Episode Overview
What does it *really* look like to quit your job and freelance full-time in fashion? Caroline Kuhlman’s story gives you the full picture—messy, honest, and deeply inspiring. After working in a sewing factory and constantly questioning whether she was “good enough” to go freelance, Caroline spent a year slowly building her confidence and client base. In this episode, you’ll hear how she went from burnout and self-doubt to leaving her job and running her freelance fashion business—without a perfect portfolio or flashy credentials. If you’ve ever felt stuck or scared to start, Caroline’s story will show you exactly what’s possible.
Resources
020: The Step by Step Guide to Fabric Sourcing for Your Fashion Brand (with low minimums) with Jay Arbetman
267: From $14/hour to $65/hour as a Freelance Sample Maker (Even Though She Was Scared AF to Charge More)
Episode Highlights
- Sewing Factory Burnout: Caroline shares what made her start looking for a way out
- Self-Doubt in the Early Days: Why she didn’t think she could make it as a freelancer
- Freelancing on the Side: How she tested the waters while still working full-time
- Her First Client Projects: Where they came from and how she priced them
- The Confidence Shift: The quiet turning point that helped her believe she was ready
- When She Knew It Was Time to Quit: What gave her the courage to walk away from her job
- What Freelancing Looked Like at the Start: The real (non-glamorous) early days
- The Power of Community: How being surrounded by other freelancers made a difference
- Saying Yes Before She Felt Ready: And how that helped her grow faster
Key Questions & Guest Answers
Q: What made you start freelancing while still working full-time?
A: Caroline was feeling drained at her job and knew she needed a way out—but wasn’t confident she could do it yet. Freelancing on the side gave her space to experiment.
Q: Did you feel qualified or ready to freelance?
A: Not at all. Caroline talks about the intense self-doubt she had and how she thought, “Who would even hire me?” She had to learn to take action before she felt ready.
Q: How did you find those first clients?
A: Her early clients came from referrals and some light outreach—she didn’t have a website or huge portfolio, but she focused on conversations and clarity.
Q: When did you *know* you were ready to quit your job?
A: After a few consistent projects and a shift in her mindset, she realized she didn’t need to be “perfect”—just consistent and committed. That changed everything.
Q: What did those first freelance months look like?
A: Not glamorous—Caroline shares how she had to learn boundaries, set a routine, and figure out her offers as she went.
Q: What role did mindset play in your growth?
A: Huge. She credits her progress to slowly replacing fear with trust—especially through support and accountability in the freelance community.
About Caroline
Caroline Kuhlman is a sample maker who specializes in collaborating with pattern makers to bring designs from 2D concepts to real-life garments—faster than factories can. Through her hands-on process, clients gain valuable insights that help prevent costly production mistakes. Caroline loves bringing the tech pack, pattern, and materials together for the first time—and proudly calls herself a sewing nerd at your service.
Connect with Caroline
Email her at raconteur@caroinekuhlman.com
Check out her website
Follow on Instagram
Connect on LinkedIn