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

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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

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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
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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.

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
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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
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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
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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
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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.