My Journey from Burnout to Building Dreams: How I Found My Groove as a Tech Designer
Let me tell you a little story. 📖
A few years ago, I was knee-deep in my own cut-and-sew brand, running on pure passion and very little sleep. I had this dream to create ethical clothing that people would love—and I mean really love—pieces that felt like extensions of their personalities, made with care and integrity.
But what I didn’t have was balance. Or boundaries. Or, honestly, a solid business model. I was trying to do it all: design, sew, market, fulfill orders, and somehow stay afloat financially. My “ethical” brand wasn’t even ethical to me. I was paying myself unsustainable wages (read: nothing) and pouring every ounce of energy into something I loved but couldn’t sustain.
It didn’t take long before burnout hit hard. And when I say hard, I mean the “sitting-on-the-floor-crying-into-a-pile-of-fabric” kind of hard. I had to close the brand, which felt like admitting defeat. I carried a lot of guilt around for a long time, questioning if I was cut out for the fashion industry at all.
But here’s the thing: I was cut out for it—just not in the way I had imagined.
That chapter of my life taught me so much about what it takes to bring a garment to life and the many moving parts of a successful fashion brand. I realized what I loved most wasn’t running my own brand; it was the technical side of things: problem-solving designs, perfecting fit, creating patterns that actually work, and helping others make their visions a reality.
Fast forward to today, and I’ve found my happy place as a freelance technical designer. I get to bring my clients’ ideas to life without the burnout, help them avoid the pitfalls I fell into, and—this is my favorite part—watch their dreams turn into tangible, beautifully crafted garments. There’s something so magical about being the bridge between “idea” and “reality.”
I wanted to share this story because I know I’m not alone. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve hit some bumps in the road, it’s okay to pivot. It’s okay to let go of one dream to make room for another. And it’s okay to ask for help—seriously, ask for help! You don’t have to do it all alone.
If you’re ready to bring your idea to life, I’d love to help. Let’s chat about how we can make something amazing together—without the stress and overwhelm. Trust me, there’s a better way, and I’m here for it.
Now tell me: what’s your big dream? 💜
