Fashion Designers Get Paid: Build Your Fashion Career On Your Own Terms

252: No Degree, No Experience: How this Freelancer from India Landed Her First Fashion Design Client at 4x the Rate


Listen Later

Curious how a self-taught freelancer with zero fashion experience charged 4x the going rate—and landed the client anyway? Fathima’s story is the bold confidence boost you didn’t know you needed.

This episode follows Fathima Thasneem’s surprising entrance into the freelance fashion world, where a single LinkedIn message turned into a high-paying opportunity. With no degree and no prior design clients, she faced tough questions about her background—and didn’t flinch. Instead, she leaned into her worth, set bold boundaries, and delivered with confidence. You’ll hear how she used LinkedIn to find leads, why she priced higher than anyone expected, and how her honest, strategic approach paid off.

If you’re new to freelancing or have been at it a while, click play now to hear how trusting your instincts and taking risks can lead to your first big client win.


About Fathima:
Fathima Thasneem is a freelance womenswear designer specializing in Young Contemporary fashion, with a passion for fun, playful, and feminine designs. She helps brands create standout collections that blend creativity with wearability, turning ideas into polished, production-ready visuals. Her streamlined approach refines concepts quickly and ensures a smooth transition into production. With precise fashion CADs and thoughtful detailing, she brings clarity to the design process, ensuring every piece aligns with the brand’s vision.

Connect with Fathima:
Email her at [email protected]
Follow on Instagram
Connect on LinkedIn


Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Fashion Designers Get Paid: Build Your Fashion Career On Your Own TermsBy Sew Heidi

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

304 ratings


More shows like Fashion Designers Get Paid: Build Your Fashion Career On Your Own Terms

View all
Modern Love by The New York Times

Modern Love

8,873 Listeners

Afford Anything by Paula Pant | Cumulus Podcast Network

Afford Anything

3,524 Listeners

The Glossy Podcast by Glossy

The Glossy Podcast

251 Listeners

The Marie Forleo Podcast by Marie Forleo

The Marie Forleo Podcast

1,665 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

111,917 Listeners

Up First from NPR by NPR

Up First from NPR

56,231 Listeners

The Business of Fashion Podcast by The Business of Fashion

The Business of Fashion Podcast

576 Listeners

Business of Home Podcast by Business of Home, Dennis Scully

Business of Home Podcast

429 Listeners

EXPANDED Podcast by To Be Magnetic™ by To Be Magnetic™

EXPANDED Podcast by To Be Magnetic™

3,281 Listeners

The Run-Through with Vogue by Vogue

The Run-Through with Vogue

687 Listeners

Giggly Squad by Hannah Berner & Paige DeSorbo

Giggly Squad

14,815 Listeners

Astrology of the Week Ahead with Chani Nicholas by CHANI

Astrology of the Week Ahead with Chani Nicholas

613 Listeners

The Professional Creative by Bonnie Christine

The Professional Creative

429 Listeners

Good Hang with Amy Poehler by The Ringer

Good Hang with Amy Poehler

7,419 Listeners

Aspire with Emma Grede by Emma Grede | Audacy

Aspire with Emma Grede

464 Listeners