Fashion Founder Series - Interviews With Founders Like You!
We love to celebrate the successes of Founders, and we created the Fashion Founder series to highlight amazing brands. We interviewed each of the Founders as part of a live series through Fashion Founder Collective, AJG’s online community. We learn about their challenges, successes, and valuable tips for other brands as they go through their journey.
Jasmine Sanchez, Founder of Vessel Athletics
At AJG, we’re constantly inspired by the founders we work with, especially those who push the limits with product innovation. Jasmine Sanchez, founder of Vessel Athletics and creator of the HydroShirt (a performance running shirt with built-in hydration system), is an inspirational female founder we had the pleasure of working with.
Jasmine shared her founder journey with us. She started sketching ideas in college, and after a few years of development, launched her product on Kickstarter. She faced challenges working through complex technical development, with our team at her side to problem solve & support her vision.
Lieve Saether, Founder of LIIEVE
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Lieve Saether, the creative force behind LIIEVE a brand built on care, craft, and a deep understanding of how women want to feel in their clothing.
With a two-decade career in interior design and a lifelong love of fashion and materials, Lieve’s transition into apparel wasn’t just natural it was necessary. “So many of my clients shared the same frustration,” she told us. “They didn’t feel good in their clothes. They were starting their days already feeling off. That didn’t sit right with me.”
What began as a quiet frustration became a powerful catalyst. And from that, LIIEVE was born.
Torsha Johnson, founder of Shower Chique - a patented, multi-functional shower cap is more than just a beauty accessory it’s a symbol of empowerment, born out of necessity and brought to life through thoughtful product development, strategic planning, and a commitment to community. We’ve distilled key insights from her story into actionable advice for emerging founders navigating the early stages of product launch and brand development.
Melissa Goodwin, Creator of The Super Blazer
Melissa's story is a powerful example of intuition-driven design. With no formal background in fashion, she trusted her vision for a product that could empower women through what they wear. For many emerging designers and startup clothing brands, learning to listen to your intuition can be just as vital as understanding technical design or supply chain logistics.
Jen Cassara of Goodrobe & Co.
Launching a fashion brand can feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to marketing. For many emerging brands, the question isn’t just what to create, but how to get people to notice. In a recent Founder Feature hosted by AJG Fashion Consulting and the Fashion Founder Collective, we sat down with Jen Cassara, the founder of Good Robe & Co., to talk about how she built buzz for her direct-to-consumer women’s capsule brand.
Nicole Cuervo of Springrose
Nicole Cuervo, founder of Springrose, joined us for an insightful session about building an adaptive fashion brand, developing innovative products, and navigating the challenges of funding and manufacturing. She shared her journey from identifying a gap in the market to launching her flagship product—the world’s most versatile, easy-on bra designed for individuals with limited mobility.
Chantal Ramirez of Brightfins Swimwear
Chantal, a mom of two based in Austin, Texas, never planned to start a fashion brand—her background is in psychology and tech. But after learning about the importance of neon swimwear for underwater visibility, she struggled to find stylish, high-quality options that met all her needs: full UPF protection, easy zippers, and practical fits for kids. This led her to survey 90 parents across the country, confirming the demand for a better swimwear option. From there, BrightFins was born!
Julia DeNey of Sense-ational You
We met with Julia DeNey, founder of Sense-ational You - a brand built for neurodivergent individuals and those with Sensory Processing Disorder. One of the most valuable lessons shared in this conversation is how iteration and customer feedback shape product development—especially when you're creating something as thoughtful as sensory-friendly apparel.
Margo Paige Handbags and Apparel
As a woman-owned business, supporting other women founders has been a huge part of what inspires us. We asked Margo, founder of @ShopMargoPaige, about her journey in starting a sustainable, affordable handbag & apparel company. Shop her full collection at Margo Paige.
Fashion Founder Collective
Fashion Founder Collective is more than just another resource. It’s a space where you can connect with industry experts, gain valuable insights, and meet other business owners who truly get what you’re going through. To access these live events, along with all of the other amazing benefits of AJG’s online community, join Fashion Founder Collective today!