Meet Stephanie Vermaas

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stephanie Vermaas. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stephanie below.

Stephanie, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

Confidence and self-esteem didn’t come naturally to me—it’s something I’ve built over time through both personal and professional experiences. Growing up, I often doubted myself, but I learned that confidence is less about being perfect and more about taking action despite the fear. My first major leap was launching my own fashion brand. There were so many unknowns, but with every step, whether it was securing a manufacturer, landing my first wholesale order, or overcoming a setback, I realized I was more capable than I gave myself credit for.

Motherhood also played a huge role. Becoming a mom has taught me to trust myself on a deeper level. When I look at my daughter, I’m reminded of the importance of modeling self-belief—not just for her but for myself. Confidence is built through showing up for yourself daily, even when it feels hard.

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

As a seasoned fashionpreneur with over 15 years of experience, I’ve dedicated my career to transforming the fashion industry by empowering brand owners to succeed in ways traditional education often overlooks. My journey began with the launch of my own fashion brand and clothing manufacturing company, which not only achieved global recognition but also became the foundation for my work as a mentor and brand consultant. This firsthand experience allows me to bring real-world insights and strategies to the entrepreneurs I work with.

Through my programs, I mentor aspiring and established fashionpreneurs to build profitable and sustainable brands from start to scale. I specialize in helping clients navigate the complexities of manufacturing, branding, and marketing, whether they’re launching their first collection or scaling an existing brand. What sets my work apart is its focus on accessibility and practical application, enabling entrepreneurs to achieve results without the steep cost or time commitment of traditional fashion education. Over 1500 brands have launched or grown their businesses with my guidance, some landing in major retailers and dressing global icons.

Beyond my group programs, I also offer tailored 1:1 mentorship for startups and existing brands, providing personalized strategies to help them achieve their unique goals. Additionally, I host immersive fashion business retreats where brand owners connect, collaborate, and gain the tools they need to elevate their businesses. These retreats include workshops, manufacturer meetings, and strategy sessions designed to create lasting impact.

My passion lies in helping fashion entrepreneurs turn their visions into reality, whether they’re building a brand from scratch or scaling .

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Vision: Success in fashion and business starts with a clear vision. Knowing who you are, what you want to create, and who you want to serve can guide every decision you make. Stay rooted in your purpose, and the “how” will follow.

2. Adaptability: The fashion industry, like life, is full of curveballs. Being open to change while staying true to your values has allowed me to pivot when needed without losing focus on the big picture.

3. Connection: Whether it’s with your team, manufacturers, or community, building relationships is essential. I’ve found that generosity and authenticity create opportunities that no strategy can replicate.

My advise is to focus on one skill at a time and practice it daily. For example, if you want to improve your vision, spend time journaling your “why.” If it’s adaptability, challenge yourself to approach setbacks with curiosity instead of frustration.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

My ideal client is someone who is deeply passionate about their vision for their fashion brand and willing to take action to turn that dream into a reality. Whether they are starting from scratch or scaling an existing brand, I love working with individuals who are open to learning, committed to their growth, and eager to embrace both the creative and strategic sides of building a successful business. They don’t need to have all the answers—they just need the drive to show up and take the next step.

What makes an ideal client truly special is their readiness to think beyond trends and focus on creating a brand that aligns with their values, whether it’s sustainability, ethical practices, or creating something unique and impactful. My clients trust the process, value collaboration, and are excited about the opportunity to learn from someone who has walked the path before them. If you’re someone who wants to combine creativity with smart business strategies, then we’re a perfect match!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

David Kristian & Aimee Rachael

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