Episode 315: Breaking Into The Fashion Industry, Featuring Fashion Designer and Founder of the Fanm Mon Sophia Demirtas
From growing up surrounded by tailored garments to running her own thriving fashion brand, Sophia Demirtas’s journey into design wasn’t exactly planned. She was raised in a culture that deeply valued the power of beautifully made clothing, but fashion wasn’t her first path. Sophia started out in social services, shaped by her own experiences in foster care. But after feeling disillusioned by how business-driven the field had become, she made a major pivot—one that led her to launch Fanm Mon. In this episode, Sophia shares how she turned her creative passion into a brand known for quality and craftsmanship, what it was like to move production from Ukraine to Turkey during the pandemic, and why a strong, supportive team matters so much. We also talk about heritage, sustainability, and the importance of preserving traditional crafts. Through it all, Sophia keeps coming back to the legacy of hardworking women who have inspired her every step of the way.
“I wanted to do something that would ultimately be a positive contribution to humanity. So I delved into social work in some capacity. I think, in a way, I was set on trying to change the world.”
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Follow along using the Transcript
(00:00:03) - Introduction to Sophia Demirtas and Her Journey
(00:01:10) - From Social Work to Fashion: A Transformative Path
(00:01:44) - Challenges and Changes During the Pandemic
(00:24:53) - Creating a Positive Work Environment and Team Dynamics
(00:47:58) - Sustainability and the Future of Fashion
Related Episodes
Episode 228: Hannah Jenkinson | Founder of Knitwear Brand HJK Studio
Episode 284: Cat Pope | Fashion Stylist
Episode 178: Hope & Resiliency Through Traditional Afghan Fashion Design with Lida Mangal
Instagram: @fanmmon
Website: fanmmon.com
Email: info@fanmmon.com
Created and hosted by Kara Duffy
Audio Engineering & Editing by Jordan Duffy
Production by Amanda Kass
Graphic design by Anna Olinova
Music by Joakim Karud
