Why I Chose to Study Fashion Design in My 30s

I never thought I'd go to university.

Not because I didn’t want to learn - but because, for the longest time, I was learning. Constantly. I’d built my skills from the ground up, taught myself how to draft, fit, and sew, worked with clients, launched a business, taught students of my own. I’d filled my days with fabric and pattern paper and late nights making things work.

So why now? Why would I go back to being a student again - in my thirties, as a single parent, running a business, after a decade of doing this full time?

Honestly? Because something inside me kept whispering: You’re ready for something more.

This decision didn’t come lightly

I sat with it for a long time. There’s this feeling that once you’ve created a path, you’re supposed to stick to it. That starting again - especially later in life - is somehow a step back. But deep down, I knew that wasn’t true.

I had all this hands-on knowledge. Years of experience. But I still felt like there were gaps I couldn’t quite fill on my own. I wanted more language around design. I wanted to push my creativity beyond what I already knew. I wanted mentors. Community. New challenges. Structure.

There’s something really humbling (and weirdly comforting) about stepping into a classroom knowing that you don’t have to be the expert. It's also a little comforting.

It’s never too late to learn something new

If you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s (or beyond) and thinking about starting something new, this is your permission slip.

You don’t have to be younger. You don’t have to be “starting out.” You just have to be curious and willing to show up.

Going back to school doesn’t undo what you’ve already achieved. It builds on it. You’re not starting over, you’re layering new knowledge on top of everything you’ve already lived and learned.

And honestly? It’s pretty empowering to walk into a space that wasn’t built with someone like you in mind and claim your seat at the table anyway.

I wanted to share my thoughts in the days leading up to going to university. There's a lot to prepare in the meantime because I do intend to continue working while also studying. Let's get set back up again!

Andi xoxo

PS: Have you seen my latest videos? I'm up on YouTube finally! I will be posting a lot more over there while keeping smaller clips on my TikTok. TikTok only likes when I put really detailed tutorials up and since they take some time to make, I will do what I can.