1. Decide Your Niche and Company Name
At 21 years old, I was a college dropout dreaming of starting my own 3D fashion design brand. My journey began with the idea of creating a unique online fashion brand that harnesses the power of 3D fashion design to cater to women with curvy figures. This dream evolved from my early attempts to launch a women’s shoe line, which led me to discover the transformative potential of 3D fashion design and pivot to a broader focus. Explore top 3D fashion design software like CLO 3D to create your own digital fashion creations.
Initially, I wanted to create a women’s shoe line for flat-footed women. Flat-footed—is that really a word? Lol. But that was my dream, the first of many passionate ideas that fueled my journey. However, after diving into the complex world of shoe manufacturing and dealing with technical processes beyond what my ENFJ, ID (Influence Dominant) personality could handle, I realized it wasn’t the right fit. So, I pivoted to something broader: women’s fashion for curvy women. That’s when Tokyo White International was born—my first baby, my very own 3D fashion design business that I owned and was in charge of. It took me a long time to get it going (mostly because I procrastinated, got lazy, or simply didn’t know what to do), but once I found my niche, I was unstoppable.
Action Step: Set up a professional business email for all communications.
2. Build Your Team
I hired interns—college grads, students, and even high schoolers. While anyone can be part of your team, choose individuals who can help you grow your 3D fashion design business and add value.
Action Step: Register your company with your State’s Secretary of State and pay the required fee. Becoming official shows you are serious and committed to your business.
3. Adapt to Change
In November 2019, I learned how 3D fashion design was transforming the industry, and then COVID-19 hit, forcing me to pivot my business. Even with dedicated interns physically working for me—creating samples, doing fittings, and planning a fashion show at a five-star hotel—I realized I didn’t have all my fashion ducks in a row.
During this searching phase, I discovered digital fashion and saw how 3D fashion design techniques were defying gravity and bringing my wildest fashion dreams to life. That’s when I decided to transition my fashion company to be entirely online/virtual.
Action Step: Create a website to showcase your portfolio, skills, and resume.
4. Grow Your Digital Presence
I actively engaged on X (formerly Twitter), participated in Twitter Spaces, showcased the first digital fashion show on Spatial.io, collaborated on several other digital fashion shows, and eventually worked on special projects with bigger brands like Fifth Column and Absolut Vodka.
Action Step: Set up social media accounts to connect with your audience and industry leaders. My go-to platforms are LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.
5. Promote Yourself
“No one will find you unless you make yourself known.” – Tokyo White
Create a content calendar, get organized, and research what you want to do and sell. Get involved in your community, industry, or wherever you can make the most impact on your target audience—virtually if needed.
Action Step: Define your online products. Identify what makes your brand unique and what digital products you’ll offer, focusing on your 3D fashion design expertise.
If you’re a solo designer with amazing fashion sketches, a 3D modeler/animator looking to start, or even a budding entrepreneur, [click here to get your free guide] on how to build your online presence for your business in this digital age. The best connections I made were through Twitter, Spatial, and LinkedIn. Start now, stay persistent, and treat yourself like a business.
All my opportunities came from online interactions. I never left my house to get to where I am today. So, start where you are, start right now. Don’t give up just because you don’t know the answer. Start Googling and treat yourself like a business now.
