Episode Overview
Amanda Cabania is proof that you don’t need a website, portfolio, or loud marketing to land high-paying freelance fashion work. After taking a break from the industry to raise her kids, Amanda rebuilt her business slowly—and just closed her biggest project yet: a $9,000 client for a women’s golf brand.
In this episode, Amanda shares the full story: how long it took (hint: 8 months), how the client found her, and what gave her the confidence to keep going. If you’ve ever doubted your momentum, your visibility, or your readiness to land big projects—this conversation will reassure and re-energize you.
Episode Highlights
- 8 Months from First Call to Closed Contract: How Amanda stayed patient and professional
- Discovered on LinkedIn: Why Amanda’s quiet profile still worked in her favor
- No Website Needed: What Amanda focused on instead
- Mom Life Meets Freelance Life: How she juggles 3 kids and 2 clients
- Project Scope Breakdown: What’s included in a $9,000 freelance contract
- Manufacturing Hurdles: Why sourcing was the toughest part of the job
- Learning to Follow Up (Then Let Go): Amanda’s take on client “ghosting”
- Finding Her Voice Again: Why confidence, not content, was the hardest part
- Getting Back into the Industry: From part-time jobs to full-service freelance
- MAGIC Recap: How in-person connections helped build her network
Key Questions & Guest Answers
Q: How did your $9K client find you?
A: Through LinkedIn! Amanda didn’t have a website or portfolio—just a well-written profile and relevant experience.
Q: What was the timeline from discovery call to contract?
A: About 8 months. There were a few check-ins, but it was mostly a long pause until the client was ready.
Q: What was included in the $9,000 scope?
A: Tech packs, concept sketches, fabric sourcing, manufacturer outreach, and pre-production coordination for a 3-style collection.
Q: What helped build trust with the client?
A: Being local to Austin, staying patient, and showing she had industry relationships and full-service capabilities.
Q: What were the biggest challenges in the project?
A: Negotiating U.S. manufacturing pricing, keeping client expectations realistic, and preserving vendor relationships.
Q: How did you navigate freelancing while parenting 3 young kids?
A: Amanda prioritized flexibility, found a supportive client, and took meetings from home—even with kids in the background.
Q: What are you still working on in your business?
A: Gaining confidence, building a website, and learning to market herself more consistently.
Q: What’s one thing people don’t ask about freelancing that they should?
A: Why freelancers choose this path—and what makes it worth it beyond the money.
About Amanda Cabania
Amanda Cabania is a fashion industry professional based in Austin, TX and a proud mom of three young children who keep her on her toes. With 14 years of experience, she began her career in corporate fashion at Forever 21 after graduating from FIDM. While she has a strong background in the corporate world, her true passion lies in supporting and helping small businesses grow. Amanda completed the FAST program just a year ago, and although freelancing is still new to her, she’s excited about the journey and hopeful to make it her permanent path.
Connect with Amanda Cabania
Email her at amanda@amandacabaniadesign.com
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