We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Letty Sanchez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Letty thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

The Spark of Resilience: My First Success as a Designer

I took my first tentative steps into the world of fashion as an intern for a design company in Chicago. My passion for design was boundless, and I threw myself into the work, eager to learn and grow. But then, I was fired for a mistake that wasn’t even mine. The production manager’s error became my burden to bear, and I was crushed. The job I loved so dearly was snatched away, leaving me disillusioned and heartbroken.
But in my despair, something remarkable happened. The hurt quickly turned into anger, and that anger ignited a fire within me. As I lay in bed one morning, staring blankly at the ceiling, a thought echoed in my mind: “What am I doing with my life?” That moment of desperation caused a change. I knew I had to take action, with or without the experience I thought I needed.
While still in my pj’s, A sudden surge of ‘do it or die’ got me out of bed and straight to the phone . It was the era before the internet, so I turned to the yellow pages and stumbled upon Nordstrom Department Store. “Try them,” I told myself. “Just ask questions.” A series of transfers finally connected me to the buyer of the sleepwear department. I was stunned and speechless, but I had to think quickly.
In that critical moment, it felt as if God took control of my mind and voice. Words spilled out of me with assertiveness and confidence. I assumed the role of a successful designer with a collection ready to present, even though I had nothing—no sketches, no fabrics, no manufacturer contacts. My inner voice screamed, “What are you doing, Letty?” But outwardly, I scheduled a presentation for three weeks out, trying to sound poised rather than desperate.
When I hung up the phone, I was in total disbelief at what I had just pulled off. Those next three weeks were a whirlwind. I slaved day and night over my collection, pouring my heart and soul into every piece. The day of the presentation arrived, I was a nervous wreck but I did it! And they loved it. That moment marked the beginning of my journey, and the rest, as they say, is history.
The fashion industry is a tough one. It demands passion, resilience, and an unyielding determination to overcome the inevitable hardships and disappointments. You have to be willing to do what others are not willing to do and You can’t ever give up. My love for fashion drove me to start a private technical design school -THOS Fashion School of Design in Boca Raton, FL. Today, I teach my adult students everything about designing and selling a successful clothing line. My job is to get these up and coming designers to transform those dreams and get to work. As a result we have students launching their labels online and working for design companies around the country.
I am often described as a badass, a testament to the toughness needed in this business. But if you put in the time and effort, results will follow. It’s not rocket science—just do the work and be consistent. I love what I do, and I strive to inspire my students to embrace their passions with the same relentless spirit that guided me from that fateful morning in Chicago to where I stand today.

Letty, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

The Journey to Success: From Humble Beginnings to Fashion Design Mentor
I studied fashion design at the International Fine Arts College, but my passion for clothes started long before that. As a child, I loved clothes more than toys. As a Taurus, I love all things artistic and creative, which naturally led me to pursue a career in fashion. However, my journey was not without its challenges. Becoming a mother as a teenager meant that money was tight, and buying clothes became a luxury. Resourcefulness, a strong trait of mine, is how I taught myself to sew for my baby girl and me.
I always knew I wanted to work in fashion, but I lacked confidence and didn’t have anyone to guide me. Eventually, I found the courage to believe in myself and decided to pursue a formal education in design. As a single parent, I devised a strategy to make it possible. I paid my rent, my bills, and cleaned houses to get by, while attending classes. There were times when I got kicked off the train for not having a ticket, but my determination never wavered. Instead, these obstacles fueled my motivation.
After school, I decided to move to a bigger city to immerse myself in the industry. Chicago became the starting point of my design career. Today, I own and operate a design school that emphasizes design entrepreneurship. THOS Fashion School of Design has been a fixture in Boca Raton, FL. for almost 10 years, successfully mentoring and training adults of all ages in the core fundamentals of fashion design.
What sets THOS Fashion School apart is our unique approach to fashion training and education. As a designer and mentor deeply involved with each student, I have seen the unparalleled talent that emerges from our program. We think and work outside of the box. It takes courage and determination to be different. My no-nonsense approach and business mindset is designed to get results for my students. I know what works and I am committed to ensuring that the investment of time and money my students make leads to their understanding of what it takes to succeed as designers.
We welcome students of all levels, but it is especially exciting to see a new student with no prior sewing or sketching skills transform into a confident, creative entrepreneur showcasing their design in our Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show which speaks volumes.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Why I Founded THOS Fashion School of Design
The inspiration behind founding THOS Fashion School of Design stemmed from my own experiences and struggles in fashion school. Reflecting on my journey, I realized that many of the obstacles I faced were unnecessary. The high costs and lengthy program terms often associated with traditional fashion education seemed excessive and impractical for many aspiring designers.
I wanted to create a more feasible alternative for students who are passionate about fashion and eager to start their careers sooner. I created a curriculum at THOS Fashion School of Design, that focuses on equipping our students with the essential skills and training needed to break into the industry without the prolonged and expensive route of a traditional university degree.
Success in fashion doesn’t necessarily require a degree. Instead, it’s built on a foundation of skill, talent, education, and training. Combined with a solid strategy, determination, and consistency, these elements can pave the way to anything you want to do in life. My goal is to bridge the gap and provide a practical path for aspiring designers to achieve their dreams

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Embracing Patience in Business
One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned in business is that success takes time. Naturally impatient, I’ve always wanted immediate results. However, life has shown me that timing is crucial. Some achieve success quickly, while others experience more lasting success over time. I firmly believe now that slow and steady wins the race.
Learning patience and resisting the temptation to quit has been a constant challenge for me however,each time I overcome a challenge or break through a threshold, I experience a profound internal change that drives me to tackle the next obstacle. Unlearning the habit of rushing and alleviating self-imposed pressure has been my greatest challenge.
I continue to work on this today, but I am now much more aware of it. I’ve realized that I am at my best when I approach my work with confidence and trust in the process. A wise friend/mentor told me “The process itself is more important than the outcome,” and taking the time to do things right ultimately leads to greater and more sustainable success

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thosfashionschoolofdesign.com
• Instagram: @thosfashionschool
• Facebook: THOS Fashion School
• Linkedin: THOS Fashion School Of Design
• Youtube: THOS Fashion School Of Design
• Yelp: THOS Fashion School of Design
• Other: Google business / Maps: THOS Fashion School of Design

Image Credits

THOS student Anne Meyer