The (DE-FI) Designer Incubator

 Emerging Designers you have the unique opportunity to strengthen your business skills in a real time curriculum taught by industry professionals!   With a focus on business skills that range from business planning,  marketing plans, cut & sew, retail math and social media, Our Emerging Designer Bootcamp also has real time fashion challenges wrapped  throughout the curriculum. Our team is dedicated to providing resources, education and professional development to the fashion community that will enhance and support a thriving and sustainable apparel and sewn products industry in the Midwest.

(DE-FI) Designers have gained firsthand experience working behind the scenes of some of the most legendary design houses and retail companies in the world. Their designs have been featured on the covers of Vogue Africa, in Vogue Italia, and Essence magazines. Our designers have been named to Forbes Top 30 Under 30 Fellows and they have also had their designs featured in music videos, commercial print, and film. 

We do NOT charge any fees for any of our services.  Led by a network of fashion professionals, business owners, and community leaders; this network simply known as (DE-FI) pronounced “defy” is re-engineering the global and regional fashion experience making Dayton, Ohio’s fashion scene one of the most highly sought-after territories and markets in the Midwest.  Fashion organizations from Atlanta, Santa Fe, D.C., NYC, Chicago, and around Ohio to name a few have reached out to us for support.

Our Strategic Goal

To become a top fashion program with a distinctive and enabling environment for teaching, learning, discovery, innovation and creative expression that transforms and enriches individuals and society. No experience is necessary to join our incubator, this could be your very first line or you can be looking to expand into a new market, we customize our services to fit your needs. See more of our goals and highlights from our Strategic Plan HERE.

During the Designer Bootcamp, Designers will learn the ropes of the industry by:

Developing a Strategic Plan

• Creating your business plan
• Discovering your niche market
• Building your brand message

Learning To Control Expenses

• Learning how to source your product
• Learning retail math
• Gain  access to Micro-manufacturing via the Dayton Garment & Textile District

Learning How To Land & Grow Sales

• Developing Look Books & Line Sheets
• Planning Pop Up Shops & Trunk Sales
• Becoming Retail Ready & Prep-Pack-Ship

Building Buyer Relationships

• Developing of editorial work via (DE-FI)ance Magazine and runway experiences via Dayton Fashion Week
• Connecting to larger market promotion, education, and experiences

Learning Effective Social Media

• Building your audience
• How To Land & Grow Sales

Securing Your Financial Future 

• Growing Your Networth
• Funding Your Business

All designers will also be eligible to sell their designs via Dayton Threads as well.