How Fitting

In episode 98, hear how Vktori founder Keona Moy is challenging societal norms as well as her own self-limiting beliefs as she grows her braless, bandless, neuro-inclusive clothing brand. Women are told so many shaming messages about how they should dress their boobs, but Vktori is setting a new example of embracing comfort on your own terms. Keona Moy, with her 13-year healthcare background, founded VKTORI in response to the discomfort of traditional bras and the stigma of going braless. Her firsthand experience with sensory sensitivities at work fueled the creation of VKTORI, a revolutionary women’s wear brand. VKTORI's no-nip tee features a patent-pending and sensory-friendly construction which ensures comfort for all. VKTORI is at the intersection of fashion, wellness, and functionality, which allows women to be comfortable on their terms.  In this episode, you’ll learn: How entrepreneurship has forced Keona to confront her devils The societal pressures of dressing as a woman and how Vktori removes those pressures The problem Keona started out to solve and how that evolved How Keona has funded Vktori’s launch and growth How Vktori’s messaging has changed based on customer feedback How to decide what feedback to pay attention to and what is just a distraction How Keona found the team and advisory board members who are excited about Vktori’s mission How Keona’s perspective on her role as CEO has changed over the years People and resources mentioned in this episode: Vktori website Vktori Instagram Keona's LinkedIn Join the waitlist for the new NahBra Tee Has listening to How Fitting helped you create a better fit in your fashion business? Episode 100 of this podcast is coming up and I’m planning a special episode featuring the most notable moments from the 104 guests I’ve had on this podcast so far – plus your story! Click here to tell me about your favorite How Fitting episode and how it has impacted you or your business. Do you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.

In episode 97, Patternier founder and designer Heather Rose Rauscher gives us a tour of the intricate layers of her innovative artwork and business. Working in the industry for over a decade, she’s learned the rules of textile design. Now, with her own brand, she breaks them. Her luxury fashion and home pieces juxtapose vintage with new and minimal with maximal to create a deeply creative story. Patternier, the brainchild of Master Textile Designer, Heather Rose Rauscher, is a unique Art, Fashion, and Home company rooted in Textile Design. With a deep passion for vintage fabrics, which showcase design culture, Heather reimagines these pieces through her own lens. Using vintage quilts as the backdrop for her designs, she then hand-paints original patterns over the quilts to create a new textile design- and an original work of art. The new textile is then used to create unique home and fashion stylings. Pushing it one step further- all fashion pieces are created from vintage silhouettes which Heather sources herself. Using motifs that would not normally be put together, such as, a chinoiserie Jacobean on an Americana Patchwork, Heather somehow makes it work in a sophisticated and inventive way. Any item from Patternier is meant to stand alone as a work of art, not just a luxury good. Made 100% in New York- from the design and printing to the cut and sew, and quilting, keeping it local and sustainable is at the forefront of Patternier’s mission. Heather’s 10+ year’s in the textile industry ensures that all fabrics of rich cotton, silk, and linen are of the finest quality to match the craftsmanship of the collections. In this episode, you’ll learn: What Heather prioritizes in designing her fabrics, textile prints, and products Why it is important to work for other companies before starting your own brand How Heather knew it was the right time to start her own business The innovative technique Heather uses to create the Patternier prints How each print translates into fashion and home products How Heather found her seamstresses The drop schedule Patternier uses to maximize the newness of each print How Heather gets more eyes on the Patternier brand People and resources mentioned in this episode: Patternier website Patternier Instagram Heather’s Instagram Has listening to How Fitting helped you create a better fit in your fashion business? Episode 100 of this podcast is coming up and I’m planning a special episode featuring the most notable moments from the 104 guests I’ve had on this podcast so far – plus your story! Click here to tell me about your favorite How Fitting episode and how it has impacted you or your business. Do you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.

In episode 96, we ask the question: is it possible for fashion brands to be both sustainable and profitable? My guest, Selina Ho, the founder and CEO of sustainable consultancy Recloseted, paints a picture of what a renewed fashion industry could look like and what it would take to get us there. She shares practical steps that brands can take now to improve their sustainability efforts at each stage of business and how to communicate those efforts in specific and honest ways. Selina is the Founder & CEO of Recloseted and she's on a mission to transform the harmful fashion industry. Her consulting firm Recloseted launches + scales sustainable fashion brands and helps existing brands become more conscious. Selina is also the host of Recloseted Radio, the top podcast for sustainable fashion entrepreneurs. In this episode, you’ll learn: What a transformed fashion industry could look like What it will take to make sustainable fashion the norm A better way to set sustainability goals How to approach hard sustainability conversations without backlash Whether it is possible to be both sustainable and profitable Why voting with your dollars also applies to fashion brands, not just consumers Why sustainability can’t be the only selling point How much money it actually takes to start a sustainable fashion brand People and resources mentioned in this episode: Recloseted website Recloseted Fund Your Fashion Line Training Recloseted How to Launch a Profitable Fashion Brand Masterclass Listen or Watch: Breaking Down the Fashion Design Process — Interview with Alison Hoenes on the the Recloseted Radio podcast Has listening to How Fitting helped you create a better fit in your fashion business? Episode 100 of this podcast is coming up and I’m planning a special episode featuring the most notable moments from the 104 guests I’ve had on this podcast so far – plus your story! Click here to tell me about your favorite How Fitting episode and how it has impacted you or your business. Do you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.

In episode 95, Madison Powers speaks about the story, the underrated skills, and the business plan that have helped her “effortlessly creative” business go far in just a few years. Madison is strategic with her decisions, and crystal clear on her customer and business values, and shares so many little-talked-of realities of fashion business in this interview. Madison was born and raised in Greensboro North Carolina, obtaining her bachelor's degree from NCCU in Business Administration and Marketing! After a year in Corporate America, Madison decided to put her love of business and fashion into something meaningful. Thus, creating her namesake label Madison Victoria; a slowly made, small-batch-produced woman’s label that offers classic silhouettes with creative and functional designs for the modern women. Creating a community for all and a safe space within the fashion industry for black and brown women. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Madison got into fashion despite being too scared to pursue a fashion degree in school The strategic way Madison interviewed different manufacturing partners to make sure she found the best fit for her business How to stay inspired as a creative without a travel budget Why Madison recommends every business owner create a thorough business plan How her business plan has helped her make better decisions in her business The underrated skill that has helped Madison grow her brand (more than money could) The importance of storytelling - including what, how, and whom to tell Why it is so important to find the right day job before your business becomes full-time. People and resources mentioned in this episode: Madison Victoria website Madison Victoria Instagram FashionPedia fashion encyclopedia Has listening to How Fitting helped you create a better fit in your fashion business? Episode 100 of this podcast is coming up and I’m planning a special episode featuring the most notable moments from the 104 guests I’ve had on this podcast so far – plus your story! Click here to tell me about your favorite How Fitting episode and how it has impacted you or your business. Do you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.

In episode 94, Freya challenges the assumption that synthetics are better for swimwear with her sensitive-skin-focused brand Solpardus – which means ‘sun leopard’. With natural-fiber swimwear and apparel, Freya cares for her skin and the community of other women living with psoriasis, eczema, and sensitive skin that she’s met through running her business. Solpardus makes all natural bamboo swimwear and linen clothing with skin comfort at the forefront of our design. We marry style with comfort to bring 100% natural, British made, ethical and sustainable swimwear and relaxed tailoring that is perfect for psoriasis and eczema. The idea for Solpardus came over lockdown in Cornwall when my own psoriasis was in full flare and incredibly sore. As with some other psoriasis sufferers, I find that a healthy dose of sunshine can work wonders for my skin. However, as I am sure any woman can attest to, synthetic swimwear is far from comfortable at the best of times and unbearable against inflamed skin! So I scoured the internet searching for natural fabric swimwear. After only finding one brand in America and one in Australia (with neither delivering to the UK) I decided to make my own bamboo fabric bikini. I was thrilled to find that, in spite of the messy stitching and wonky elastic I had achieved with my small sewing machine, my first attempt was perfect for my skin. I wore it all summer taking full advantage of the glorious Cornish weather!  Since then I have made it my mission to challenge the status-quo of synthetic swimwear and bring it back to its natural roots! With Solpardus I also try to encourage women to find empowerment through both comfort and style, especially those with psoriasis, eczema or any other skin complaint. Solpardus, meaning “Sun Leopard”, is in reference to the pigment disparities that often occur when psoriasis heals in the sun giving the skin a leopard-like appearance. In this episode, you’ll learn: The assumption about fashion that Freya is trying to rewrite How Freya’s sensitive skin sparked the idea for Solpardus How Freya got manufacturers to take her seriously How starting Solpardus challenged Freya’s assumptions about the fashion industry The pros and cons of natural fibers for swimwear What went into Solpardus’ first in-person event How Freya cultivates self-awareness when it comes to her skin and her business People and resources mentioned in this episode: Solpardus website Solpardus Instagram Solpardus TikTok Do you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.

In episode 93, Oge Ajibe talks about what she’s learned (and where she’s learned) about inclusive fit and fashion business. After 6 years and multiple pivots in business, Oge has slowly created her own way to make sustainable, comfortable clothes that fit no matter your size. She’s uniquely created Oge Ajibe’s size chart, figured out pricing, stayed visible online, and she has big plans for the future of her brand. Oge Ajibe is a company that educates consumers on portraying themselves across all aspect, of fashion. Our inclusive, sustainable apparel, all handcrafted in Canada, provides our customers with a unique sense of comfort and confidence. In this episode, you’ll learn: How fashion school did (and did not) prepare her for fashion business What Oge did to build her confidence in the quality of her work How Oge’s business evolved over the years Why Oge thinks big brands are avoiding offering inclusive sizing even when small brands like hers can afford to do it. The unique way Oge created her brand’s sizing to fit XS-5X Why making custom clothing helped her RTW business What Oge learned from the home sewing community The journey one piece of clothing takes to get to the end customer What success looks like for Oge People and resources mentioned in this episode: Oge Ajibe website Oge Ajibe Instagram Do you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.

In episode 92, The Shortlist founder Laura Briggs gives us a detailed look at how her fun and cheeky petite-only brand has reached profitability. From pricing and production to business operations, Laura describes the growing pains she’s gone through and the huge milestones she’s reached as she’s scaled her 3-year-old business. Laura was also my guest two years ago on How Fitting episode 37 where she talked about how she first started The Shortlist and what her first year of entrepreneurship looked like. The Shortlist is a premium, limited edition petite fashion brand. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Laura moved production from the UK to Poland How many collections The Shortlist released before it became profitable What the turning point was for profitability What Laura is changing since realizing The Shortlist customer base is wider than she originally thought The balance between innovative designs and familiar basics How The Shortlist has built exceptional loyalty and repeat business from its customers Laura’s genius system for celebrating how far the business has come at each step The rollercoaster of launch day and what Laura is doing to minimize the challenges How Laura balances sharing her personal entrepreneur story and The Shortlist brand voice in her marketing and copywriting Laura’s plan for scaling The Shortlist this year How Laura’s long-term goal for The Shortlist drives her decisions now People and resources mentioned in this episode: The Shortlist website The Shortlist Instagram The Shortlist LinkedIn Do you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.

In episode 91, hear how former opera singer Suzanne Vinnik designs bold, inclusive fashions that make women “feel seen” and encourage them to take up space for who they are. Knowing first hand what it is like to be exploited working in the arts, Suzanne runs her business differently. Her secret to success both on and off the stage is prioritizing community and personal relationships and paying everyone she works with living wages. Suzanne Vinnik, a distinguished figure in both classical music and the fashion world, boasts a richly diverse career path. Originally traveling the world as an opera singer, Suzanne performed at renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and notable opera houses across Europe, Russia, Norway and the United States. As a leading soprano, some of her favorite operas included "Manon Lescaut," Nedda in "Pagliacci," Mimi and Musetta"La bohème," and Violetta "La traviata," captivating audiences with her emotive performances. Parallel to her operatic endeavors, Suzanne embarked on entrepreneurial ventures, founding Shoperatic, a pioneering social media network and marketplace tailored for women in classical music. This platform served as a hub for artists to connect, collaborate, and showcase their talents, solidifying Suzanne's reputation as an innovator within the industry. Users could buy, rent, sell and promote their outside skills.  Driven by her passion for fashion and a commitment to inclusivity, Suzanne transitioned seamlessly into the realm of design, launching "byVINNIK," a luxury womenswear brand celebrated for its size-inclusive ethos and ethically manufactured garments. Based in the heart of Los Angeles, Suzanne's designs have graced the frames of Classical Music luminaries, Broadway stars, and prominent figures in television and film.  The impact of Suzanne's creations extends beyond the realm of entertainment, with her designs featured prominently on platforms like Disney+, Netflix, and HBOMax's acclaimed series "The White Lotus," on Jennifer Coolidge earning recognition with an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Contemporary Costumes. Her work frequently adorns red carpets, editorial spreads, and stages worldwide, embodying a fusion of sophistication, elegance, and inclusivity. Suzanne holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Texas Christian University, supplemented by studies at prestigious institutions such as Mannes College of Music and Otis College of Design. She further honed her craft at the Opera Studio of Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome, mentored by the late Renata Scotto, and as an Administration Fellow at The Dallas Opera's Hart Institute for Women Conductors. Beyond her artistic pursuits, Suzanne is a passionate advocate for entrepreneurship, ethical manufacturing practices, and classical music education. Her expertise as a textile connoisseur, style forecaster, and classical music aficionado has positioned her as a sought-after keynote speaker at conferences, and universities, and as an expert for popular TV Shows like Today Show and Access Hollywood. Through her inspiring journey from opera singer to fashion designer, Suzanne empowers women of all backgrounds to embrace their confidence and individuality, embodying the transformative power of artistic expression. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Suzanne left a worldwide career in opera to start a fashion brand The transformative power of owning your boldness and dressing accordingly How Suzanne created a loyal community before she even started her brand How the personal relationships she’s built with her clients influences her design decisions Why ethical production and paying fair wages are so important to Suzanne The people on Suzanne’s team and what they each do in the business How By Vinnik’s production model has changed and why How Suzanne prioritizes her day to not burn out even though she’s “bad at boundaries” What Suzanne has learned the hard way about the fashion industry Why Suzanne designs a lot of outerwear for her collection People and resources mentioned in this episode: By Vinnik website By Vinnik Instagram Do you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.

In episode 90, hear how Aja Cohen left her big corporate fashion career for a lifestyle - and fashion business - that put relationships and her values first. Transcendent Active is helping women embrace who they are and move confidently toward their goals. Her modest activewear designs aren’t just covering, but also comfortable, sustainable, and functional and are worn by more than just the modest community. After designing fast fashion for over a decade, Aja Cohen launched an activewear brand for the woman she believed was not being spoken to in the marketplace - the modest woman.  At the time, she struggled to find modest activewear pieces that weren’t made of heavy, non-breathable fabrics or couldn’t wick sweat away properly. More importantly, she couldn't find brands that matched her strong ethical values of sustainability and locally made.  She knew there had to be a better option for women who wanted to workout, do good for Mother Earth, and honor their religious values.  Transcendent Active was born at the height of the Covid pandemic and combines eco-conscious fashion with strong ethical values.  Made in America from recycled plastic water bottles, the brand is committed to providing women of all faiths and sizes with high-quality, sustainable activewear. The signature All Day Active collection includes skirts, exercise dresses, quarter-sleeve tops, leggings, and bike shorts. Transcendent Active believes every woman deserves clothing that supports her lifestyle and faith while fostering confidence and style through movement. In this episode, you’ll learn: The positives and negatives of Aja’s corporate career in activewear design Why knowing your customer is so important How Aja has built a healthy business without selling on Amazon or manufacturing overseas Why the pandemic was actually a great time to start a business for Aja How Aja cultivates real connections and relationships with the people she works with How Aja decides her priorities and delegates the work to get it done How Aja approaches the difficult decisions of hiring and firing How customer research has shaped Transcendent Active’s collection Transcendent Active’s sustainability efforts How to stay focused on your values People and resources mentioned in this episode: Transcendent Active website Transcendent Active Instagram Transcendent Active Facebook Transcendent Active LinkedIn Transcendent Active TikTok Do you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up to the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.

In episode 89, hear how Janet St Cyr & Diana Kerins have created a swim and resort brand inspired by nature and travel. Learn what this mother-daughter partnership did to land a dream collaboration with a luxury resort and how they are growing their business slowly and steadily. Bambina is a women’s swim and resortwear brand owned and operated by mother-daughter duo Janet St Cyr and Diana Kerins. Their creations blend bold, vibrant aesthetics with unparalleled comfort to ignite confidence and happiness in those who wear them. They’re committed to keeping production right here in the USA and their collections are sewn at a women-owned factory in the heart of New York City’s garment district.  From how they source materials to how they manufacture and package their products, they’re always learning and seeking out the most Earth-friendly ways to bring their collections to you.  Bambina’s new resortwear launch for Summer ‘24 - The  Cardamom Collection, includes a beachwear robe and sarong featuring a custom print inspired by the endangered species of the Cardamom Rainforest in Cambodia. A percentage of proceeds from every sale will go towards The Wildlife Alliance to protect these beautiful and vulnerable creatures. In this episode, you’ll learn: How nature, the environment, and travel inspire Bambina Swim collections What it is like working as a remote mother-daughter partnership Why Bambina business started out sporadic and what changed for Janet and Diana to take it more seriously What Janet and Diana look for and design in a quality garment Why Janet and Diana are intentionally growing the business slowly How Bambina gets its funding How Janet and Diana landed a collaboration with a luxury resort to stock their recent collection What Diana and Janet’s goals are for the future of Bambina People and resources mentioned in this episode: Get 10% off at bambinaswim.com with code: HOWFITTING Bambina Swim website Bambina Swim Instagram Do you want fashion business tips and resources like this sent straight to your inbox? Sign up to the How Fitting newsletter to receive new podcast episodes plus daily content on creating fashion that fits your customer, lifestyle, and values.