How I Knew I Was (and Wasn’t) Ready for Fashion
Throughout my time in fashion, I’ve learned a lot &some of it the hard way. Things no one really warns you about. And when I started my brand, I quickly realized that this road less traveled was going to test my love for fashion in ways I didn’t expect… but also in ways that shaped me.
So how did I know I was ready..and also not ready..for the fashion industry?
It’s a question so many people ask. And here’s the tea: a hobby sewist, a fashion designer, and a fashion brand owner are three very different paths. Confusing them doesn’t make you more ambitious..it just makes the journey heavier than it needs to be.
All paths are valid. You just have to know which one you’re standing on.
Becoming a Fashion Designer Is About Learning
At the beginning, it’s easy to think fashion is all about having great ideas. I definitely did. What I learned over time is that real design is about problem-solving over and over again.
Being a fashion designer means learning:
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How clothes actually fit real bodies (not mannequins, not imagination)
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How fabric behaves: function, tension, balance, movement, all of it
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How to make something, hate it, sit with it, figure out why, and fix it
It’s not glamorous every day. It’s quiet. It’s humbling. It’s powerful.
If you love the process..even when it’s confusing, messy, or slow..you might be in your designer era. And no, you don’t need a brand just yet. Sometimes you just need space to learn, experiment, and get really good.
Unless…
Starting a Brand Is About Decisions and Purpose
Now let’s talk brand owner energy...because it’s different.
Starting a fashion brand isn’t just about designing cute pieces. It’s about commitment. It’s about choosing one direction and standing on it.
Starting a brand means:
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Picking a focus and committing to a mission (even when you want to change your mind)
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Spending money intentionally..not emotionally
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Thinking about customers, pricing, marketing, timelines, systems… the whole operation
A brand requires you to make decisions before you feel 100% ready and then live with them. That doesn’t take away from your creativity, but it does add weight. It asks you to lead.
And that’s not light work.
The Parts No One Warns You About
A lot of people start brands before they’ve had time to truly learn—and then feel discouraged when things don’t work out. Not because they aren’t talented, but because fashion is a field that demands time, repetition, and understanding.
When you know what you want to make, are ready to practice consistently, feel excited by the process (not just the launch), and have real questions that need real answers...that’s your sign.
That’s when investing in education, mentorship, and guidance actually starts to make sense.
If You’re Unsure Right Now
Let me say this gently...you don’t need a studio, a huge budget, or a perfectly clear vision.
Fashion has seasons...learning, experimenting, building, resting. Every season counts. None of them mean you’re behind. You’re not late, you’re becoming.
Want Support on Your Next Step?
If you’re unsure whether you’re ready to become a fashion designer, start a brand, or simply want guidance on what comes next, I offer virtual private 1:1 lessons. Together, we’ll take intentional steps toward building your skills or your brand with fewer mistakes and more clarity.