DiscoverFashion Designers Get Paid: Build Your Fashion Career On Your Own Terms266: From Self-Doubt and a Factory Job to Freelance Biz Owner: Caroline’s One-Year Transformation
266: From Self-Doubt and a Factory Job to Freelance Biz Owner: Caroline’s One-Year Transformation

266: From Self-Doubt and a Factory Job to Freelance Biz Owner: Caroline’s One-Year Transformation

Update: 2025-10-27
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If you’ve ever wondered *how the heck someone actually quits their job to freelance full-time*—this episode is it. Caroline Kuhlman went from working in a sewing factory, filled with doubt about her skills, to running her own thriving freelance fashion business...in just one year. She had no portfolio, no website, and no idea where to start. But she made it happen. In this episode, you’ll hear exactly how she did it—and the quiet, powerful steps that helped her finally leave a job that was draining the life out of her.

Resources:
020: The Step by Step Guide to Fabric Sourcing for Your Fashion Brand (with low minimums) with Jay Arbetman

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



Download my Freelance Price List just for fashion (it’s free!): sewheidi.com/price

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266: From Self-Doubt and a Factory Job to Freelance Biz Owner: Caroline’s One-Year Transformation

266: From Self-Doubt and a Factory Job to Freelance Biz Owner: Caroline’s One-Year Transformation

Sew Heidi