good and the bad sides of going viral for your businessThe number one thing that has fueled BodyCon The Brand’s social media growthPeople and resources mentioned in this episode:BodyCon The Brand websiteBodCon The Brand InstagramDo you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.
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It’s episode 100 of How Fitting®! Each of these conversations with fashion designers and business owners has explored how they create clothing and grow a business that fits their customer, lifestyle, and values. I have enjoyed getting to know each of these people and seeing what drives their decisions and it has been a privilege to share their stories with you on this podcast over the past four years. Fashion has meaning and significance far beyond the superficial look.
To celebrate this 100-episode milestone, I asked you, the listeners, which episodes and guests have stood out to you the most. Whether it was because you saw your own story in theirs, picked up a new business idea, or gained the courage to pursue your own values more fully, I want to celebrate the impact these stories have had.
In this episode, you’ll hear highlights from five past episodes and what made them a favorite. Each guest and brand have found their unique fit, but there is so much in each story that we can relate to and learn from. How Fitting is that?
In this episode, you’ll learn:How to reframe sales and marketing from sleazy to being of service to your customers and your businessThe benefit of putting your community and lifestyle first in your businessWhat it takes to make it as a fashion entrepreneurHow long it took for this founder to go from zero knowledge of how clothes are made to turning a profit in her fashion brand.How to find support and inspiration from your friends and familyHow to overcome the fear of failureFavorite episodes mentioned in this episode:HF#72: Selling Your Products Without Selling Your Soul with Elizabeth StilesHF#90: Prioritizing Customer Research and Values To Shape A Modest Activewear Brand with Aja Cohen of Transcendent ActiveHF#37: The Fun & The Reality of Fashion Entrepreneurship with Laura Briggs of The ShortlistHF#92: Reaching Profitability In Fashion Business with Laura Briggs of The ShortlistHF#81: The Basics of Timeless Slow Fashion with Emily Bracey of JuuneyHF#29: Equality, Power, and Functional Pockets For All with Kimberly Borges and Miriam McDonald of PWR WMNHF#77: The Fat Success of Comfort and Good Fit with Marina Hayes of Peridot RobesHF#95: The Underrated Skills That Will Get You Far in Fashion Business with Madison Powers of Madison VictoriaHF#58: Perfecting The Craft of High-End Tailoring with Keti McKenna of KetivaniDo you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.
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In episode 99, Kat Williford recounts how her brand Pamut has shifted over the years to sustain her and now her team through cross-continental moves, hard times, and new family priorities. Kat puts people first, but doesn’t miss a beat on the creative or the financial aspects of her business either. Hear how her thriving business model works in this episode.
Kat is the owner and designer behind the slow fashion brand Pamut. After completing her BFA in Fashion at the Savannah College of Art and Design and working for years at a mall brand, Kat took a chance and moved to Budapest, Hungary. She rented out a little screenprinting studio and started printing tees, which they then sewed in her apartment. When she moved back to Raleigh, NC in 2016, she expanded upon the concept of custom and made-to-order clothing. Since then, Pamut (which means "cotton" in Hungarian) has grown into a successful small business. Based out of her Raleigh studio, Kat designs beautiful and timeless styles, all made from natural fibers and available in sizes XS-4XL. All Pamut pieces are cut and sewn by the Pamut team in-house.
In this episode, you’ll learn:What Kat learned from working for both a slow fashion brand and a fast fashion mall brand early on in her careerHow her patternmaking skills have helped her offer custom sizing profitablyWhy Kat chose the made to order model for PamutThe things Kat values more than certifications from the fabrics she sourcesThe benefits and risks of working for yourselfHow becoming a mom has allowed Kat to be more productiveThe best decision Kat has ever made in her businessThe actual amount Pamut spends on new customer acquisitionPeople and resources mentioned in this episode:Pamut websitePamut InstagramHas listening to How Fitting helped you create a better fit in your fashion business? Episode 100 of this podcast is coming up and I’m planning a special episode featuring the most notable moments from the 104 guests I’ve had on this podcast so far – plus your story! Click here to tell me about your favorite How Fitting episode and how it has impacted you or your business.
Do you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.
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In episode 98, hear how Vktori founder Keona Moy is challenging societal norms as well as her own self-limiting beliefs as she grows her braless, bandless, neuro-inclusive clothing brand. Women are told so many shaming messages about how they should dress their boobs, but Vktori is setting a new example of embracing comfort on your own terms.
Keona Moy, with her 13-year healthcare background, founded VKTORI in response to the discomfort of traditional bras and the stigma of going braless. Her firsthand experience with sensory sensitivities at work fueled the creation of VKTORI, a revolutionary women’s wear brand. VKTORI's no-nip tee features a patent-pending and sensory-friendly construction which ensures comfort for all. VKTORI is at the intersection of fashion, wellness, and functionality, which allows women to be comfortable on their terms.
In this episode, you’ll learn:How entrepreneurship has forced Keona to confront her devilsThe societal pressures of dressing as a woman and how Vktori removes those pressuresThe problem Keona started out to solve and how that evolvedHow Keona has funded Vktori’s launch and growthHow Vktori’s messaging has changed based on customer feedbackHow to decide what feedback to pay attention to and what is just a distractionHow Keona found the team and advisory board members who are excited about Vktori’s missionHow Keona’s perspective on her role as CEO has changed over the yearsPeople and resources mentioned in this episode:Vktori websiteVktori InstagramKeona's LinkedInJoin the waitlist for the new NahBra TeeHas listening to How Fitting helped you create a better fit in your fashion business? Episode 100 of this podcast is coming up and I’m planning a special episode featuring the most notable moments from the 104 guests I’ve had on this podcast so far – plus your story! Click here to tell me about your favorite How Fitting episode and how it has impacted you or your business.
Do you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.
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In episode 97, Patternier founder and designer Heather Rose Rauscher gives us a tour of the intricate layers of her innovative artwork and business. Working in the industry for over a decade, she’s learned the rules of textile design. Now, with her own brand, she breaks them. Her luxury fashion and home pieces juxtapose vintage with new and minimal with maximal to create a deeply creative story.
Patternier, the brainchild of Master Textile Designer, Heather Rose Rauscher, is a unique Art, Fashion, and Home company rooted in Textile Design. With a deep passion for vintage fabrics, which showcase design culture, Heather reimagines these pieces through her own lens. Using vintage quilts as the backdrop for her designs, she then hand-paints original patterns over the quilts to create a new textile design- and an original work of art. The new textile is then used to create unique home and fashion stylings.
Pushing it one step further- all fashion pieces are created from vintage silhouettes which Heather sources herself. Using motifs that would not normally be put together, such as, a chinoiserie Jacobean on an Americana Patchwork, Heather somehow makes it work in a sophisticated and inventive way. Any item from Patternier is meant to stand alone as a work of art, not just a luxury good.
Made 100% in New York- from the design and printing to the cut and sew, and quilting, keeping it local and sustainable is at the forefront of Patternier’s mission. Heather’s 10+ year’s in the textile industry ensures that all fabrics of rich cotton, silk, and linen are of the finest quality to match the craftsmanship of the collections.
In this episode, you’ll learn:What Heather prioritizes in designing her fabrics, textile prints, and productsWhy it is important to work for other companies before starting your own brandHow Heather knew it was the right time to start her own businessThe innovative technique Heather uses to create the Patternier printsHow each print translates into fashion and home productsHow Heather found her seamstressesThe drop schedule Patternier uses to maximize the newness of each printHow Heather gets more eyes on the Patternier brandPeople and resources mentioned in this episode:Patternier websitePatternier InstagramHeather’s InstagramHas listening to How Fitting helped you create a better fit in your fashion business? Episode 100 of this podcast is coming up and I’m planning a special episode featuring the most notable moments from the 104 guests I’ve had on this podcast so far – plus your story! Click here to tell me about your favorite How Fitting episode and how it has impacted you or your business.
Do you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.
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In episode 96, we ask the question: is it possible for fashion brands to be both sustainable and profitable? My guest, Selina Ho, the founder and CEO of sustainable consultancy Recloseted, paints a picture of what a renewed fashion industry could look like and what it would take to get us there. She shares practical steps that brands can take now to improve their sustainability efforts at each stage of business and how to communicate those efforts in specific and honest ways.
Selina is the Founder & CEO of Recloseted and she's on a mission to transform the harmful fashion industry. Her consulting firm Recloseted launches + scales sustainable fashion brands and helps existing brands become more conscious. Selina is also the host of Recloseted Radio, the top podcast for sustainable fashion entrepreneurs.
In this episode, you’ll learn:What a transformed fashion industry could look likeWhat it will take to make sustainable fashion the normA better way to set sustainability goalsHow to approach hard sustainability conversations without backlashWhether it is possible to be both sustainable and profitableWhy voting with your dollars also applies to fashion brands, not just consumersWhy sustainability can’t be the only selling pointHow much money it actually takes to start a sustainable fashion brandPeople and resources mentioned in this episode:Recloseted websiteRecloseted Fund Your Fashion Line TrainingRecloseted How to Launch a Profitable Fashion Brand MasterclassListen or Watch: Breaking Down the Fashion Design Process — Interview with Alison Hoenes on the the Recloseted Radio podcastHas listening to How Fitting helped you create a better fit in your fashion business? Episode 100 of this podcast is coming up and I’m planning a special episode featuring the most notable moments from the 104 guests I’ve had on this podcast so far – plus your story! Click here to tell me about your favorite How Fitting episode and how it has impacted you or your business.
Do you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.
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In episode 95, Madison Powers speaks about the story, the underrated skills, and the business plan that have helped her “effortlessly creative” business go far in just a few years. Madison is strategic with her decisions, and crystal clear on her customer and business values, and shares so many little-talked-of realities of fashion business in this interview.
Madison was born and raised in Greensboro North Carolina, obtaining her bachelor's degree from NCCU in Business Administration and Marketing! After a year in Corporate America, Madison decided to put her love of business and fashion into something meaningful. Thus, creating her namesake label Madison Victoria; a slowly made, small-batch-produced woman’s label that offers classic silhouettes with creative and functional designs for the modern women. Creating a community for all and a safe space within the fashion industry for black and brown women.
In this episode, you’ll learn:How Madison got into fashion despite being too scared to pursue a fashion degree in schoolThe strategic way Madison interviewed different manufacturing partners to make sure she found the best fit for her businessHow to stay inspired as a creative without a travel budgetWhy Madison recommends every business owner create a thorough business planHow her business plan has helped her make better decisions in her businessThe underrated skill that has helped Madison grow her brand (more than money could)The importance of storytelling - including what, how, and whom to tellWhy it is so important to find the right day job before your business becomes full-time.People and resources mentioned in this episode:Madison Victoria websiteMadison Victoria InstagramFashionPedia fashion encyclopediaHas listening to How Fitting helped you create a better fit in your fashion business? Episode 100 of this podcast is coming up and I’m planning a special episode featuring the most notable moments from the 104 guests I’ve had on this podcast so far – plus your story! Click here to tell me about your favorite How Fitting episode and how it has impacted you or your business.
Do you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.
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In episode 94, Freya challenges the assumption that synthetics are better for swimwear with her sensitive-skin-focused brand Solpardus – which means ‘sun leopard’. With natural-fiber swimwear and apparel, Freya cares for her skin and the community of other women living with psoriasis, eczema, and sensitive skin that she’s met through running her business.
Solpardus makes all natural bamboo swimwear and linen clothing with skin comfort at the forefront of our design. We marry style with comfort to bring 100% natural, British made, ethical and sustainable swimwear and relaxed tailoring that is perfect for psoriasis and eczema.
The idea for Solpardus came over lockdown in Cornwall when my own psoriasis was in full flare and incredibly sore. As with some other psoriasis sufferers, I find that a healthy dose of sunshine can work wonders for my skin. However, as I am sure any woman can attest to, synthetic swimwear is far from comfortable at the best of times and unbearable against inflamed skin! So I scoured the internet searching for natural fabric swimwear.
After only finding one brand in America and one in Australia (with neither delivering to the UK) I decided to make my own bamboo fabric bikini. I was thrilled to find that, in spite of the messy stitching and wonky elastic I had achieved with my small sewing machine, my first attempt was perfect for my skin. I wore it all summer taking full advantage of the glorious Cornish weather!
Since then I have made it my mission to challenge the status-quo of synthetic swimwear and bring it back to its natural roots! With Solpardus I also try to encourage women to find empowerment through both comfort and style, especially those with psoriasis, eczema or any other skin complaint. Solpardus, meaning “Sun Leopard”, is in reference to the pigment disparities that often occur when psoriasis heals in the sun giving the skin a leopard-like appearance.
In this episode, you’ll learn:The assumption about fashion that Freya is trying to rewriteHow Freya’s sensitive skin sparked the idea for SolpardusHow Freya got manufacturers to take her seriouslyHow starting Solpardus challenged Freya’s assumptions about the fashion industryThe pros and cons of natural fibers for swimwearWhat went into Solpardus’ first in-person eventHow Freya cultivates self-awareness when it comes to her skin and her businessPeople and resources mentioned in this episode:Solpardus websiteSolpardus InstagramSolpardus TikTokDo you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.
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In episode 93, Oge Ajibe talks about what she’s learned (and where she’s learned) about inclusive fit and fashion business. After 6 years and multiple pivots in business, Oge has slowly created her own way to make sustainable, comfortable clothes that fit no matter your size. She’s uniquely created Oge Ajibe’s size chart, figured out pricing, stayed visible online, and she has big plans for the future of her brand.
Oge Ajibe is a company that educates consumers on portraying themselves across all aspect, of fashion. Our inclusive, sustainable apparel, all handcrafted in Canada, provides our customers with a unique sense of comfort and confidence.
In this episode, you’ll learn:How fashion school did (and did not) prepare her for fashion businessWhat Oge did to build her confidence in the quality of her workHow Oge’s business evolved over the yearsWhy Oge thinks big brands are avoiding offering inclusive sizing even when small brands like hers can afford to do it.The unique way Oge created her brand’s sizing to fit XS-5XWhy making custom clothing helped her RTW businessWhat Oge learned from the home sewing communityThe journey one piece of clothing takes to get to the end customerWhat success looks like for OgePeople and resources mentioned in this episode:Oge Ajibe websiteOge Ajibe InstagramDo you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.
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In episode 92, The Shortlist founder Laura Briggs gives us a detailed look at how her fun and cheeky petite-only brand has reached profitability. From pricing and production to business operations, Laura describes the growing pains she’s gone through and the huge milestones she’s reached as she’s scaled her 3-year-old business.
Laura was also my guest two years ago on How Fitting episode 37 where she talked about how she first started The Shortlist and what her first year of entrepreneurship looked like.
The Shortlist is a premium, limited edition petite fashion brand.
In this episode, you’ll learn:Why Laura moved production from the UK to PolandHow many collections The Shortlist released before it became profitableWhat the turning point was for profitabilityWhat Laura is changing since realizing The Shortlist customer base is wider than she originally thoughtThe balance between innovative designs and familiar basicsHow The Shortlist has built exceptional loyalty and repeat business from its customersLaura’s genius system for celebrating how far the business has come at each stepThe rollercoaster of launch day and what Laura is doing to minimize the challengesHow Laura balances sharing her personal entrepreneur story and The Shortlist brand voice in her marketing and copywritingLaura’s plan for scaling The Shortlist this yearHow Laura’s long-term goal for The Shortlist drives her decisions nowPeople and resources mentioned in this episode:The Shortlist websiteThe Shortlist InstagramThe Shortlist LinkedInDo you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.
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In episode 91, hear how former opera singer Suzanne Vinnik designs bold, inclusive fashions that make women “feel seen” and encourage them to take up space for who they are. Knowing first hand what it is like to be exploited working in the arts, Suzanne runs her business differently. Her secret to success both on and off the stage is prioritizing community and personal relationships and paying everyone she works with living wages.
Suzanne Vinnik, a distinguished figure in both classical music and the fashion world, boasts a richly diverse career path. Originally traveling the world as an opera singer, Suzanne performed at renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and notable opera houses across Europe, Russia, Norway and the United States. As a leading soprano, some of her favorite operas included "Manon Lescaut," Nedda in "Pagliacci," Mimi and Musetta"La bohème," and Violetta "La traviata," captivating audiences with her emotive performances.
Parallel to her operatic endeavors, Suzanne embarked on entrepreneurial ventures, founding Shoperatic, a pioneering social media network and marketplace tailored for women in classical music. This platform served as a hub for artists to connect, collaborate, and showcase their talents, solidifying Suzanne's reputation as an innovator within the industry. Users could buy, rent, sell and promote their outside skills.
Driven by her passion for fashion and a commitment to inclusivity, Suzanne transitioned seamlessly into the realm of design, launching "byVINNIK," a luxury womenswear brand celebrated for its size-inclusive ethos and ethically manufactured garments. Based in the heart of Los Angeles, Suzanne's designs have graced the frames of Classical Music luminaries, Broadway stars, and prominent figures in television and film.
The impact of Suzanne's creations extends beyond the realm of entertainment, with her designs featured prominently on platforms like Disney+, Netflix, and HBOMax's acclaimed series "The White Lotus," on Jennifer Coolidge earning recognition with an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Contemporary Costumes. Her work frequently adorns red carpets, editorial spreads, and stages worldwide, embodying a fusion of sophistication, elegance, and inclusivity.
Suzanne holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Texas Christian University, supplemented by studies at prestigious institutions such as Mannes College of Music and Otis College of Design. She further honed her craft at the Opera Studio of Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome, mentored by the late Renata Scotto, and as an Administration Fellow at The Dallas Opera's Hart Institute for Women Conductors.
Beyond her artistic pursuits, Suzanne is a passionate advocate for entrepreneurship, ethical manufacturing practices, and classical music education. Her expertise as a textile connoisseur, style forecaster, and classical music aficionado has positioned her as a sought-after keynote speaker at conferences, and universities, and as an expert for popular TV Shows like Today Show and Access Hollywood. Through her inspiring journey from opera singer to fashion designer, Suzanne empowers women of all backgrounds to embrace their confidence and individuality, embodying the transformative power of artistic expression.
In this episode, you’ll learn:Why Suzanne left a worldwide career in opera to start a fashion brandThe transformative power of owning your boldness and dressing accordinglyHow Suzanne created a loyal community before she even started her brandHow the personal relationships she’s built with her clients influences her design decisionsWhy ethical production and paying fair wages are so important to SuzanneThe people on Suzanne’s team and what they each do in the businessHow By Vinnik’s production model has changed and whyHow Suzanne prioritizes her day to not burn out even though she’s “bad at boundaries”What Suzanne has learned the hard way about the fashion industryWhy Suzanne designs a lot of outerwear for her collectionPeople and resources mentioned in this episode:By Vinnik websiteBy Vinnik InstagramDo you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.
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In episode 90, hear how Aja Cohen left her big corporate fashion career for a lifestyle - and fashion business - that put relationships and her values first. Transcendent Active is helping women embrace who they are and move confidently toward their goals. Her modest activewear designs aren’t just covering, but also comfortable, sustainable, and functional and are worn by more than just the modest community.
After designing fast fashion for over a decade, Aja Cohen launched an activewear brand for the woman she believed was not being spoken to in the marketplace - the modest woman. At the time, she struggled to find modest activewear pieces that weren’t made of heavy, non-breathable fabrics or couldn’t wick sweat away properly. More importantly, she couldn't find brands that matched her strong ethical values of sustainability and locally made. She knew there had to be a better option for women who wanted to workout, do good for Mother Earth, and honor their religious values. Transcendent Active was born at the height of the Covid pandemic and combines eco-conscious fashion with strong ethical values. Made in America from recycled plastic water bottles, the brand is committed to providing women of all faiths and sizes with high-quality, sustainable activewear. The signature All Day Active collection includes skirts, exercise dresses, quarter-sleeve tops, leggings, and bike shorts. Transcendent Active believes every woman deserves clothing that supports her lifestyle and faith while fostering confidence and style through movement.
In this episode, you’ll learn:The positives and negatives of Aja’s corporate career in activewear designWhy knowing your customer is so importantHow Aja has built a healthy business without selling on Amazon or manufacturing overseasWhy the pandemic was actually a great time to start a business for AjaHow Aja cultivates real connections and relationships with the people she works withHow Aja decides her priorities and delegates the work to get it doneHow Aja approaches the difficult decisions of hiring and firingHow customer research has shaped Transcendent Active’s collectionTranscendent Active’s sustainability effortsHow to stay focused on your valuesPeople and resources mentioned in this episode:Transcendent Active websiteTranscendent Active InstagramTranscendent Active FacebookTranscendent Active LinkedInTranscendent Active TikTokDo you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up to the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.
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In episode 89, hear how Janet St Cyr & Diana Kerins have created a swim and resort brand inspired by nature and travel. Learn what this mother-daughter partnership did to land a dream collaboration with a luxury resort and how they are growing their business slowly and steadily.
Bambina is a women’s swim and resortwear brand owned and operated by mother-daughter duo Janet St Cyr and Diana Kerins. Their creations blend bold, vibrant aesthetics with unparalleled comfort to ignite confidence and happiness in those who wear them.
They’re committed to keeping production right here in the USA and their collections are sewn at a women-owned factory in the heart of New York City’s garment district. From how they source materials to how they manufacture and package their products, they’re always learning and seeking out the most Earth-friendly ways to bring their collections to you.
Bambina’s new resortwear launch for Summer ‘24 - The Cardamom Collection, includes a beachwear robe and sarong featuring a custom print inspired by the endangered species of the Cardamom Rainforest in Cambodia. A percentage of proceeds from every sale will go towards The Wildlife Alliance to protect these beautiful and vulnerable creatures.
In this episode, you’ll learn:How nature, the environment, and travel inspire Bambina Swim collectionsWhat it is like working as a remote mother-daughter partnershipWhy Bambina business started out sporadic and what changed for Janet and Diana to take it more seriouslyWhat Janet and Diana look for and design in a quality garmentWhy Janet and Diana are intentionally growing the business slowlyHow Bambina gets its fundingHow Janet and Diana landed a collaboration with a luxury resort to stock their recent collectionWhat Diana and Janet’s goals are for the future of BambinaPeople and resources mentioned in this episode:Get 10% off at bambinaswim.com with code: HOWFITTINGBambina Swim websiteBambina Swim InstagramDo you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up to the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.
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In episode 88, textile sourcing rep Jay Arbetman of The Sourcing District walks us through how to source wholesale fabric for your independent fashion brand - even in low quantities. Jay shares insights on fabric quality, sustainable fibers, and how to not spend months on your fabric search. With decades in the business, Jay knows what questions designers should ask and what has helped his longest-standing clients be so successful.
Jay has been in the garment and textile business since he was a teen. He spent the 1980's in NYC selling to department stores and specialty stores throughout the country. When he stopped making apparel, he started selling buttons and zippers and eventually morphed into fabric. He now represents 10 suppliers and sells to indie designers throughout the country.
In this episode, you’ll learn:Why fashion brands should never buy fabric at retail storesWhat makes the suppliers Jay represents ideal for independent designersWhat designers need to have prepared before talking to a sourcing repHow to source fabrics in-person, over the phone, and at trade showsHow to not spend months on your fabric searchThe questions Jay wishes designers would askDo you get what you pay for when it comes to fabric?The cost of made in the USA textilesWhat MOQs and timeline to expect for sampling and productionWhat differentiates successful designers in the long runWhat is new in sustainable textiles People and resources mentioned in this episode:The Sourcing District websiteJay’s emailThe Sourcing District InstagramThe Textile Show in Nashville April 3-4, 2024Do you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up to the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.
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