I would love to start a career in accounting and fashion design. Now I know I would have to pick one but I would like to do the two, please how can I go about it? I already have my bachelor’s degree in accounting and I know how to sew a bit. Your advice would be of help.

Best regards

Hi Joy

There is no reason why you have to choose between your two interests. You may be able to combine them.

I assume you have a job as an accountant already since you are qualified in the subject. It may be prudent to keep that so that you have an income, and let the fashion design start as a hobby and move into perhaps being a part time business. You may be able eventually to go part time as an accountant and begin to spend a little more time on fashion design.

But I would be very careful about giving up your current income without some evidence of success in the world of fashion. All self-employment is precarious and most entrepreneurs would welcome the ability to balance the risk. It would seem that you are perfectly positioned to do this.

Being able to “sew a bit” is not sufficient to guarantee a career as a successful fashion designer. You need flair, skill, creativity, resources, contacts and a lot of luck and hard work. You need to understand the technical aspects of fashion design such as pattern cutting, know how to source, select and handle fabrics, set up and manage production.

You need to be able to manage the creative process, the sales and marketing process and the production process. And run your business at the same time. May I suggest you register for our free courses on www.managementskillscourses.com. There you will learn how to start and manage a business. We cover many aspects of management from writing a business plan to managing people. I’m sure your accountancy background will give you a head start here.

Why not try to design a range and see if anyone is interested enough to employ you or buy your ranges direct? You need to build a portfolio to show to interested parties. Perhaps eventually you will capitalise on your accountancy skills to set up and manage your own fashion design business.

Best of luck and Kind regards