Daily Inspiration: Meet Amanda Rodriguez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Rodriguez.

Hi Amanda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I kicked off my fashion career in the concrete jungle (New York City) just over 12 years ago after graduating from Drexel University in West Philly (yes, cue The Fresh Prince theme song) . My first gig? Designing IZOD outerwear at a six-person operation where we did a lot with very little. That quickly steamrolled into opportunities designing for iconic names like Nicole Miller, Lucky Brand, Warner Brothers, Nickelodeon, and Tommy Hilfiger—just to name-drop a few.

Along the way, I also lead a small team to the launch of two private label brands, each generating between $100K and $500K in their first year (not too shabby)! From sleepwear to activewear, outerwear to graphic tees, lingerie to kidswear, and everything in between—I’ve had the pleasure of diving into and designing a wide range of product categories for many different retail environments. My experience has given me the chance to wear many hats (sometimes all at once), making me a deeply versatile and solutions-focused designer.

Then came the plot twist: at the start of 2025, a company-wide restructure ended my most recent role. Not ideal—but it opened the door for my husband and me to make a long-awaited move to Denver. With an anything but boring journey and with more opportunities that align with my passions—like sustainability and outdoor adventure—I’m genuinely excited for what’s next!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
A smooth road? Imagine a road with sharp turns, large pot holes, all while being on fire, and that was the road I was on – keeps you on your toes and makes life a bit more of an adventure along the way. As cliche as it may sound, I truly believe that every challenge you invest in is a lesson to grow from; whether it is teaching you to be more adaptable or forcing you to think outside of the box, every situation is an opportunity to come out stronger and wiser. Don’t get me wrong though, there have been many smooth parts of this wild ride as well, and while I may have hit a small obstacle currently – I am learning to slow down a bit more and be present.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As someone who, for their job, has had to aid in the mass outpour of cheaply produced fleeting trends with their destructive fabrications, I personally do not support buying into these overly sensationalized fads (unless it is supporting a small or sustainable company). These consistent, short-lived styles are responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions as well as being one of the world’s largest consumers of water. And with, the amount of clothing being mindlessly tossed into the trash (YES TRASH- not donated) we are clogging up our landfills and waterways at an astonishingly devastating rate. Yuck!

A very long winded answer to get to what I do, which is take other’s “trash” or unwanted leftovers and turn them into wearable garments. Your grandmother’s embroidered table cloth that’s stained and in a box somewhere unused – I’m turning that into a dress. That worn-out quilt stored in the attic that you forgot about – I’m turning that into a jacket and pant set. And that puffer jacket you haven’t worn in years, I’m making that into a waterproof bag. In a world that is obsessed with overconsumption, there is an endless amount of textiles and garments we can repurpose, mend, or give a second chance. There’s nothing more satisfying (in my opinion), then digging through boxes and racks at yard sales or thrift stores trying to find that next treasure or imagining the stories that live between each thread weaved together.

What I am most proud of and what I feel sets me apart from others, is the ability to think outside of the box and be able to see the potential in giving things a second chance. I pride myself in constantly being a student in my own craft, learning new techniques and ways to bring fashion that is more meaningful to me and others.

YOU CAN MAKE THAT BEDSHEET LOOK CHIC!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.arodriguezdesigns.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conflas_collective/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-h-rodriguez