My first year as the founder of SUITS for her was dedicated to listening, learning, and building. I had the opportunity to share my insights with FashionUnited and Textilia.
What were my expectations for 2025 and did they come true?
At the end of 2024, I launched my first collection, so 2025 was entirely devoted to listening: understanding how our community experiences SUITS for her, how the suits fit, and what women truly need. As I am new to the fashion world, I wasn't sure what to expect. But from my preliminary research, I already felt there would be much enthusiasm and support for our mission. That has certainly come true.
What surprised me in 2025?
In our first year, we hoped to make a few visible steps: get some media attention, organize a small pop-up, perhaps get noticed by a few female role models. But it all turned out to be much bigger.
The biggest surprise? An incoming email from Amsterdam Fashion Week. They were impressed by SUITS for her and subsequently curated us. And then we were part of the official AFW program on the Prinsengracht for three days!
What am I taking with me to 2026 and what am I leaving behind in 2025?
I'm taking with me the confirmation that our mission is correct: empowering women, producing consciously, and bringing a new voice to the fashion industry. 2025 gave me the courage to continue building and thinking bigger, but without rushing.
What I'm leaving behind is perfectionism. In 2025, I learned that it doesn't have to be "finished" to start; movement creates new insights.
How do I envision 2026?
2026 will be the year of bold moves and unconventional choices. Because we listened so well to our community in 2025, we now know exactly where the needs lie. But those wishes don't always align with how we are currently organized. That requires courage. Daring to let go of what is familiar, making choices that go against the norm, and being willing to reinvest. In time, in money, in people, and in the brand itself.
Do I have a New Year's wish?
I don't make New Year's wishes, because New Year's is not a decisive moment for me to reflect. I do that daily, regardless of calendar moments. What I wish everyone yesterday, today, and tomorrow, is that we make more conscious choices: for quality over quantity, for collaboration over competition, and for growth that doesn't come at your own expense. I hope we continue to empower each other, open doors for each other, and make space for female leadership in all its forms. Because if we do that, the world will automatically become a lot fairer and more beautiful.
My 5 career lessons from this year
Everything starts with your mindset.
Every evening I read books full of entrepreneurial stories and insights, and during the day I listen to podcasts from people who inspire me. For me, this is not only a source of knowledge but also of mindset, motivation, and creativity. It keeps me sharp and hungry for more.
I've never done it before, so I think I can do it.
I often draw motivation from women who inspire me. Especially women who, like me, have a family, a similar background, and yet have built a successful business. Then I think: if they can do it, so can I. That always gives me a push forward.
Ask for help.
You don't have to do it alone. Approach people you look up to, with specific expertise or experience. An honest and enthusiastic email or a private message via social media opens more doors than you think. I don't believe in wanting to do everything alone. Nor do I believe in the idea that you must be, or even can be, independent to be successful. You always need other people to move forward.
Your network is more important than your degree.
They say for a reason: 'You are who you know.' You can always acquire knowledge. By reading, researching, or engaging experts. But to truly get into the places you want to be, you simply need someone to mention your name, introduce you, and take you along. That makes all the difference. How do you start building a network? Very simply: approach people you find interesting.
Work purposefully and step by step.
For every goal, I link concrete actions that help achieve the result. And I make everything measurable: there are always numbers attached to it, because only then do you truly know if you are on track. To stay sharp, I regularly test my goals with experts. For example, I ask them: 'Is this realistic?' Or: 'What might I be overlooking?' And if I don't achieve a goal, I critically review the actions. That recurring process – setting goals, evaluating (together), and adjusting – helps me stay focused.
Grateful
I'll keep repeating it; thank you. To everyone who helped me build SUITS for her this first year: I see you, I hear you, and I love to listen to you. Because that's the only way we make a difference, together.
Here's to a promising future.
Powerful greetings,
Sarah
Founder SUITS for her
