Today we’d like to introduce you to Britta Cabanos
Hi Britta, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Raised in a small town in Minnesota, I grew up surrounded by my mother’s talent for sewing and crafting, and my father’s work as a college professor and his deep concern for the environment (this is back in the 1980’s before it was a “thing”!). This upbringing instilled in me a “DIY” mentality and a conscious approach to considering cost and necessity of anything I needed or wanted, always asking, “How can I create what I want or need myself?”
We didn’t have much money growing up, but thanks to my mother’s skills and my father’s work in academia, we learned to be resourceful and creative problem-solvers with whatever tools were available. This resourcefulness was a powerful tool that helped me overcome challenges. In high school, I discovered the Fashion Design program at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and that quickly became my goal. I worked tirelessly, attending college, developing my sewing and design skills and juggling two jobs to save up and make my way to New York City.
Breaking into the industry came with its own set of challenges—it was highly competitive, cut-throat, dog-eat-dog environment and many did not want to share their knowledge or “secrets” because they had to protect their own positions. While I did learn from some of my supervisors, I also took it upon myself to absorb as much as possible. I asked questions, spent time with colleagues in other departments, and put in extra hours to go above and beyond wherever possible.
After many years in New York, I received an offer to join Perry Ellis at the Jantzen headquarters in Portland, OR. It was an incredible experience, working alongside a talented team on design and development and immersing myself in the rich history and archives of the iconic Jantzen brand and the role of Brand Manger for Nike Swim. This was a true team environment and I thrived- it was the most impactful of all my job positions and to this day am eternally grateful for that experience.
Even during the most rewarding career moments, I always felt the pull of entrepreneurship. I did launch my own brand, which I ran for 4 years, until I was offered the position in Portland which lead me down a different path.
That ongoing desire eventually led me to Co-found Creative Capital Design with a friend and business partner, and I enjoyed a successful decade of client work until the onset of COVID-19. While CCD continues today, the pandemic shifted my focus to developing and expanding Inside Fashion Design, a project I am most passionate about
With a love of researching, writing, storytelling, building community, and mentoring, I created Inside Fashion Design , a platform that brings me immense joy. It’s a space where I can share all the things I love and inspire and educate the next generation of designers.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Working in the fashion industry presents various challenges, from keeping up with rapidly changing industry trends, standards, and regulations to managing production and distribution deadlines. Being a business owner adds another layer of complexity. As a solo-preneur, I juggle all aspects of the business, often learning about areas where I have little experience or expertise and sometimes discovering new needs I wasn’t even aware of. I am learning every day, and honestly, I love it- the tough days become learning opportunities & lead to growth.
Despite the typical slow going and challenges of starting your own business, I was determined to make it happen. I invested my small savings into website development and marketing to prepare to launch my new site. However, my site was not completed after months of development, and costs exceeded what we initially agreed upon. My incomplete site was held hostage until I gave the developers a five-star review. At that point, I had no choice but to figure out how to build the website and launch it with what I had envisioned. Though initially devastating, this experience taught me that I could be resilient and rely on myself to complete the necessary tasks.
As a business owner striving to build something you’re passionate about, facing distractions and self-doubt is common. You may not always feel sure you’re on the right path, but believing in your vision and purpose will guide you. Every decision should be made with confidence in that vision. I often remind myself and advise others to focus on making small, consistent progress—just keep putting one foot in front of the other. If you aim to make 1% progress every day, you are moving forward, which is always the right direction.
One of the most valuable assets in the fashion industry is a strong support network. I am fortunate to have a team of advisors who share my passion for community and a better fashion industry. These relationships, built over the years, have provided me with supportive colleagues and genuine friends who believe in the vision for Inside Fashion Design.
As you know, we’re big fans of Inside Fashion Design. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Hi, I’m Britta Cabanos, the founder and creator of Inside Fashion Design (IFD). My journey in the fashion industry spans over 30 years, taking me from mass-market brands to luxury designer labels and eventually turning to outdoor & athletic market including Nike, Speedo, Reebok, Under Armor and more. I’ve experienced the industry from all angles, from the creative energy of design studios to the realities of factory floors. These diverse experiences have fueled my passion to create a space for fashion professionals to learn, connect, and work towards a more ethical and sustainable industry.
What Drives Me and What I Do
My time in factories and production facilities worldwide has left a lasting impression. I’ve witnessed the negative impacts of our industry, from toxic dyes polluting local water sources to mountains of dumped fabric. Those moments reinforced my belief that fashion can and must do better. This commitment to ethical practices is at the core of Inside Fashion Design, a platform I’ve created to share my knowledge and champion conscious design and the transformative power of creativity.
I also co-founded a design consulting studio where I worked directly with small to mid-size clients and brands, offering a hands-on approach to strategy, design, and development. Through this work, I’ve helped brands refine their vision, develop products that align with their values, and navigate the complexities of bringing ideas to life sustainably. This experience has enriched my work with Inside Fashion Design, allowing me to support our community with practical knowledge and big-picture thinking.
Inside Fashion Design: A Place for Growth and Connection
Inside Fashion Design provides the education, mentorship, and community creative professionals needed to thrive. Our offerings include the Conscious Fashion Design Academy Masterclasses, live webinars & workshops, membership options with access to exclusive resources, and blog content that dives into the realities of the fashion industry and stories of everyday working industry professionals. I’m passionate about sharing the behind-the-scenes stories that don’t always reach the forefront—like the challenges and triumphs of designers working to do things differently.
The Conscious Fashion Design Academy is the signature educational platform, specific to Conscious Fashion Design, and I’m incredibly proud of it. It’s an ongoing offering of courses covering everything from ideation to product development, business foundations, and aligning your work with your values. What sets this program apart is the unique opportunity it provides for direct access to industry mentor experts, ensuring that participants have the personalized support they need every step of the way.
What Makes IFD Different
What sets Inside Fashion Design apart is our dedication to blending practical industry knowledge with a deep commitment to conscious design. Our goal is to inspire designers to think critically about the impact of their work, not just on their consumers but on the environment and the communities that help bring their creations to life. With our focus on sustainability, we encourage designers to look beyond trends and embrace a deeper purpose in their work, ensuring they are equipped and prepared for the challenges of the industry.
Community is a core value and at the heart of what we do. IFD creates opportunities for designers to connect, share their stories, and build valuable relationships through in-person community events, live streaming sessions, industry panels, and networking events at fashion weeks. Our platform is where members feel supported and encouraged, no matter where they are in their journey—whether they’re just starting out, seeking new opportunities, or looking to innovate and grow.
I’m incredibly proud of the impact we are making at Inside Fashion Design. Launching the Conscious Fashion Design Academy has been a significant highlight as I have been working on building it for years—it’s rewarding to see industry experts and participants come together to gain the skills and mindset to create with intention. I’m also proud of our ability to have honest conversations about our industry’s challenges and shine a light on the fantastic work being done by designers striving to improve.
What I Want You to Know About Inside Fashion Design: I want people to know that Inside Fashion Design is here to support you in finding purpose and success in your creative journey. We aim to provide the tools, resources, and connections you need to achieve transformation & thrive in today’s fashion industry.
Here’s what we offer:
The Conscious Fashion Design Academy: A comprehensive, online education platform that covers everything you need to know about design, development, and building a conscious brand.
Membership Community: Exclusive access to design tools, global resources, connections to community members, weekly live Q&A sessions, with a network of like-minded professionals.
Blog & Resources: Insightful articles, behind-the-scenes stories, and practical guides to keep you informed and inspired.
Events & Webinars: Interactive events that bring together industry leaders and offer valuable learning and networking opportunities.
At Inside Fashion Design, I believe every creative has the power to shape the future of fashion. I’m excited to have you join us on this journey of creativity, purpose, and positive change. Together, we can redefine what fashion can be.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
When COVID-19 hit, it brought everything to a standstill. Our client work, which had been the foundation of my business, suddenly froze. Projects were put on hold, planned deliveries halted, and our entire workflow came to a grinding stop. With everything on pause, so was our income. It was a challenging and uncertain time, but it also presented us with an opportunity to adapt, rethink, and look for opportunities amid the chaos. It was a reminder that in the face of adversity, adaptability and the ability to seize opportunities are our greatest strengths.
As part of this shift, we decided to give up our studio space, transitioning fully to remote work. This change allowed us more flexibility and time, but it also meant saying goodbye to the in-person collaborations that had been at the heart of my work for years. Yet, it opened up new possibilities such as reaching a wider audience, reducing overhead costs, and the chance to support others differently, providing resources and guidance to the creative community during the pandemic.
During those months, I had the time to do some serious soul-searching. After years of dedicating myself to serving clients and helping them achieve their visions, I realized it was time to give Inside Fashion Design (IFD) a real chance to become my full-time focus. I knew this was the moment to follow my entrepreneurial dreams and use my experience and passion to build something meaningful.
What started as a necessity during a global crisis became an opportunity to build IFD into a thriving platform. It allowed me to support designers, brands, and creatives in navigating the pandemic’s new challenges while staying true to my vision for a more ethical, sustainable industry. IFD is not just my business—it’s a community, a resource, and a place where we can all pour our passion into helping others succeed while also fulfilling our entrepreneurial drive. It’s a place where we all belong, united by a common goal.
Pricing:
- IFD Connect (online community) Friend level is free
- IFD Connect (online community) Student level is with access to exclusive resources and tools, Monthly membership $29
- IFD Connect (online community) Pro level with access to exclusive resources + many additional benefits, Monthly membership $49
- insidefashiondesign.com website & newsletter is free online platform
- mentoring- hourly rate based on project scope
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.insidefashiondesign.com
- Instagram: insidefashiondesign
- Facebook: insidefashiondesign
- Twitter: insidefashiondesgn
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@insidefashiondesign
- Other: https://insider.insidefashiondesign.com
Image Credits
Oliver Archer: IFD event photos with group, and me speaking with microphone & Andrea Lonas (black and white of me draping and headshot laughing at desk)