Meet Carly Frederick

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Carly Frederick. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Carly , we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

Oh wow: definitely not overnight. I actually started off thinking I’d be a hotshot attorney. I went to law school, ready to change the world… and then realized I hated it. Like, full existential-crisis hated it. I ended up dropping out; which felt like the ultimate plot twist in my life story.

Around that same time, I was also battling depression and had gained over 100 pounds since my sophomore year of college. I didn’t even recognize myself, mentally or physically. So I packed up my life in Boston, moved to San Diego, and got into construction. Not because I dreamed of hard hats and power tools, but because I needed a job and stability while I figured myself out.

Construction gave me structure (no pun intended), but it wasn’t my passion. Then, almost out of nowhere, I stumbled into fashion, and it was like someone turned the lights on. Everything just clicked. I started producing runway shows, styling, and creating experiences that made people feel something. That’s when my confidence started to bloom — not because I had it all figured out, but because I finally stopped trying to be someone else and owned who I really am.

So yeah, confidence came from falling flat, changing directions, rebuilding (literally), and finally finding the thing that lights me up. Plus, a little lipstick never hurts either.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Tell us about what you do, what’s exciting about it, and anything new coming up.

I’m the founder of House of Carly Creative, a runway show production company based in sunny San Diego — and let me tell you, we do fashion differently. Our whole mission is to help everyone feel beautiful and confident by making sure they’re seen and celebrated on the runway.

Our shows are inclusive, bold, and full of energy — we feature models of all shapes, sizes, races, genders, and walks of life. No gatekeeping here! We’re all about tearing down outdated beauty standards and making space for real people to shine. And we’re just getting started — we’re working on incorporating adaptive clothing into our upcoming shows, which means showcasing pieces designed specifically for people with disabilities, mobility challenges, or age-related needs. Because true style should work for everyone.

At House of Carly Creative, we believe that beauty is not one-size-fits-all — and that everybody deserves their runway moment. Whether you’re strutting in heels, wheels, or sneakers, we’re here for it.

Coming up, we’ve got a luxe rooftop runway show this summer, July 27th, called The 40th Floor Affair: A Runway Above it All. This show will be on the 40th floor of 800 Broadway in downtown San Diego. Think couture-chic vibes, killer views, and powerful representation on the catwalk. We’re also expanding our outreach to bring even more “everyday people” into the fashion spotlight — because if you’ve got confidence and a story, you belong on our runway.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Oof — only three? Okay, here we go:

1. Resilience & Consistency.
Nothing about my path has been linear. I’ve taken big risks, made hard pivots, and had moments where I questioned everything. But I kept going. Resilience isn’t about never falling — it’s about learning how to get up, dust yourself off (maybe cry a little), and keep it moving.
✨ Advice: Stop waiting to feel “ready.” Take the leap, mess up, learn, repeat. You build confidence by surviving your own growth process.

2. Relationship-Building.
This industry — whether fashion, events, or creative entrepreneurship — is all about human connections. I wouldn’t be where I am without the people who believed in me, collaborated with me, or even just opened a door.
✨ Advice: Show up with good energy, be genuine, and follow up. People work with people they like — it’s not just talent, it’s trust.

3. Creative Vision with a Purpose.
I didn’t just want to make things look good — I wanted them to mean something & for the audience to feel something at my shows. The turning point in my career was when I connected my creative work to a mission: helping people feel seen, included, badass and beautiful.
✨ Advice: Dig into your “why.” It’ll guide your decisions, attract aligned collaborators, and keep you grounded when things get chaotic (and they will get chaotic!).

If you’re just starting out, know this: You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just stay curious, stay kind, and stay true to the thing that lights you up — that’s your compass.

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?

I’d spend it going all in — louder, bolder, more badass and with even more glitter.

I’d keep producing shows that make people feel seen and celebrated, but I’d take them global; bringing inclusive, heart-centered runway experiences to cities and communities that never thought they’d see themselves in fashion. I’d mentor more women stepping out of the box, stepping off the corporate ladder, and into their creative power. I’d pour into my people, travel often, and dance as much as possible — on rooftops, sidewalks, and probably a few runways too.

Mostly, I’d keep helping people realize that beauty isn’t something you earn — it’s something you remember about yourself. And if I could help even more people look in the mirror and say, “Wow, that’s really me,” then I’d know I spent my time well.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @houseofcarlycreative
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/House-of-Carly-Creative-61571479559156/