The Power of Intuition in Fashion Design: Lessons from Melissa Goodwin
Launching a fashion brand is often a strategic mix of analytics, market research, and calculated decisions. But as Melissa Goodwin, founder of The Super Blazer, reminded us during her recent Founder Feature with the Fashion Founder Collective, some of the most powerful decisions come from trusting your gut. 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.
At AJG Fashion Consulting, we work with founders at every stage of their apparel journey. Whether you're exploring private label services or building a custom fashion collection from the ground up, the ability to trust your instincts—and know when to lean on expert support—can make all the difference.
Trusting Your Inner Vision as a Designer
Melissa's story is a powerful example of trusting your design intuition. With no formal background in fashion, she trusted her vision for a product that could empower women through what they wear. Her belief in the transformative power of clothing guided her through each pivot in development, from choosing fabrics to perfecting the final fit.
She didn’t just want to make a blazer. She wanted to create an experience—a wearable power statement that made women feel confident in every setting. And that clarity of purpose gave her the confidence to walk away from partners that didn’t align and to find a development team (us!) who could help bring that vision to life.
Listening to the Market—But Staying True to You
A big part of Melissa’s success came from balancing feedback with focus. Like many founders, she was tempted to design for everyone. But instead of diluting her brand, she learned to ask, "Who is this really for?" and to trust her instincts about who needed this product most. She launched within her existing audience, using her YouTube platform and social channels to introduce her blazer directly to her community.
This strategy isn't just inspiring—it’s smart. For founders exploring how to launch a fashion brand online, especially with a limited marketing budget, identifying your "zone of influence", as Melissa coined it, is crucial. Whether you're selling direct-to-consumer or preparing for wholesale, the strongest traction often comes from connecting deeply with your core audience, not trying to reach everyone at once.
Development and Production Decisions
Melissa also demonstrated the importance of knowing when to pivot. When her original fabric didn’t match the vision she had in her head, she didn't settle. She switched materials, altered design details, and invested in additional sampling. And while this extended the timeline, it resulted in a product that felt 100% aligned with her brand.
For other designers considering made-to-order clothing production, small batch manufacturing, or launching a signature apparel piece, Melissa’s story is a reminder: Intuition matters at every step. The fashion development process is rarely linear. Your ability to make the right call, even when it delays your launch, is often what sets a standout brand apart from the rest.
If you’re in the early stages of launching a fashion brand, we encourage you to read our post on How to Start a Clothing Line or explore The Fashion Entrepreneur’s Toolkit.
What Intuition Looks Like in Practice
At AJG, we see intuition at play every day:
When founders choose to keep a single hero product instead of launching with five
When they walk away from a fabric that isn’t quite right, even if it may cost more time
When they trust that a non-traditional color will resonate with their audience
When they pause production to fix a fit that doesn’t feel quite right
These are the moments that define thoughtful, intentional brands.
Melissa said it best: "Your dream isn't just yours—it's communicating with you all the time."
As your partners in product development, our job is to help you bring that dream to life, with a blend of technical expertise, production support, and strategic thinking. But the vision? That still starts with you.
Ready to trust your gut and take your next step?
Let us help you turn your vision into a market-ready product. Book a consultation with AJG Fashion Consulting and learn how our apparel development services can support your fashion journey.
Explore more stories like Melissa’s on our Fashion Founder Collective and follow us on Instagram @ajg_fashionconsulting for weekly insights, case studies, and founder spotlights.
Watch the Full Interview
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!
Let’s Build Your Brand Together
To learn more about AJG Fashion Consulting and how we have helped brands launch and grow, visit www.ajgfashionconsulting.com. Looking for more details on how we can help? Book some time with us for a free 30-minute consultation.