The Problem Wasn’t My Craft. It Was Not Knowing How to Run My Fashion Business!
- Sandra Mateu
- Oct 30
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 30
When I started working on my own as a fashion stylist, I’m not going to lie, I felt frazzled. I love what I do, but I had to work SO MANY HOURS to generate the income I desired. Sometimes I didn’t get to achieve my monthly goal.
I was always looking for the next event or project (even as I was working with clients) because who knew? Maybe it could take me a couple of days or weeks to find the next customer or organization that would hire me, so I could pay my bills and keep working on my own.
I hated not being able to have a schedule because I depended on people’s plans and agendas. I didn’t appreciate not knowing how much I could make per month because it would keep me feeling anxious about my bills. I was constantly waiting for opportunities to come to me and I felt powerless. I also had to take on too many projects to make ends meet.
I needed a change and I said to myself, “I have to work harder.”
Harder at finding jobs, building relationships, pitching myself, and taking on more projects.
And I did…
I ended up burnt out, taking any and every project, struggling with my finances and no stability at all…
I said to myself, “Let’s try something different. This is not working.”
I knew I loved styling, but I needed more income, stability and time freedom and styling alone wasn’t giving me that (or at least in the way I was running my styling business).
I had always been interested in learning more about business, especially online business. I was always reading about Passive Income, printables (downloadable PDFs) and online classes. I’ve also loved teaching and writing all of my life. I gave myself permission to explore that.
I committed to learning more about these topics that interested me while growing my fashion styling business.
One action I took was I enrolled in an online class to learn how to design and sell printables and digital planners. That's when I opened my Etsy store. Because I work in the fashion industry, I started creating printables and planners that would help my audience. I started creating products that will help them with personal styling and building a successful fashion business, which has been amazing.
Everything was going well, but I was still trying to do too much on my own. I felt overwhelmed trying to figure out everything by myself. I was learning more about business, which was helping my styling business, but I needed support.
I tried to find help in the fashion industry, but I found little to none. Everywhere I went the focus was on learning how to practice and excel in your craft (design, style, hair, makeup, etc), but no one really focused on how to run the business side.
The problem wasn’t that I didn’t know how to style. It was that I didn’t know how to run my styling business.
Once again, I felt exhausted. I was working like a maniac. I was trying to learn everything on my own.
The result? Not enough time. Not enough money. Not enough support.
I finally realized, “If I get crystal clear about my goals, build a solid foundation, take action consistently, automate a lot of the processes and get support, I can do this!” .
Basically, I needed a plan, commitment and HELP to make it happen. After making that decision, my focus changed. My everyday actions changed. My life changed.
Because of that, I’m now able to teach fashion entrepreneur classes online on different platforms and inside our monthly Membership. I’m growing our online community the Fashion Entrepreneur Club; I’m also growing my fashion printable business. I work on styling projects I love; And style people online all over the world.
Because I got clear about what I wanted, I put a plan in place and I got support, I was able to create a business that complements my life and works for me.
I can work online and in person. I have the freedom to choose what projects I want to work on. I can create opportunities for myself all the time. I can help more people no matter where they are.
I’m on this journey and I’m committed to making it bigger, brighter and better every day. I’m also committed to sharing it with you because I wish I had a guide then. I wish someone would have talked to me about the business side of things. I wish I had someone or somewhere I could ask questions.
And I’m not saying I have all the answers. I’m just saying I’ve created a place where you can ask the questions, have the conversations, and get the tools to build the business you desire.
You are always welcome inside our free Facebook group, the Fashion Entrepreneur Club Hangout. In there, you will have access to inspiration, support and knowledge to move forward in this fashion entrepreneur journey.
If you want more support and guidance, I encourage to check out The Fashion Business Online Incubator, which is our monthly Membership, where we focus on creating a fabulous brand experience for our customers, getting your brand out there and known, and setting up a sales systems that takes your fashion or beauty business to the next level.
I’ll help you get clear about your brand and put together a plan, so you can market it successfully. We’ll work on important tasks week after week to have an organized, effective, and profitable approach to business.
My path doesn’t have to be your path. You get to decide what YOU want to build. You pick what you want to work on. I’m just here to support you if you want!
Want to join our free Facebook community?
Want to join our monthly Membership?
Also, we have incredible tools available for you if you want to get organized and focused right away on Etsy! Some of our customer’s favorites include The 20-Minute Business Plan Template and the Quarterly Goal Planner for your fashion business.
You can make it happen. We all can!
I hope this inspired you in some way :)
Much success and love!
xxx
Sandra
