SFF136 Creating Stability and Fulfillment as a Fashion Freelancer
You shouldn’t have to choose between your fashion career and your family. That “9 to 5” (more like 7 AM to 10 PM!) corporate job might feel stable and safe, but sometimes sticking with what you know isn’t worth the trade off. As a freelancer, you CAN build a stable, fulfilling career in fashion–and still have time to spend with your family (and live your life!).
I’m not here to judge–if you’re a parent who loves your demanding job and crazy long hours, then you do you! But if you’re craving more balance, you’re not alone. Listen to hear how designer Lori Paradis changed her life through freelancing… and how you can do it, too.
Lori was the head designer for Tommy Hilfiger intimates when she had her first child. When she was pregnant, she had decided to stick with the full-time grind for a few more years. But as soon as her son was born, she realized she couldn’t stand the thought of trading most of her time with him for the comfort of that corporate safety net.
So in 2019 she uprooted her life in NYC and resettled in Nashville–and started trying to freelance. It was slow going at first. But fast forward to now, and Lori has a thriving freelance business (and hires freelancers of her own)!
“Honestly, my mind was blown. I realized that the security I felt in the corporate world was very false. Which I should have known. I’ve been through big, major layoffs at every single company that I worked at. I saw the instability. But [as a freelancer], you can diversify. I think there’s a lot of stability here. And I’m seeing my son every single day. It’s night and day. I would never have dreamt of this life.”
-Lori Paradis
In the interview (which you’ll love), we will cover:
- What made Lori finally decide to ditch her “stable” job and go freelance
- How she got her first freelance gigs in a non-fashion hub where she had no network, no connections, and no idea where to start
- What Lori does with every client that pretty much guarantees repeat work and referrals (and you can do it, too!)
- How you can jumpstart your freelance career by working for other freelancers
- And more!
Press the orange play button below to listen here, or listen on Apple Podcasts:
About Lori
Lori Paradis has worked with major brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Ralph Lauren, Soma, and Tommy Hilfiger. She left the traditional corporate world in 2019 to pursue freelancing full-time so she could spend more time with her newborn son. Lori specializes in initial line design, patternmaking, tech packs, and 3D modeling for clients.
Loved this episode? Don’t miss Episode 117: How to quit your full-time fashion job and start freelancing!
Resources & People Mentioned
- Free resources for SFF Podcast listeners!
- Check out Lori’s site: Music City Fashion Design
- Connect with Lori on LinkedIn
- Follow Lori on Instagram
- Reach out directly: Ryan [at] musiccityfashiondesign.com
- SFD Episode 49 with Leila Jalili: How to Create a Stellar Fashion Portfolio
