Lessons I Learned from My Work as a Fashion Designer

I have been working as a fashion designer for two years now, but if I include my years of apprenticeship, it sums up to four years. In these four years, I have learnt more than I ever imagined not just about sewing and creating beautiful outfits, but also about people, life, and patience.

One of the biggest lessons I have learnt is that customers come with different personalities, behaviours, and ways of thinking. Some are calm and easy-going, while others are demanding and impatient. Some know exactly what they want, while others change their minds several times before settling for a design. I have also realised that every face carries a story behind it.

While taking people’s measurements, I encounter different body sizes, shapes, and physiques. This has taught me to appreciate diversity in beauty. There is no “perfect” body, only perfect ways to style each body. Sometimes, as I work, customers share bits and pieces of their lives. It could be about their family, work, dreams, or challenges. These small stories have made me understand that life is not always as it appears from the outside. A smiling face could be hiding deep struggles, and a quiet person might be carrying heavy burdens.

Patience, I have come to realise, is the heart of this profession. Without patience, you can easily lose customers. There are times when a client will bring an urgent job, expecting it in less time than it actually takes. Other times, someone may reject a finished dress because it is not “exactly” as they imagined, even if it’s beautiful. In such moments, I remind myself to breathe, smile, and work towards a solution instead of reacting in frustration.

Fashion designing has also taught me that communication is key. Many misunderstandings happen simply because the client’s idea was not clearly understood. Now, I make sure to discuss every detail, sketch designs when necessary, and confirm fabric choices before I start sewing. This saves me from stress.

Another important lesson is that every job is a reflection of my reputation. A single poorly finished dress can damage trust, while a well-made one can bring more customers through recommendations. That’s why I put effort into every piece, no matter how small the order.

Fashion designing is more than a skill; it’s a journey of meeting people, learning patience, improving creativity, and touching lives in small ways. Every day behind the sewing machine teaches me something new, and I am certain the lessons will continue for as long as I hold a needle and thread.

Thanks for reading
@ritaetim