Today we are featuring Heidi. She runs Successful Fashion Designer website and the SFD Podcast. I was honored to have the opportunity to be a guest on her podcast last year! Through her podcast and offerings, Heidi gives insight and skills to make in the cutthroat, competitive fashion industry. If you are in the fashion industry, you must check her out STAT!!! And even if you're not, I think you will find her mission and what's she's doing to change the fashion industry inspiring.
Heidi started her career in an administrative job and figured out it was not for her. She then worked her way up to being a fashion designer at another firm. Now, after her success, she has started to offer Adobe Illustrator courses that provide helpful tips and tricks that help people in the Fashion industry to succeed in their daily jobs.
Ok, it's time to get to know Heidi a little better! I had the opportunity to ask her the following questions:
Three words to describe you: Honest, Ambitious, Generous
Three words that describe your style: Black, Leopard, Simple
How did you get started in your business? Almost a decade ago when I broke into the fashion industry through a "backdoor", I discovered something interesting:
The EXACT skills that landed me my first job (Adobe Illustrator) were not being taught in fashion school.
So, I made a few YouTube tutorials on how to use AI for fashion and things grew organically. Those videos turned into live workshops and now a full online educational platform with free + premium tutorials on Illustrator + tech packs, as well as a weekly podcast (with Jackie from Dyetology as one of the guests!).
What is a current project you are working on, or what's "next" for your business? The fashion industry is secretive and competitive by nature. But the truth is that most people hate this about it. They want to work together, collaborate, and share resources. They just don't know how - or where - to do it. In early 2019, I'm excited to be launching a community platform where designers and other fashion professionals can do this in a safe space.
After running Successful Fashion Designer for years, I've learned that community and relationships are just as important as technical skills. I'm excited to help fashionistas come together and support each other in a healthy, productive and nurturing environment.
Coffee or Tea: COFFEE. Always coffee!
Favorite Beach: Any beach! But I'm partial to Mexico :)
Favorite Charity: Dress for Success
When was the last time you gave someone a hand-written note? Last week
With Love,
Jackie