Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Holzhausen
Hi Erika, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Thank you so much! I’m thrilled to be here.
I grew up in a small rural town in central California, one of just a handful of Asian Americans in a population of about 1,200, which was predominantly white and Hispanic. It was a bubble, to say the least, and while it shaped me in some ways, it also stunted my growth. From a young age, I dreamt of leaving and imagined myself thriving in a bustling city somewhere.
When I was 15, I saw my first episode of Project Runway, a new competition show at the time, where designers vied for $100,000 to launch their own fashion line. I was instantly hooked and became obsessed with the world of high fashion. I’d always been creative – whether it was customizing my own clothes, making jewelry out of bottle caps, or drawing on every bit of paper I came across – but I’d never thought being creative could be a career. Growing up around farmers and “salt of the earth” people, my creativity and big personality often felt out of place, and I found myself hiding parts of who I was to fit in with small-town values.
Fortunately, I convinced my parents to let me attend a summer program in San Francisco, where I studied couture fashion at the Academy of Art University. While the experience was exciting and earned me college credits, San Francisco was a bit too close to home, and I craved a change of scenery. Fast forward a few years, and I was in Los Angeles, attending FIDM and earning an AA in Fashion Design.
Graduating at just 20 years old, I struggled to break into the industry. Without funds or connections, I ended up managing a retail store at a luxury mall. Complacency set in, and it wasn’t until I was fired a few years in that I was forced to reevaluate my path. After making a desperate plea on Facebook, a former classmate reached out to tell me about a children’s wear company looking for a technical designer. “Can you do technical design?” she asked. I had no idea what that really meant, but I confidently replied, “Of course!” I thought to myself, How hard could it be?
That leap of faith (and a little bluffing) led to what would become a diverse, intense, and ultimately rewarding career in technical design. That first role was chaotic, stressful, and full of learning on the fly, but it laid the foundation for everything I’ve accomplished since.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s definitely not been smooth, but I believe the challenges have been essential for my growth.
Transitioning from a small town to the fast-paced fashion industry was a culture shock in itself. The industry is highly competitive, and as a technical designer, I’m often pulled in multiple directions. My main objective is to ensure garments are produced as accurately and efficiently as possible without sacrificing the designer’s vision. However, being the middle person between multiple teams often means balancing conflicting demands and navigating various challenges. This role isn’t always appreciated or understood, which can lead to unavoidable office politics and conflict, and at times, it can feel demoralizing.
I’ve had to develop strong interpersonal skills to navigate both the technical challenges of the role and the diverse personalities I collaborate with. There have been many times when my approach didn’t work, despite my best efforts, and I had to leave roles earlier than I planned. Those moments felt disappointing, but they also taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of aligning myself with environments that support my growth.
For example, my first technical design job was a crash course in survival – I had to quickly learn complex software, manage production, and navigate countless challenges, all while earning less than I did in retail! It was undoubtedly a difficult experience, but it gave me the confidence to take on new opportunities, even when I didn’t have all the answers. Looking back, I’m genuinely impressed by how I handled everything during that time and proud to say that I thrived where many others likely would have failed. Those lessons continue to shape how I approach my work today, and I’m deeply grateful for the resilience and skills I gained through that experience.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I like to think of my work as a balance between creativity and strategy. While my career began in, and is primarily rooted in, technical design, I’ve never liked to keep myself in a box. Over time, I’ve expanded my skills into consulting, writing, styling, and even the performing arts! These diverse pursuits have not only fueled my creativity but also enhanced my technical expertise, allowing me to approach my work with a unique and holistic perspective.
In technical design, this holistic approach comes through in every project I take on. From creating detailed renderings (my favorite part of the job as it is the most creative) to ensuring garments are engineered for both functionality and efficiency, I blend technical precision with innovative thinking. My work includes refining patterns, developing garment construction and specifications, improving fit, and managing production processes – all with a focus on delivering high-quality, practical solutions that align with creative visions.
What sets me apart is my ability to bridge the gap between the technical and creative sides of the fashion industry, providing a holistic perspective that ensures both the artistry and functionality of a design come to life. I’m proud of my ability to tackle complex challenges and develop solutions that not only meet but often exceed expectations.
Having navigated the challenges of the fashion industry, I’m also passionate about mentoring others and fostering healthier work environments. I’ve experienced burnout, unrealistic expectations, and toxic dynamics firsthand, and those experiences have inspired me to guide others toward sustainable success. I’ve made my share of mistakes – some of which still make me cringe – but I genuinely value helping others learn from those missteps so they can thrive without facing the same challenges.
At its core, everything I do is about connection; connecting with people through creative projects, meaningful mentorship, or simply helping someone realize their vision. I’m most proud of the moments where I’ve been able to empower others – whether it’s helping someone overcome a challenge, guiding them toward a solution, or simply giving them the confidence to take the next step.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Adaptability, paired with open-mindedness and compassion, has been one of the most important aspects of building the career I have today. In a fast-paced and ever-changing industry like fashion, being adaptable has allowed me to navigate challenges and find creative solutions under pressure. However, I’ve also learned that adaptability on its own isn’t enough. The willingness to approach situations with empathy and an open mind has been the biggest contributor to my success.
Understanding that everyone brings their own perspectives and challenges to the table has helped me foster better collaboration and communication, even in difficult environments. As a leader, I strive to balance compassion with accountability, ensuring that kindness doesn’t come at the expense of clear expectations and strong decision-making. It’s about empowering others while maintaining the clarity and strength needed to guide teams effectively toward shared goals.
Truthfully, it’s not always easy, and I often have to remind myself to stay mindful during challenging times. I also have to accept that my approach, as well-intentioned as it is, may not always work or be understood by others. Still, this combination of qualities has not only helped me grow professionally but also enabled me to empower others by meeting them where they are. I believe that being open to learning from every experience, while showing kindness and understanding, is the foundation for building meaningful relationships and achieving long-term goals collectively.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://erikaartanddesign.net/online-portfolio
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eejholz/
Image Credits
STOCK IMAGES – CANVA.COM
FASHION PHOTOS w. CADS – ERIKA HOLZHAUSEN
