From Burnout To Belonging; The Truth about the Fashion Industry & What Led Me to Inside Fashion Design.
- Britta Cabanos
- Aug 18
- 9 min read
Updated: Aug 22
Imagine a world where every aspiring fashion designer feels seen, supported, and empowered – this is the journey from solitude to community that I wanted to nurture.
– Britta Cabanos, Founder of Inside Fashion Design & The Conscious Fashion Design Academy
Part 1 of a series: The Truth about the fashion Industry; From Burnout to Belonging, My Journey to Inside Fashion Design.
Hi Dear Reader,
As mental health, wellness, and awareness gain importance in our lives, I’ve been reflecting on my own journey and the challenges I’ve encountered. I believe it’s essential to share these experiences to foster understanding and support. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be posting about mental health within the fashion industry. My aim is to provide valuable insights, share useful resources, and open up about my own experiences. I invite you to join me on this journey. With Love & Gratitude, Britta Cabanos
The Early Years – Love Meets Overwhelm
In my mid-20s, I was going after my dream in New York City—immersed in the epicenter of fashion, climbing the career ladder with determination. I loved the creative challenges, the thrill of seeing designs come to life, and the constant pulse of the industry.
However, beneath the glamour, I was overwhelmed. My workdays extended into the night, and the pressure to perform was relentless. I lacked trusted mentors, had no peers to confide in, and didn't have a safety net. Although I formed some good friendships with colleagues, there was still a competitive atmosphere, with everyone striving for the top product sales and promotions. My bosses and colleagues felt more like competitors than teammates. That's often how the industry can be. It was a culture where seeking help was perceived as a weakness.....if you couldn't handle it, you were told you could quit- Hello-The Devil Wears Prada anyone?
I almost gave up on fashion. Not because I stopped loving it, but I felt completely alone, overwhelmed and was affecting my health. But what I discovered was that this feeling of isolation was not the end of my journey, but the beginning of a transformation towards building a thriving community. This transformation, from solitude to a vibrant community, is a needed beacon of hope for every fashion professional. Read on to hear my truth about the fashion industry and my hope for the future.
A Small Event That Changed Everything
After navigating numerous high-pressure jobs, extensive travel, and dealing with unpredictable "fashion professionals," I felt stuck on an endless hamster wheel. You can imagine my excitement when I met my future business partner and co-founded Creative Capital Design. It was at this point in my journey that I envisioned a brighter future. I love being an entrepreneur. I always wanted a business of my own. I love collaborating with clients, bringing their visions to life, and having the chance to work on various types of products—gaining insight into the internal operations of different apparel brands. It was an exhilarating phase, and I was constantly learning, not only about design in greater depth but also about managing client relationships. I met amazing industry pros, each with their unique experiences, knowledge and perspectives.
At the start of our design consulting business, my partner and I held an open house during Design Week Portland to engage with the local design community. The event was straightforward, featuring light nibbles of wine and cheese, networking, casual conversations, and an introduction of our services to the public.
The event was more than a marketing event- which took me by surprise. Participants were engaged both physically and emotionally. They shared their struggles, their need for guidance, and their longing for a sense of community. That evening, it became clear to me: the expectations and challenges in the workplace were not just my story—they were a shared experience among generations of fashion professionals and I suddenly felt my feelings & experiences of working in the industry were valid.
All of us were craving support, collaboration, and a place to feel seen and respected. We all share this need, my generation and the younger ones that follow us. This shared need unites us, reminding us that we are all in this together.
The Birth & Growth of Inside Fashion Design
In 2017, I started Inside Fashion Design as a side passion project. Having worked in the industry for several years, I frequently received inquiries from design professionals seeking career advice, insights into design processes, guidance on starting a business, consulting practices, and managing relationships with colleagues. I enjoy connecting with people, listening to their stories, and sharing sources of inspiration. This inspired me to create the IFD website to begin sharing these narratives and insights. My vision was to highlight the experiences of real individuals working behind the scenes in the fashion industry and to provide a platform for people to connect and learn from each other's experiences. These stories are not about big name Creative Directors at leading top apparel companies, but rather about the employees who oversee sewing rooms, work as seamstresses, or develop products, doing all the behind-the-scenes work to bring a garment to life.
Over the following few years, I organized panel discussions during Design Week Portland. Textile exhibitions, creative networking events, and community workshops. Each occasion revealed the same spark—excitement for connection, understanding, and the comfort of having a place to unite; no one needs to navigate this journey alone. IFD was named in the Top 10 Events to attend during DWP, 2 years in a row and received multiple appearances on the local news and press, validating my vision.
How the community has evolved since 2016:
What started as small, local gatherings has evolved into a growing global community. IFD serves as a bridge connecting fashion students, emerging designers, entrepreneurs, and seasoned industry professionals from around the world. Today, Inside Fashion Design is recognized as a versatile platform dedicated to supporting fashion professionals at every stage of their careers. More than just an educational platform, it's a global community hub where students, entrepreneurs, and industry veterans come together to learn, collaborate, and inspire each other. Our unique combination of workshops, online learning, in-person meetups, published storytelling, mentoring opportunities, and thought leadership distinguishes us, shaping IFD into what I once needed – and what many others still seek.
In 2024, I took the next step and launched the TCFDA: With my vast and growing network of industry pros around the world, it was a natural fit to expand into partnerships with experienced industry leaders, which is how TCFDA was born- TCFDA is a hands-on, step-by-step learning experience for today's fashion professionals who want to build products and careers that aligns with values, vision, and viability. TCFDA provides a path to do just that – offering industry-informed, ethics-rooted training in sustainable product development, business building, marketing, sourcing, and conscious design. Whether you're starting from scratch looking to learn, or transitioning mid-career, our courses help you build not just a business, but a chance to build your legacy.
Meanwhile, it's important to note that IFD and TCFDA aren't just an answer to the community's needs, but also a response to industry demands. Indeed, our work matters more today than ever before. Fashion itself is at a crossroads. The industry faces increasing pressure to reform: from consumers, investors, and even policymakers, through legislation.
Gen Z is especially driving a shift in consumer behavior. The younger generation is prioritizing brands and products that embody values. Sustainability is now a top priority for Gen Z and Millennial consumers, who expect brands to lead with purpose, not just chase profit. At the same time, fashion accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions and is one of the largest contributors to textile waste and water pollution. In one McKinsey study, 73 percent of Gen Z reported trying to purchase from companies they consider ethical, and nine out of ten believe that companies have a responsibility to address environmental and social issues. (https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-explainers/what-is-gen-z)
We can no longer afford to do business as usual. Todays demands require even more expectations & added pressures. Therefore, I'm proud that IFD and TCFDA stand at the forefront of both Conscious Fashion advocacy and education. They are not just platforms for learning and networking, but also vehicles for promoting and practicing conscious fashion. It's where TCFDA and IFD stand firmly rooted in our mission to transform the fashion industry into a more sustainable and ethical one.
While technical skills and business strategy are essential, lasting success in fashion also depends on mental wellbeing and emotional resilience. The industry’s fast pace, high stakes, and constant reinvention can drain even the most passionate creators. At Inside Fashion Design and the Conscious Fashion Design Academy, we believe in equipping designers not only with practical tools but also with the mindset, support systems, and self-care strategies needed to sustain their creativity. Building a career you love should not come at the cost of your mental health—and through open dialogue, peer support, and wellness-centered learning, we aim to make emotional resilience a core part of the design journey.
Where We're Going—and Why
TCFDA's mission is to equip designers and brand-builders with the tools to succeed "consciously": from zero-waste design strategies to responsible sourcing, digital innovations, and emotional resilience. But beyond strategy and sustainability, we emphasize human connection – because thriving in fashion isn't just about what you make. It's about who you are, how you grow, and who walks beside you.
IFD isn’t just a place to “connect”—it’s built to equip you with tools, guidance, and confidence to move forward in your career. Here’s how we do this:
Workshops & Masterclasses – Hands-on learning in design, product development, sustainability, and brand building.
Mentorship Connections – Pairing emerging designers with industry veterans for guidance, feedback, and career advice.
Educational Resources – Downloadable toolkits, business templates, and industry guides to use in your own projects.
Community Collaboration – Private online forums and live discussions to problem-solve challenges and share opportunities.
Industry Insights – Blog posts and email newsletters featuring real stories, expert interviews, and trend analysis.
Showcase Opportunities – Events, spotlights, and collaborations to help members present their work to a broader audience.
Nova Lorraine sharing her books
At The Conscious Fashion Design Academy, we're continuing to expand our impact & offerings with a curriculum rooted in Sustainability, circularity, emotional well-being, and responsible business practices. Below are just a few of our coaches, each one bringing years of experience and knowledge, ready to share with you. To learn about them, click on the link to read their bios
Now, in 2025 and beyond, we're focused on scaling impact. That means expanding our course library, offering more expertise, growing our global membership community, and collaborating with values-aligned partners to build a thriving ecosystem for the next generation of conscious fashion professionals.
Whether you're a student, a teacher, an entrepreneur, or an industry veteran with wisdom to share, there's a place for you here.
If you're a professional or an aspiring individual in the fashion industry seeking guidance in a daunting field, IFD is the community you didn't realize you needed.
We believe fashion can be a force for good.
We believe in designing with purpose.
And we believe in walking the journey together.
Testimonials:
I'm a hair/makeup artist with a specialty in fashion (just got back from doing makeup for LA Fashion Week) and can't wait to start connecting with folks in-person and online. Thank you for all your work creating this community for us all!" Michelle
"Dear Britta, Thank you for organizing the happy hour on Thursday evening. It was great to meet you, and I came away from the event feeling more connected to the local design ecosystem. I'm clear that my passion is fabric and fiber, but where that will land me in the textile, product design, and fashion world is yet to be determined. So, these opportunities to get curious and learn about what other people are doing and how all the projects and interests connect are invaluable. Thank you for creating a welcoming environment."
Kind Regards, Olivia
"I went into it (the Future Proof Your Fashion Brand Bootcamp) thinking I was going to get highlights of data, summary points for leveraging AI in the fashion entrepreneurial world, but each instructor shed their knowledge of wisdom in 'branched out' detail, while expanding and diving deeper into any particular point that was asked of them. They were truly dropping gems!" (Lyda- AI Bootcamp student)"
"This resource is incredible and I'm thrilled to join this creative community :)
Links: Read Vogues 4 part series on ‘Debunking the dream’, a series based on an exclusive survey of over 600 fashion professionals, which sought to answer two key questions: what does it take to reach a certain level of success in fashion, and what does it take to stay happy at that level? Read part two on how a person’s background impacts their success; part three on the lifestyle that a successful career in fashion demands; and part four on the subsequent mass burnout fashion workers are facing.
Learn more about Fashion & Mental Health:
Learn about Mentorship Advantages:
Thank you for reading today- I truly appreciate your time, your comments, and enjoy your questions and Inquries. Reach out anytime @ design@insidefashiondesign.net
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