Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Danielle Resia. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Danielle, thanks for joining us today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

I started Young Life Fashion and
lifestyle after a failed partnership.
I was Lead Designer for a startup brand. Former friend from Fashion School recommended her. I took a chance and realized quickly this doesn’t feel right; it wasn’t the right fit. My partner had no fashion experience which was fine because she had me. Then it went to her husband and son trying to actually tell a designer with knowledge what was what I felt outnumbered and belittled daily. I know setting up an operation wouldn’t be easy but this battle was personal. lol I said enough. Why build someone else empire and I can build my own. I was resourceful and loved design and textiles. I had to find the inner peace and strength to go on this entrepreneurial journey.

YLF was birth out of frustration from a three month failed partnership. It was still the first half of the year (2024 ) which was a reminder time isn’t always on your side. So I filed my LLC. I began working. Reaching out to profession from college picking their brains. I sent three messages and only one answered Laura LaFrance. She has been God sent, because I knew my pattern making skills to grade larger size wasn’t the best.

I knew at the time I’m a 34 year old woman starting over again. Now with littler resources and just a dream I could do this with faith and determination.

I’m betting on me this time. I thought deeply to myself about what am I trying to say. Who do I want to impact. My answer was ME. This is about not feeling seen nor my body type is perceived as beautiful. I don’t fit the standard. I wanted to create everything I’ve ever dreamt of wearing.

My first collection is a fall / winter collection. I had ten pieces originally I designed but only could afford to get the pattern making service for 6 pieces. This is the essentials all full figured women need in their closet. A year later I’ve made progress I’ve hired a fit model, had a contract travel on behalf of YLF , had a photoshoot going to textile shows. Making my presence be known. Some may overlook me because I’m a small brand. But I’m powerful! My will to not quit on me is deeply rooted within me.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Danielle Resia, I was a public servant in my county for over a decade. I quit because I suffocated myself being there not dreaming just existing. I’ve always knew I was different, my former colleagues who were more outdoorsy and athletic and I’m neither. As a college dropout I asked myself before I leave this place what can I do. I thought deeply and it was Fashion. So I registered at Miami Dade for their Patternmaking certificate program. Did I mention I couldn’t sew. They taught me. Being a girl who loves reading Vogue magazine and seeing what’s new and the little article that left in their. Publishing has changed but fashion is still here. To now being a designer is a dream I never saw. It’s funny how I go from being behind a desk typing all day to creating looks and playing with concepts in my mind and on paper. Fashion has always been apart of me.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

My day job I work for an airline doing customer service. Aviation doesn’t pay much but it keeps the light on. So last year August I obtained a second job to build my own capital. I used my extra bonus check and earning for the business. It was shortly lived because I was laid off December 14, 2024 and life continued to turn when my mother had a stroke December 20,2025. Now I’m her primary care giver. So the money I’ve earned for the business I had to turn into support for my mom. I’m balancing my primary job and being a caregiver and a business owner. Feels heavy at times but I can’t give up on me. I’m set daily goals, not focusing on what didn’t happened but only on what I’m doing. Moving on a slower scale makes more sense to me now. I find the joy in it as well as seeing my creation come to life.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Me being my mom caregiver , my mom in home hospice now. I have to put on a brave face for the world and work.

Once I’m off of work I check on my mom and speak to the nurse for briefing. Seat at my desk and begin having a meeting if needed with my contractors for the patternmaking and answering emails at 2 am due the time difference in Europe. One of my textile mills is in Bulgaria. Me working around everything just so I can see my business survive this time.

Resilience is a second thought.
I just Do .. no time better than the present

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.younglifefashion.com
• Instagram: Younglifefashion__

Image Credits

Photographer credit : Tionablanc