What are the best ways to stay motivated in a fashion career?

Always seek to work and meet people and companies that inspire you in the fashion industry that you believe will make you better at what you do. This could be someone in fashion that you know that you look up to (perhaps ask if they can mentor you), or create a list of brands or companies that you feel inspired by. Write to them, email them or call them :) Be brave as you never know where this may lead. I've had the opportunity to approach in this way and meet the most amazing people and talented designers that I'm fortunate to call them friends and colleagues. It never hurts to ask! Be brave and don't be afraid ;)

Seek out audiences that appreciate and value your work. This usually involves providing services for tasks that others don’t enjoy doing or have some degree of difficulty with. For example—in my business, my top clients tend to be men (that view shopping for clothing as a chore and would prefer to outsource the task) and plus-sized women (that could use a little help in finding elevated styles that fit their bodies and lifestyles). Both groups find that it is more efficient and cost-effective (as time is money) to hire me to select and organize their wardrobes because they have more important things to do.

To find your niche, as a creative person, important to know who you are serving. Imagining the person from their age to career, family life and hobbies. Really know your person. It's hard to design/create for the world but it's easier if you know who your one person is. This doesn't limit your product from being enjoyed by lots of people but it does help when you are designing.

The fashion world is burgeoning with career options, and the good news is, being a creative industry, you can bring something absolutely new to the table. To find your niche, you need to practically explore and experience the different facets of fashion that you feel you could connect with. Each exploration will branch further; its like a labyrinth. Connect, connect, connect with people from in and around your chosen branch. Study its growth options available, and what you can offer, and to whom.

One thing I find helpful is to seek to improve your skills and update your knowledge of the latest in the fashion industry. This could be by acquiring a certification or masterclass. Procrastination should have no space so that you are always ahead of your time.

Be particular who you choose to ask for feedback. Clients are great sources of inspiration for where you can improve. Peers, colleagues and online communities can certainly give some needed advice but it's important to be discerning with who you listen to. Do they have your best interest at heart. I have found that having a coach who I met with regularly has helped me a lot. I know that she is on my side and wants me to succeed in everything.

Whether your industry is technical or creative, there are always new (to you) ways of doing things. Keeping current in industry trends and learning about what consumers want (in any given cycle or season) helps to better position yourself to make informed decisions and provide more appropriate advice. The process of keeping up-to-date on things in your field also helps you to grow as a professional and person.

I have found that it is important to review my goals daily. This keeps me on track and taking small steps each day toward those goals instead of just chasing the next shiny thing. When I get an idea for a new project I ask myself if investing time there will move me towards my goal. If yes, then I go for it. If no, then that idea gets put in a parking space until it fits with what I am trying to achieve.

Remembering your why keeps you from giving up on the early part of a fashion career because sometimes it takes a very long time to reach the goal. Remembering your why when you have become successful, or are steadily moving in that direction, helps you keep your business and designs true to you. Your why is the thing that makes your heart beat and maintains your love of the craft.

Remember your “why”. If you are the breadwinner or provider in your family, your “why” is likely your family and/or expertise in your line of work. For those that do not fit this description but are still pursuing careers or part-time work—especially, women/mothers—remembering your “why” is even more important because nothing lasts forever: We women go through “seasons” and are often identified by our roles (wife, mother, caregiver, etc.). In this case, someone’s “why” may be completely unrelated to her family and social circle—it could be something that she “keeps” all by and for herself. When the kids leave the nest, the passion for [fill in the blank] should remain. That “why” is part of what makes us whole and helps us stay motivated.

To consider the specifics of Fashion career, given the dynamic nature of Fashion, inspiration and presentation is the key element behind every aspect of Fashion whether design, business, event or communication. Any fashion professional is a creative soul by default for this domain is all about freshness, surprises and experiences. We are more than bubbling with newer concepts and always thinking ahead on what’s our next going to be. Momentary creative blocks can be dealt with by exploring through travel, art & culture backed by well executed design process. The fame and adulation the domain brings with it is a consistent shot of motivation. Add to it the satisfaction of bringing livelihoods to artisans is another fuel for motivation.