Episode Overview
Can you really freelance with a full-time fashion job? Mia Vasquez proves it’s possible—and even sustainable. As a tech designer with 16+ years of experience, she’s built a freelance business on the side that doesn’t conflict with her 9–5, burn her out, or feel overwhelming. In this episode, she shares how she sets clear boundaries, keeps clients happy, and finds time and energy for freelance work after hours. From talking to your employer to juggling project timelines, Mia’s story is a masterclass in freelancing on the side.
Episode Highlights
- Balancing Both Worlds: How Mia makes time for freelancing after her full-time job
- Talking to Your Employer: The exact convo she had to avoid conflict of interest
- Why One Client Is Enough: How she avoids burnout by keeping her biz small
- Setting Expectations with Clients: The scripts she uses to manage boundaries
- Using Circle for Referrals: Why she taps other freelancers when she’s too busy
- Finding Clients Without Marketing: How her 16-year industry network pays off
- Freelancing During COVID: How it all started—and why she kept going
- Time Management Tips: Power naps, batch work, and weekend hustle
- Virtual Fittings That Work: How she fits garments remotely like a pro
- Why She’s Not Going Full-Time Freelance Yet: And how she might prep to one day
- Freelancing with Integrity: Separate software, NDAs, and client transparency
- Starting in Fashion Later in Life: How she pivoted careers as a single mom in her late 20s
Key Questions & Guest Answers
Q: How do you freelance without risking your full-time job?
A: Mia chooses non-compete clients, communicates openly with her employer, and keeps everything—software, projects, and time—clearly separated.
Q: What does her freelance setup look like now?
A: She works with one lifestyle apparel brand, doing about 2–20 hours a month, mostly after hours or on weekends.
Q: How did she get her first freelance client?
A: Through word of mouth. Her first client needed plus-size expertise, and she had it—so she said yes and made it work with her schedule.
Q: What does she say during client onboarding?
A: She tells them upfront she works full time, so meetings and fittings happen after hours. If that’s a dealbreaker, she refers them to someone else.
Q: How does she handle virtual fittings?
A: She receives the garment first to measure and assess, then hosts a live Zoom fitting to walk through feedback together in real time.
Q: Why did she leave full-time freelancing to return to corporate?
A: After losing clients in 2023, she missed community and stability—so she took a corporate role she really enjoys while keeping one freelance client.
Q: What advice does she have for others wanting to freelance while working full time?
A: Be honest with your employer and your clients, protect your energy, and only take on what you can handle well.
Q: How did she get started in fashion later in life?
A: As a single mom in her late 20s, she went back to school, got her AA in fashion, and worked her way into the industry through internships and hustle.
About Mia Vasquez
Mia Vasquez is a Technical Designer specializing in workwear, with extensive experience in plus-size fitting and garment development. She currently works in the corporate fashion industry while also supporting independent clients in building their personal clothing lines. Mia is passionate about creating well-constructed, inclusive designs that combine function with exceptional fit.
Connect with Mia Vasquez
Email her at sewme4@yahoo.com
Connect on LinkedIn