Arizona Fashion Networking: How I Made Invaluable Connections

Connections are a huge part of growing a successful business. If you're an emerging designer or brand, networking is simply invaluable to your business growth.

Here's how I connected with big names in the local fashion industry...

Cold emails

While searching for clients and connections, I gathered the emails of local boutiques, designers, brands, and executives and simply started reaching out. I made a few connections from this and got my first three clients this way!

Engaging with them on social media

Get your name out there! The Arizona fashion community is small. If you start showing up in the comment sections of big local names, you'll start catching the eye of industry execs and even grow your following. (Hint: Engaging with people on social is especially important right before big events where you know they'll be.)

Attending local events

When I started my business last summer, I went to a ton of fashion events just to network... and most often, I went alone. I knew networking was an important part of my journey to success, so it didn't matter to me that I didn't have a plus 1 for everything. To find upcoming local events, check out my January Arizona Fashion Events Calendar. Additionally, FABRIC’s Events page and Eventbrite are other great resources to find local happenings.

Introducing myself in person

When I started my business last summer, I went to a ton of fashion events just to network. Getting the courage to introduce myself to people was tough at first, but extremely important when it came to building relationships. When I said my name to people in person, some recognized it from Instagram since I'd already been connecting with them there.

Now you know my secrets! Stay tuned… I’ll be sharing more Arizona networking advice this month!