Being a creator in a corporate environment can be a huge challenge. When your schedule is driven by deadlines, filled with meetings, and measured by metrics, you can feel like it’s less about the fashion and more about the forecasts. It’s hard to think creatively and innovate wildly when you’re worried about Key Performance Indicators. With all that outside pressure, it’s easy to get pushed into a rut and stay there, even if we grow to hate going to work each day. On the other hand, corporations and brands can offer money, structure, and a mission that we love! The trick is: how do we hold onto our creative spirit in a corporate environment? To begin, here's a few must-read books that can help: Orbiting the Giant Hairball: A Corporate Fool’s Guide to Surviving with Grace, by Gordon MacKenzie Illustrator and writer Gordon MacKenzie worked at Hallmark Cards for 30 years and managed to find and keep his creative flow throughout the decades. He teaches you how to disentangle from “the giant hairball” — that mass of entwined rules, agendas, and “that’s how we’ve always done it” — and launch yourself into a juicy creative orbit around the central corporate system. Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, by Greg McKeown “If you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will,” McKeown says. Essentialism guides you to strip down your life to what is truly important, honing in on how you can make the biggest impact. McKeown has plenty of inspiring examples and specific methods for self-editing your life. Sacrifices will be made, but you’ll open yourself to freedom, effectiveness and creativity you’ve never experienced before! Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle, by Emily Nagoski, PhD, and Amelia Nagoski, DMA When Emily Nagoski published her book Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life, readers approached her over and over again asking her to elaborate on a small section she’d written in it about stress and burnout. So she teamed up with her sister Amelia to write a book about emotional exhaustion and the terrible damage stress does to a body and offer tips for coping. She breaks down the physical mechanics of the stress cycle and describes how we can save ourselves by closing the loop. Read it if you’re at or approaching corporate burnout. Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative, by Austin Kleon Don’t have time for a lot of reading? Pick up a book or two by Austin Kleon — we recommend Steal Like an Artist and Keep Going). Kleon’s bold style and slim books are easy to read in short bursts and packed full of motivation and inspiration. How can you increase your creativity while improving your health? Here what these experts have to say: “Whether you are trying to reconcile conflicting stakeholder priorities, finding a solution to a customer’s issue, or launching a new product line, your solution probably won’t come out of a textbook. But it’s hard to keep having great ideas day after day. What do you do when you run out of good ideas? How do you “get your mojo back”? One increasingly popular solution is mindfulness meditation. Google, Goldman Sachs, and Medtronic are among the many leading firms that have introduced meditation and other mindfulness practices to their employees. Executives at these and other companies say meditation is not only useful as a stress-reduction tool but can also enhance creativity, opening doors where once there seemed to be only a wall. To gain a deeper understanding of the effectiveness of short meditation sessions in boosting creativity, the authors looked first at the literature and then conducted their own experiments. They found that mindfulness mediation works to enhance creativity and innovation, and 10 to 12 minutes of it are enough to boost creativity.” From Harvard Business Review; by Emma Schootstra, Dirk Deichmann, Evgenia Dolgova What are your tips for staying creative in the corporate world? Tell us in the comments!

A lot of folks are talking about Values these days. Core Values aren't just some buzzwords you put on a list and forget about. They're the beating heart of your business and life! They guide your decisions and actions and even impact your happiness. Moreover, embracing your values makes you stand out and attract like-minded individuals who share your vibe. Think of your values as your personal superpowers! They give you the strength and motivation to show up as your best self and inspire others to do the same. So, let's dig deep and unleash those superpowers because who doesn't want to be a superhero in their own life, right? Last week we shared a post called: What are your top 10 Core Values- Do You Know? You may read that article here As I am personally working on redefining my own values, I came across a wonderful podcast from Rick Mulreadys The Art of Online Business; 10 Ways Your Values Can Drive Your Online Business Success Rick points out that pinpointing your values is not an easy task as these words will become the lens through which all your decisions are made. He suggests you narrow down to 3-5 at the very most. Here is a recap of Ricks 10 Ways these values will drive your business: Your values drive give clarity for all your decision making Your values will determine how you spend your time Your Values will apply to your teams performance Your values will guide you in your hiring process Your values will determine the offers & products you sell to your customers Your values will guide your relationships with vendors Your values will guide you in what projects or clients you take on Your values will guide your decisions on who to bring in as your guests (such as on a podcast or interview) Your values will determine how & where you make appearances (such as being a podcast guest) Your values will determine your affiliate partnerships So how do you narrow down to just 3-5 words??? Our workbook; From Values to Profit; Define your Core Principles for Lasting Success & Action Guide, will get you there. To get your started, get your free print out of our BIG list of Values below Every business needs to identify its core values and ensure they're reflected in every aspect of its operation. Doing this offers a wide range of benefits that includes better branding, improved customer service, and a business that’s run more effectively. In this workbook, you will discover: Module 1 - The What & Why of Core Business Values Module 2 - What Do Core Values Look Like? Module 3 - Identify Your Personal Values Module 4 - Identify the Values That Will Drive Your Business Module 5 – Put Your Core Business Values Into Action This workbook will explore the steps you can take to uncover your core values, from examining your life experiences and priorities to identifying your strengths and passions. By following these steps, you can better understand who you are, what you stand for, and what matters most to you personally & professionally, empowering you to live a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life. We hope you found this helpful and invigorating! Even if you know your core values, are you putting them into action and using them to guide your business? Just like goals, you will live through them more successfully by writing them down and keeping them visible for daily reminders! Learn more about the workbook and our community at: www.insider.insidefashiondesign.com, where fashion industry members gain access to industry resources, community, and learning opportunities so that we can grow together. Have a feature you would like to recommend RECOMMEND A FEATURE STORY Want to be a featured maker or brand? SEND AN INQUIRY HERE Curious about advertising with us? SUBMIT AN INQUIRY HERE Want to learn about our annual Ethical Fashion Festival and how you can get involved? EFF INQUIRES

Today we are featuring Global Design Specialist Joanne Swift. Why the title of "Global Design Specialist"? Read on to learn about her amazing background and expertise...and why we are so excited!! Joanne has joined Inside Fashion Design Connect as a workshop leader to share her knowledge and provide insights into the design process for our community- Join us to meet her and learn from her wealth of knowledge! Joanne is highly educated and experienced. With a BA & MA in Fine Arts and Textiles Design & over 20 years of experience in the Fashion industry in Europe, Asia, and the US markets. Her work experience includes DKNY, Lee Jeans VF, Seven for Mankind, Bongo, as well as many others. AND she teaches Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing & Merchanding at different schools throughout Asia and Europe. If that isn't enough, Joanne also runs her own Design Agency, Cicero Design, with offices in both Shanghai and LA. Joanne speaks 4 languages including Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Italian & English! WHEW!!! How does she do it all?? So what specific industry skills qualify her as a Design Specialist? Executive Leadership skills & time management coordination A Cross-Functional collaborator, team ordinated mindset, creative thinker Extensive experience with third-party manufacturers and suppliers Finds solutions to keep within the client's budget without compromising quality Develops and creates trend concepts, creative ideas, textile art, branding materials, logos, labeling, packaging, and arranging photo shoots Building and organizing creative departments, establishing Design teams, R&D units, and Product management groups Creates and delivers sales presentations to buying offices in Asia US and Europe Guest speaker for international trade shows/ Fashion Institutions, and brands Experienced in CLO 3D, Ai, PS, ID, Microsoft word/excel/Teams/Google G-suits Works in the product categories of Denim /Athleisure/Sports/Swim Wear/Casual wear/ Soft Goods/Accessories both Men’s and Women’s/kids/Unisex Check out some of Joanne's work: To see more, visit here What will Joanne be sharing with us?? The 360-Degree Design Process: A 4-Part Workshop Series In this series, attendees will get an overview of the environment in the fashion industry from a social and sustainable point of view, gaining an understanding of the intrinsic and extrinsic values of the product process, from a full 360-point process. Take a look at how each process has an impact on the other from creation/fiber creation/production placing/pricing negotiations/ QC to delivery Workshop Topics: Fashion Production & Product Creation: Overview of the production team's journey from design to production. Fabrics Fibres, Yarns, and Textiles: Gain insight into the origin & properties of fibers characteristics of manmade and natural fibers brief transition from fibers to yarns. Product Development, Planning, and Marketing: Gain an understanding of various stages of the product lifecycle Manufacturing Processes: Artisanal vs Industrial/ Global vs Local. Consider collection plans and technical files; pattern making; spec sheet + prototypes + samples + final collection production pack Achieving Sustainable quality: – Productions Standards, pertinent importance of quality, and commercial balance procedures Supply Base and Supply Chain Management what is a supply chain what does supply chain management entail challenges to be tackled, and what strategies for understanding various distribution networks What are the Key Takeaways you will gain from this series? Adopt the correct mindset for effective leadership. Demonstrate an awareness of connections between social theories in the new market context and the opportunities of sustainable fashion in future brand development; Understand the basic elements of textiles and materials necessary to craft a fashion product and analyze production processes; Analyze marketing communication strategies applied within the fashion business context Understand the role of the buyers and their importance within the fashion industry Adopt key business principles and understand the development of business strategies "I have spent more than half my life studying and working in Asia as an Innovative, creative, and accomplished entrepreneur, with over 20 years of experience in the full design and production process. I am highly knowledgeable in the design requirements for various markets, having acquired extensive experience in fabrication, design conception, and full design process, working for both the brands and the manufacturing side. I have excellent communication and organizational skills, and the ability to evaluate customers' needs and provide total individualized service. Experienced and capable of handling the complete product creation process, technical specs, patterns, sampling, and price negations to production, and logistics. Working closely with OEM and ODM suppliers and factories in China and Southeast Asia. Now residing in Los Angeles full time to further learn and develop within the creative community". Joanne Swift To reach Joanne directly for inquiries, reach out to her at: Joannepswift@gmail.com

Greetings and a warm welcome to spring! With the arrival of this much-awaited season, we can't help but feel excited to finally embrace the flowy, comfortable, and vibrant dresses that are a signature of the season. Here at ifd, we prioritize supporting brands whose values and ethos align with ours. Creating awareness & sharing stories of such brands can contribute to a positive impact on society and the environment. Today we feature Current Air, a brand we admire for its values and principles. But why do we hold such high regard for this brand, you may ask? Current Air's commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and inclusivity aligns with our core values. They emphasize using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and ensuring fair labor practices in their production process. Moreover, they strive to offer a diverse range of styles, promoting inclusivity and body positivity. Overall, we believe that Current Air is a brand that provides stylish and comfortable clothing and aligns with our vision of promoting a better world. Here are the 4 Key Values Current Air built into its Corporate Responsibility Strategy (from www.currentair.com) 1. Sustainability: "Being good to Mother Earth is always in style. Here at Current Air, we’re committed to our vision of creating standout contemporary apparel while taking action toward reducing our impact on the environment. We’ve implemented a number of green initiatives in order to reduce waste and are proud to invest in smart and innovative solutions for long-term sustainability continually. Not only are we proactively testing and sourcing the highest-quality recycled fabrics, but we have also been working to replace all packaging and shipping materials in favor of recycled products. As of September 15, 2021, we are happy to announce we have reached our goal of fully converting to 100% recycled & biodegradable material". More Favorite Looks From Current Air influencers 2. Human Rights: "Our dedication to a healthy planet includes doing our part in building a thriving global community. We’ve formed close partnerships with ethical overseas factories that comply with fair labor and wages to ensure workers' health, safety, and quality of life". Best Seller & Our Favorite: The Sereia dress in 12 options Looking to add one new dress to your wardrobe this season? The Sereia Maxi dress comes in 11 different options to choose from. 3. Local Outreach: "Current Air is dedicated to being an ally to the community. We support the East Los Angeles Women’s Shelter through clothing donations, an initiative we began in December 2020. We’re proud to back their mission as they advocate for and empower survivors of sexual and domestic violence, intimate partner abuse, and homelessness. Together we can use our resources to create positive change. We’re big believers in the importance of giving back. In recent years, we’ve been supporting our neighbors in our hometown of Los Angeles by purchasing and distributing more than 500 sleeping bags to those in need—an effort we plan to continue and expand upon each year. Additionally, we donate a portion of sales proceeds from our annual sample sales to local and global nonprofit organizations, including those dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by natural disasters such as the 2017 Mexico City earthquake and the 2021 California wildfires". 4. Corporate Philosophy: "Our commitment to giving back extends beyond the neighborhood around us. We all have a part to play as members of the global community. In March of 2022, with the unfolding of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, we contributed a monetary donation to the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, in order to help support those displaced from their homes due to the ongoing conflict. Current Air is proud to endorse UNHCR’s mission of providing essential aid to Ukrainian refugees. This cause holds a special place in our hearts, as our Head Designer has spent a substantial amount of time volunteering in Odessa, Ukraine. It’s our hope that we can expand awareness of UNHCR and the crucial assistance they provide to populations in need". From Currentair.com Are you curious about fabrics and how eco-friendly they are? Check out our resource hub on ifd Connect to learn more. (create a profile to access all our resources) We realize many fashion brands still use 100% Polys and blends that aren't necessarily the best for the earth. It is important to do your research and choose the best option that you can, taking into consideration such as the quality, and longevity of the style & material.

Welcome! Thank you for popping in today to check out our tips and tricks for financing your dream business. This article is provided by contributing author & entrepreneur Derek Goodman. A big thank you to Derek for this wonderful list of advice! Derek Goodman is an entrepreneur. He’d always wanted to make his own future, and he knew growing his own business was the only way to do that. He created his site Inbizability, to offer you tips, tricks, and resources so that you realize your business ability and potential now, not later. Past financial setbacks shouldn’t keep you from pursuing your dreams of launching a creative business, especially if you’re passionate, skilled, and prepared for the long and oftentimes stressful startup process. This guide created for readers here at Inside Fashion Design (IFD) will tell you everything you need to know about obtaining funding for your startup and getting your creative business off the ground, regardless of the financial setbacks you’ve experienced in your personal or professional life. Let’s begin! Bounce Back Financially Whether a former business failed, you’ve previously filed for bankruptcy, or you’ve experienced another financial challenge, you’ll first need to recover from your setback. This means giving yourself some time to pay off any bills that affect your credit score, cut unnecessary spending, and find a consistent stream of income — rather than immediately starting a business after experiencing a financial setback. Legally, you can start a new business immediately after filing for bankruptcy, but qualifying for a loan may be a challenge. After you’ve completed these steps, you’ll need to explore new financing options or look for ways to start your business without borrowing money. If you launch a home-based business, for instance, you’ll save on rent and utilities, especially if you use personal equipment and convert a spare room into an office. If you know you’ll need to borrow money to cover the cost of equipment, inventory, or office space for your creative business, consider these options: -Leasing business equipment or buying these items secondhand -Crowdfunding your startup -Borrowing money from friends and family -Finding a startup accelerator –Renting a coworking space if you can’t work from home -Applying for a bad credit business loan Become an Expert in Your Craft As you recover from your financial setbacks and look for ways to fund your startup, it’s also important to learn as much as possible and become a master of your craft. If you’re starting a fashion design business, for instance, here at IFD we offer courses, tips, reading recommendations, and other learning opportunities to inspire and empower design students and entrepreneurs. Other online resources for creatives include the Center for Creative Entrepreneurship (CCE), One Club for Creativity, and the Professional Association for Design (AIGA). Launch Your Creative Business Once you’re ready to launch your new business, you’ll need to complete several important steps. These include the following: Conducting market research Identifying your target audience Drafting a business plan. Visit Score.com for a free business plan template Applying for financing, if necessary Choosing a legal entity Naming and branding your business Creating your product Since you’ve experienced financial setbacks in the past, a limited liability company (LLC) will be an excellent choice of legal entity as you get your new business up and running. LLCs are meant to protect your personal finances in the event of lawsuits or business debts, and other benefits of limited liability companies include tax advantages and management flexibility. “So, how do I start an LLC?” you may wonder. Typically, it’s best to begin the process by reviewing the LLC rules in the state where you live and checking to see if your chosen business name is available. Then, you can use an online formation service to file your Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation, or you may file directly through your local Secretary of State’s office. As another option, an attorney can walk you through the entire business formation process for a fee. Launch Your Dream Business Experiencing a financial setback shouldn’t keep you from launching your dream business, and it doesn’t have to if you take the time to recover financially and plan out your next business venture. By giving yourself some time to bounce back, explore new funding opportunities, and become an expert in your craft, you’ll set yourself up for success as a creative entrepreneur! Are you ready to launch your dream career as a fashion designer? Subscribe for a free Inside Fashion Design (IFD) account to find workshops and events, tips for design professionals, and other inspiration for creative entrepreneurs!

We had the opportunity to attend a Meet the Makers event at Mary Rose Collective, based in Oregon City. Mary Rose Collective, founded by Juliana Allen, hosts events to support ethically and sustainably made products. Brittani was there showing her collection- take a quick overview of her brand! We welcome Brittani to our live Community Conversations on March 23rd at 10:00 AM PST. Free for anyone to pop in to meet and greet Brittani and other industry pros! To RSVP, register through our platform ifd Connect "Producing ethical and sustainable clothing is never perfect. We must choose the things that are most important to us." Brittani Velasquez How do you go from home sewer & new mom to building your first apparel line using only ethical fabrics and makers? Meet Founder, CEO, and Entrepreneur Brittani Velasquez at our ifd Connect Community Chat. We sit down to talk with fashion industry makers, brands, and industry pros. Free and open to all create your profile on ifd connect to gain access to the zoom link and all other goodies on the platform! We look forward to meeting you! Learn how Creative Capital Design, our design consultancy, worked with Brittani to create her designs and prepare them for production in Peru Pima Cotton from Peru was a priority for Brittani when planning her collection. To see the original blog post visit here Thanks, Brittani for sharing your story! Would you like to be featured? Send us a note: design@insidefashiondesign.net

Original Post from February 19th, 2019 Greetings Dear Reader, If you are reading this, I have piqued your interest in SCAD heart attacks: Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection. What is that you wonder and what does that have to do with fashion? Well, read on to learn more. Donna Sugimoto is a stylist, writer, and philanthropist who had her life turned upside down by SCAD. During her healing process, she turned to jewelry design, making essential oil-carrying jewelry with calming, positive energy. Listen to Donna’s life-changing experience and find out what’s behind her line of bracelets, SOLSISS. Donna: On the morning of September 23, 2016, I had a day off from my very busy life. Aside from my normal job as a hairstylist of about 30 years, I was working several days a week on a fiction trilogy for teens with my two writing partners. I was also doing family history research, working with curators, and placing family artifacts in national exhibitions on the WWII Japanese American Incarceration experience. Not a light topic. I was excited to have a day off to stay home and clean. That was the day life changed. That was the day I had a Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection, also known as SCAD. I was doing my normal cleaning routine, walking up and down the stairs and taking a break to check emails when I felt a very light pressure in both of my arms, nothing too intense, just...weird. It wasn’t until I broke out in a cold sweat that I knew something might be wrong. A friend took me to the ER (I was later told that in this circumstance you should always call 911 since an EMT would start treating you immediately!). Imagine my shock and confusion when I discovered a young, healthy, active, long-time vegetarian like myself—who was not at-risk—had a heart attack! But it wasn’t a “normal” one. It was something called, “Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection” also referred to as SCAD—a tear in the inner layer of one of your heart arteries causing blockage to the blood flow to your heart. It was a rare type of heart attack that they knew little about. When I asked the doctors how or why it happened, how long it would take the tear to heal, or if it could happen again, all they could tell me was they didn’t know and that it could heal just as spontaneously as it happened. Not very reassuring. I was sent home with a handful of medications, told to return in a few weeks and in the meantime, to rest, not do any heavy lifting, and to try to get back to my normal life. SCAD was not well-researched, and most in the medical field knew very little about it. Since then, researchers have come up with some basic guidelines during this sensitive time of heart healing. I realized that as soon as you have a SCAD (which many call “the club that you never wanted to join”) you become a “warrior,” fighting to survive. I felt like if I rolled over in bed the wrong way I might have another one. After trying to find answers for myself, I found a Facebook group called SCAD Survivors and a virtual research study on SCAD by the Mayo Clinic, which I joined hoping that my experience would help the researchers learn more. For the first 6 months, I stayed close to home to heal and recover physically and emotionally. What if I had a SCAD while stuck in LA traffic? What if it happened while I was sleeping? I had never felt so weak and vulnerable. Things that I used to do effortlessly had become difficult. I never thought of myself as a stressed person, just a very busy one, but when I learned stress could possibly play a factor in it—it’s not the reason SCAD happens but it could contribute to the perfect storm—I decided to do more things to help me relax. I worked on self-care to deal with the aftermath of SCAD. I finally found a new doctor who had been following the research and was more informed than most. It wasn’t until a year later that I slowly started to feel remotely like myself again. During that time of physical and emotional healing, I went through months of rehab, rest, therapy, meditation, listening to calming music, drinking soothing tea, and more rest, and I also started using the essential oils my sister, Terri, had given me. She had been accessing the benefits of essential oils for years. I found them to be helpful and experimented with which scents were calming and relaxing, for muscle aches or to just breathe better. I would sometimes put a few drops in my bath, in my drinking water and tea, or dab some on my temples or wrist. Terri told me about lava stones in jewelry to diffuse the oils and we both loved the idea, but after looking online we couldn’t find anything that we really liked. That’s when we knew we were going to design our own! I made my own jewelry when I was younger and also worked assembling pieces for a jewelry designer for many years. Our mom had jewelry parties when we were growing up, and we both have always been creative. Our aunt Eloise had recently been designing her own jewelry, so we played around with her treasure trove of beads, and SOLSISS Jewelry was born. I am a big believer in the power of positive thinking. I know positive thoughts, words, and actions can create positive shifts in people. I had a LOVE charm on a necklace from a secondhand shop. Each time I wear it I get compliments and smiling faces from people of all ages. I could tell it transferred good energy to them, and it made me feel different when I wore it. What to know about SCAD, a leading cause of heart attacks for young women Heart-Inspired for SCAD Collection - Rhodochrosite, Rainbow Moonstone & Sterling Silver Totem Diffuser Necklace w/BELIEVE Affirmation Heart SOLSISS Jewelry is designed with the intention not only to enhance your wardrobe, but to draw in more positivity, joy, and harmony to those who wear it and in turn, emanate that energy out to others in the world. It is the simple concept we call, “Soulful Synergy.” Who doesn’t need a little more of that in their lives? We are infusing the world with good energy. We combine natural gemstones (which are also known to have different vibrations and properties) with lava beads for grounding and use of the essential oils and then highlight our designs with meaningful focal beads and charms with words to invoke positivity. Sometimes all it takes is a little reminder for your energy to shift. You can also use our pieces to meditate with. Terri is a Reiki master and infuses our jewelry with lovely Reiki energy. In the earlier stages of SOLSISS, when I was wearing my bracelets with our inspirational word heart charms, just knowing they were on my wrist gave me the extra support I needed in moments of doubt or fear that my heart might tear again. I wore my “Courage” and “Strength” bracelets on the first flight I took post-SCAD and added my essential oils. It was so helpful. Through meeting and reading about others on the SCAD Survivor Facebook page, I knew most survivors experience that doubt and fear. I wanted to share our bracelets with them. I did my first SCADaddle—The Annual Carlsbad 5k for SCAD Research, Inc. in 2017 with Terri and my niece, Michelle. SOLSISS donated bracelets to the silent auction, and we knew we could do more. Hearts symbolize so much more meaning after you have survived a SCAD. We’ve created a special collection called the “Heart-Inspired SCAD Bracelet Collection” with survivors in mind. We also plan on designing a special SOLSISS Heartbeat Charm for this collection. A portion of proceeds from this special collection is donated to SCAD Research, Inc.—a non-profit dedicated to supporting the Mayo Clinic’s research and the virtual SCAD research registry. They are working hard to find answers for us. We made our first donation from the Heart-Inspired SCAD Bracelet Collection in December! Now over two years post-SCAD, I am busy with my new perfect storm. I am still seeing clients and working on my book project, am on the board of directors for a non-profit, The Tuna Canyon Detention Station Coalition, which helps to preserve a historical landmark in Los Angeles, and I volunteer for the Annual 5K SCADaddle. And I am co-creating SOLSISS Jewelry with Terri. As partners, we run every aspect of our business ourselves, and we both design and make our pieces—which is so much fun. We will be adding additional collections in the near future, including Nature, Ocean, and more. We plan to expand to a full jewelry line. For now, this is bringing us so much joy! Life is good! I just don’t sweep anymore!! We are grateful to Inside Fashion Design for sharing our story. Donna Sugimoto – SOLSISS Jewelry partner, designer, and co-creator, power of positivity thinker, author, hairstylist, family history researcher, SCAD Thriver Terri Bell – SOLSISS Jewelry partner, designer, and co-creator, ceramicist, reiki master, essential oil enthusiast. Thank you for reading today! Thank you for sharing your story, Donna! You can find SOLSISS online here.

SOVEREIGNTY COMPANY, A NEO LUXE CIRCULAR SOCIAL ENTERPRISE, LAUNCHES TO DISRUPT FASHION We wanted to share some great news with our community. Our friends at Sovereignty are launching a Fashion CEOs Accelerator to empower fashion entrepreneurs of color to collectively solve climate change, sustainability and inclusion challenges. Five founders will be selected to participate in the inaugural cohort and will receive a $50,000 cash grant and a transformative eight-month accelerator experience. The Fashion CEOs Accelerator will help fashion entrepreneurs redefine and disrupt neo-luxe fashion, equitable wealth creation, and a creative workforce economy. Applications are due on July 29 Sovereignty is hosting weekly Info Session Power Hours every Wednesday during July to share more about the accelerator program. The next Power Hour will be this Wednesday, July 13 at 6 pm on Zoom. Space is limited, please RSVP in advance to join the call! The sovereignty Fashion Accelerator program was created to offer BIPOC designers the opportunity to apply for 50K in grant money to participate in a fashion accelerator program to build their business. To qualify, a designer needs to meet the following requirements: Must be physically based in LA County with a roadmap to manufacturing/produce business in the LA region for at least 5 years Must be running a business for at least two years with existing traction You have plans to launch sustainable products You've hired and led a team, part-time or full time You embody being a purpose-driven brand that is dedicated to creating fashion good for people and the planet Open and committed to profound personal and business transformation read here to learn more The Team, including IFD's Trish Langman! IFD is excited to support, promote and work with the Sovereignty Fashion Accelerator Program. Stay tuned to learn about the selected designers, their work, and the design process they will go through. Like this article? Know someone who qualifies and would be interested in applying? Please share! Sovereignty Main Site: https://sov-er-eign-ty.com/home/ Fashion CEOs Application home page: https://sov-er-eign-ty.com/application/ FACEBOOK Sovereignty Co: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Clothing--Brand-/Sovereignty-Co-101084365135216/ INSTAGRAM @sov_er_eign_ty: https://www.instagram.com/sov_er_eign_ty/?hl=en Info Session Power Hour registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElfuuvrzojG9OUrBHg5VWv2QeDzNDcBMEZ

The designer! Meet Anthony Williams, the brains behind the Lifestyle Brand Rossario George & Leaping Bunny cruelty-free cosmetics. Read on to learn more! Anthony will be showing his latest collection at the 5th annual COUTURE & CARS FASHION SHOW at the LeMay – America’s Car Museum on Saturday, July 22nd from 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm. See below for details. IFD: Anthony, you are an artist and creator of the Rossario George Brand- can you tell us a little bit about your design background?: I am a self-taught designer and expert in exporting and importing, and fabric and pattern selection. I have always been an artist (drawing) so I do all my sketches and designs. I then send them off to my team of manufacturers to create the garments to my specifications. IFD: How & why you decided to create your own line?: It all began when a company named Shop Vida reached out and asked me to design garments for them (prior to that I was creating fine art and home accessories based on my pieces). In the first year, I became a top seller, which gave me the push I needed to create Rossario George. IFD: How long you have been in business?: Rossario George has been in business since 2018. IFD: What is the story behind your brand? Rossario George is a lifestyle brand that creates ready-to-wear, couture (for all genders), 5-star rated, Leaping Bunny cruelty-free cosmetics and so much more. We are a brand known for our quality, uniqueness, and affordability. We cater to anyone who wants to feel luxurious without breaking the bank. I guess you can say Rossario George is for EVERYONE. IFD: You truly are building a lifestyle brand! Tell us more about your cosmetic line: Rossario George started out in the cosmetic business with a line of gel nail polishes but has since expanded our collections to include the face, eyes, and lips. Our 5-star rated and Leaping Bunny certified lines can be found on its own website www.rgbeauty.store as well as online retailers Beauty Bridge, Walmart.com, and Amazon.com. RG Beauty can be found in-store at the Divalani Style boutique in Kirkland, WA. Lastly, we are also close to getting our cosmetics in another WA state location. IFD: Do you incorporate sustainable practices and if so, how? We take sustainability very seriously. We only have one planet and each of us has the responsibility to treat it right. We changed our business model from mass production to bespoke. We only create garments once they are ordered. This way we only use a limited amount of materials nor do we waste them. IFD: What is this specific collection about for the upcoming Couture & Cars Fashion show?-what can the audience expect? We are exclusively showing the L4 Collection (L4 stands for Love, Laird, Leather, and Lace) this collection is a culmination of the many things I find inspiration in as well as things that have occurred in my life (Like the Laird part…I acquired the title this year due to ownership of land in Ireland). IFD: Where do you sell and how can people find you? You can purchase Rossario George clothing, accessories, and shoes on www.rossariogeorge.com and our must-have beauty on www.rgbeauty.store and www.beautybridge.com. You can also buy it at Divalani Style in Kirkland, Washington. To work with me directly, we have various options available. Once a garment is paid for buyers can electronically send us their measurements to the email provided or we can set up a time and place to meet for measurements. I also have an in-house studio people can come to. Please note that all orders are in hand within 3-4 weeks. Website: www.rossariogeorge.com Facebook: @HouseofRG Instagram: @rossario_george Leaping Bunny Cosmetics: www.rgbeauty.store Contact info: (e) info@rossariogeorge.com (p) 206.501.743 ROSSARIO GEORGE brand: "Rossario George is a label that embodies the word “trendsetter.” Bringing together a kaleidoscope of styles and textures, Rossario George is for those who want to celebrate every day and make it unique regardless of the occasion. From women’s ready-to-wear to home furnishings and lifestyle accessories, the label is a salute to sexy and stylish. At the label’s helm is CEO Tony Vincente, one of the fashion industry’s disruptors causing havoc in the most fashionable way and bringing a wave of change to style, fashion, and design." from Couture & Cars ABOUT THE 2023 COUTURE & CARS FASHION SHOW: This is the 5th annual COUTURE & CARS FASHION SHOW at the LeMay – America’s Car Museum on Saturday, July 22nd from 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm. We have merged our love of fashion and cars to bring you this unique fashion show experience! We will be showcasing both couture clothing designers and couture accessory designers from the northwest region. The event doors will open at 6:00 pm, we will have a live DJ, designer booths, and red-carpet photos available before the show. The seating for the show will begin at 6:40 pm and the fashion show will start at 7:00 pm sharp. There will be an after-party at the venue following the show. Please check out the official website for more information, go to www.coutureandcars.com. Ticket Prices: $95 VIP Ticket + Museum Entrance (Includes Front Row Seat, Free Drink Ticket, & Prepaid Parking $5 Value) $85 VIP Ticket (Front Row Seating, Free Drink Ticket & Prepaid Parking $5 Value) $65 2nd & 3rd Row Ticket + Museum Entrance (Includes Prepaid Parking $5 Value) $55 2nd & 3rd Row Ticket (Includes Prepaid Parking $5 Value) Event Schedule: 6:00 pm Event Doors Open & Pre-Show Red Carpet Photos 6:40 pm Start Seating for the Show 7:00 pm Fashion Show 9:00 pm After-party at the venue (LeMay Museum) 11:00 pm Event Ends Showcasing Designers: Ambizflair Cin X Zaya GGY Collections Julie Danforth Design Rossario George Santiago Alejandro Attendees should dress up and dress fashionably for this event, we will be conducting red-carpet interviews of attendees the night of the event. Thanks for reading today! Have other suggestions or questions? Reach out to let us know design@insidefashiondesign.net Know someone who would like this article? Please share

Exciting things happening in menswear! From looks caught on the streets to designers fresh fall runway looks. The show opens up with with Lukhanyo Mdingi, Bluemarble and Egonlab. Check out the links below for reports and full slideshow of each designer. Lukhanyo Mdingi "Into Africa" Collection. From: https://uk.fashionnetwork.com/news/Paris-menswear-opens-with-lukhanyo-mdingi-bluemarble-and-egonlab,1369655.html Images from Kadill Collection, from Kidill Best Street Styles from Vogue.com

By Contributing Author: Lisa Walker. Lisa created JobDreamTeam.com as a passion project to reach a wider audience and share information that will help her readers find, land, and succeed in their dream job." Hello There! Today we are sharing our top 7 Masterful Techniques for Elevating Your Creative Work. Enjoy! In a landscape where business and creativity intertwine, your ability to differentiate yourself goes beyond mere talent; it hinges on strategic networking, effective self-promotion, and showcasing your work compellingly. This guide directs you through crucial steps to adeptly maneuver the intricacies of the creative industry. Ensuring your venture doesn't just endure but flourishes becomes your primary objective. Seize every opportunity to highlight your unique capabilities and make a lasting impact. Attracting the Right Business Investors Connect with investors who grasp and share your creative vision and values. Your pitch must emphasize your business's uniqueness and potential, appealing to those eager to back innovative ventures. Aligning with investors who understand your vision ensures more than just financial support. You gain advocates for your brand, which is crucial for your venture's growth. These aligned investors become partners in your creative journey. Their backing signifies a shared belief in the transformative power of your creative endeavor. 2. Maximizing Visibility To elevate your visibility, actively seek out physical and digital spaces where your work can be displayed to a broader audience. The suitable venues can significantly amplify your reach, whether it's exhibitions, galleries, or influential online platforms. This visibility increases your work's exposure and opens doors to opportunities that can propel your creative career forward. 3. Crafting Memorable Business Cards Design your business cards to distinctly embody your creativity and professionalism. Make each card a reflection of your unique artistic identity. These cards should stand out at any networking event, capturing attention immediately. They are crucial for making memorable connections with potential collaborators and clients. You can use online templates for business card designs. After choosing a template, customize it with your own copy, font type, colors, and images. 4. Curating an Impactful Portfolio Your portfolio is the cornerstone of your creative identity, presenting your best work. Ensure it's meticulously organized to showcase your versatility, skills, and distinctive creative vision. A compelling portfolio proves your competence and captivates potential clients and collaborators. It reveals the depth and breadth of your creative capabilities. This curated collection should make a strong case for your unique artistic contributions. Let it bridge, connecting you with those who appreciate and seek your creative talent. 5. Engaging with Local Art Scenes Immerse yourself in the local art festivals and community events to deepen your engagement with the creative scene. Such gatherings offer unparalleled opportunities for networking and drawing in new clients. They also significantly boost your visibility within the local community. By participating, you establish connections with fellow creatives who share your passion and vision. These events provide a dynamic platform for showcasing your work. Engage actively in these communal settings to enrich your artistic journey and expand your professional network. 6. Developing a Professional Online Presence In today's digital age, having a professional website is non-negotiable. It serves as the digital storefront for your creative business, offering a space to display your portfolio, share your creative journey, and connect with potential clients worldwide. Your website should be visually appealing and user-friendly, ensuring visitors can quickly discover and engage with your work. 7. Collaborating for Innovation Collaboration fuels your creativity, offering fresh perspectives and opportunities for innovation. By partnering with other creatives, you venture into projects that redefine the limits of possibility. Such collaborations enrich your practice and widen your professional circle, paving the way for more growth and visibility. These partnerships propel your creative journey forward, ensuring a dynamic and evolving creative career. Embarking on your creative business journey presents a blend of challenges and rewards. Focusing on critical strategies sets a solid foundation for a thriving creative career. Success in the creative industry hinges on remaining faithful to your vision. Embrace collaboration opportunities to enhance your creative output. Consistently showcase your work to new audiences to expand your reach. Let your creativity radiate; recognition and opportunities will naturally follow. Dive into the heart of sustainable fashion with Inside Fashion Design, your ultimate resource hub for learning, growing, creating, and connecting within the conscious and ethical fashion design community. Thanks for reading today!  Have other suggestions or questions?  Reach out to let us know design@insidefashiondesign.net Know someone who would like this article?  Please share! Have you found a supportive online community yet?  We invite you! Free and open to all those interested in connecting, gaining insights and inspirations and joining us to make a positive impact in the fashion industry.

About FashioNXT: Based in Portland, Oregon, FashionXT, is celebrated for its avant-garde approach to showcasing emerging and established designers. Founded in 2013, FashionXT has become a prominent platform for fashion enthusiasts, designers, and industry professionals. With its focus on innovation, creativity, and inclusivity, FashionXT highlights diverse perspectives and cutting-edge trends within the fashion industry. The event attracts a global audience each year, featuring runway shows, exhibitions, and networking opportunities that foster collaboration and inspiration. By blending local and international talent, FashionXT contributes to Portland's reputation as a vibrant hub for fashion and design. About UpNXT: FashioNXT's UpNXT program is the leading and longest-running Emerging Designers Accelerator in the US, attracting designers from all over the US and Canada. It's an emerging designers competition where designers receive expert mentorship, participation in an exciting runway show, and a grand prize package for the winner. There are two participation tracks, Live Show Track, and Virtual Track, enabling designers to participate from anywhere in the world and benefit from all the mentorship and publicity of FashioNXT's extensive network. To learn more, visit https://fashionxt.com/upnxt/ 2023 FashioNXT's UpNxt Emerging Designer Winner is Jezeus Feliciano. Congratulations to Jezeus! Here, we share how he grew to learn and love fashion design. Jezeus was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, where his love for design and fashion grew. He is dedicated to pushing fashion boundaries in Oregon and beyond. The runway looks he presented were infused with emotions, and he tells a story with each piece. Innovative and provocative, these unique pieces made the Feliciano brand stand out without sacrificing style or design, earning him the winning title of 2023's UpNXT Designer. His Collection is his "Love letter to Portland". How he got started: Jezeus started sewing at eight after expressing interest in it as a hobby. His mother gave him basic sewing instructions, and he kept learning from then on. He attended Cascadia Tech Academy for 2 years during high school, where his instructor, Kim Forbes, would expand his knowledge and work closely with his side. As a young child, Jezeus discovered his love for design. With limited resources and hand-me-downs, Jesus felt more connected to his personal style when he could create his own looks, which sparked his designer to create. A few teachers at Jezeus's middle school recognized his love for the craft and together bought him his first mannequin. While still living in Vancouver, one of these teachers recently opened the La Sorrentina Italian restaurant, which he visits reqularly and still expresses his gratitude for. Jezeus went on a journey to learn fashion design and determine what kind of designer he wanted to be. His first brand was named Villalba, a family surname that he later discovered he couldn't trademark. Requiring a rebranding- the new Feliciano name was fresh start for him. A new identity. Feliciano is an adopted name from his father's side, derived from the Latin root "Felix," which means happiness, good fortune, good luck, rich in crops and fruit, and fertile. Not only is it what Jezeus strives for in life, but it's also what he hopes to bring to his future customers and employees- a rich and fertile life for them. He describes Feliciano as a fusion of streetwear featuring elegant and timeless components that incorporate traditional elements from his Hispanic roots. The WHY behind the brand: The why behind Feliciano is to unite people with each other and themselves, empowering individuals to feel confident in their clothing. Future goals include giving back to communities that are significant to him and who ultimately fuel the identity of Feliciano. His Consumer: Jezeus describes Feliciano's customers as those who live in urban locations and are interested in fashion and culture. They enjoy challenging the status quo and are daring enough to wear silhouettes and colors that catch an eye and flatter the shape of their figure. His audience also values quality and appreciates small artistic details. The age range he caters to is early 20s to late 30s. Finding Materials: Jezeus sources his materials mainly from the Mill End Store in Portland. It is the largest fabric warehouse in the area and provides a great resource of recycled textiles. Learning Moments: Fashion NXT was an essential ingredient in pursuing Feliciano's expansion. From submitting the application in August to designing every day for months on end to fitting the models and finalizing them the day of the show, Jezeus says there were definitely learning moments. At the last second, one piece couldn't be included in the opening look, and plans had to change. Jezeus initially intended to spray paint on the runway on his opening model; however, the concept had to be changed at the last second due to the show's capabilities. That's when Zeus and his partner/director marched to a nearby craft store, took the dress, spray painted it 40 minutes before the show, and wrote his signature instead on the model's dress, planning to open the collection with this look. However, the idea was discarded at the last minute, but in the end, it worked out for Jezeus, as he was chosen as the competition winner! Sounds like a backstage scramble designers often deal with on the day of a big show! "When you've cried too much, there comes a moment when all you can do is laugh."—Jezeus Feliciano. Plans for the Future! After the 2023 show, with the help of his newly found team, Jezeus decided that the inspiration for his following collection would be to explore his Latino roots, exploring the textile scene in the state his family is originally from, Oaxaca, México. He started exploring the Los Angeles garment district to learn more and foster connections in the fashion industry there, then flew to Oaxaca City. Oaxaca was an eye-opening experience for Feliciano: "The moment I got off the plane, I could see my mother's face in everyone around me. It felt familiar; it felt like home." -Jezeus Feliciano. The itinerary included meetings with Artisans specializing in loom weaving, rebozo fabrics, silk and cotton growth, natural dyes, and custom handmade textiles. The process is a beautiful traditional practice that the indigenous people of Oaxaca work so hard to preserve. However, labor is intensive and timely, and the resources take time to maintain, which instills a greater appreciation for their tradition and skills. "I want my clothes to showcase both of my cultures- the Hispanic one I was born into and the American one in which I was raised in Portland, Oregon." This fusion of culture and love for 2 truly artistic places will be the foundation of Feliciano's 2024 collection for Fashion NXT, Featuring 17 pieces to be released on the runway in October of this year. The Feliciano brand plans to start selling directly to consumers while currently, he is making custom garments for multiple artists in the area. The brand's projection to launch a ready-to-wear collection will take place after 2024's Fashion NXT show for 2025. So, how does UpNXT Work & How to Participate? Designers start with an audition. Selected finalists will be offered mentorships and participation in the fashion show competition. There are two tracks; LIVE and Virtual. The Auditions and the Mentorship classes will be done online; the main difference is the presentation of the collection of the finalists: Live: Finalist designers can show on a live runway show at FashioNXT Week in Portland. Virtual: Finalist designers will show virtually, which offers the option for the designer not to have to travel to Portland to get FashioNXT benefits Designer Qualifications: Ready to Wear or Couture Apparel Collection Designers Accessories Designers (Jewelry, Handbag, Shoes)Annual Revenue Below $20,000 In the business for less than three years. Audition Requirements: The designer must attend an online audition via video conferencing to a panel of judges on a date in Summer 2024 (FashioNXT will communicate the exact date in Summer 2024 to those who turn in the application form). Space is limited, so you are advised to apply ASAP. In the online audition, the designer will show the judges five samples from past collections or work the designer has recently completed. Designers need to showcase the pieces on models and/or dress forms and be ready to answer questions about the pieces, their business, and other topics that the judges find relevant to qualify. The designer should be prepared for the pieces to be photographed and presented to the public view. Note that the designer can show a new or complete collection later. Finalists will be decided through a selection process that includes a panel of judges and may include an opinion of an audience. For more information, visit www.fashionxt.com FashioNXT, placed #1 in the Forbes Magazine list of US Cities Fashion Weeks, recognized for its decade-long service to elevate fashion creatives, innovation, and sustainability. Thanks for sharing your story Jezeus and Congratulations! Thanks for reading today!  Have other suggestions or questions?  Reach out to let us know design@insidefashiondesign.net Know someone who would like this article?  Please share! Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the know and see all our featured makers, along with industry insights & inspirations! Have you found a supportive online community yet?  We invite you! Free and open to all those interested in connecting, gaining insights and inspirations and joining us to make a positive impact in the fashion industry.