From government cubicle to fashion CEO — the real story of building a brand that lasts. When Jody Davis started designing after work and on weekends, she had no investors, no fashion connections, and no roadmap. What she had was vision, determination, and a gift she couldn't ignore. Seven years of late-night sewing led to a moment of truth: resign from her government job before even being accepted to FIT or let her dream fade. The path from that decision to today wasn't linear. After graduating from FIT and working seven years at Neiman Marcus, Davis launched her brand—only to face the economic reality of post-9/11 America. She returned to the workforce, spending seven years in the mortgage industry while keeping her design vision alive. When she finally opened her boutique, she brought decades of experience, unwavering determination, and a refined understanding of what it takes to build a brand that endures. Fifteen years of entrepreneurship later, the Jody Davis brand has become synonymous with impeccable fit and lasting quality, built one dress at a time through disciplined bootstrapping and unwavering commitment to vision. Beyond the Hemlines goes deeper than design aesthetics to reveal the real costs, strategic decisions, and hard-won lessons of building a sustainable fashion business. From navigating fabric tradeshows in Paris to perfecting direct-to-consumer relationships, Davis shares the insider knowledge that transforms passion into profit and creativity into legacy. Inside you'll discover: How to source quality materials and vet reliable manufacturers - The true costs of designing (beyond fabric and labor) - Pricing strategies that support both growth and quality - Why direct-to-consumer built stronger margins and loyalty - Marketing tactics that drive awareness without big budgets - The discipline required to sustain a brand through economic challenges This isn't theory from business school—these are battle-tested strategies from someone who persevered through setbacks to build a profitable, lasting fashion business. Whether you're sketching your first collection or scaling an existing brand, Beyond the Hemlines provides the roadmap for building a fashion business that stands the test of time. Jody Davis is the founder, designer, and CEO of Jody Davis Designs, with over 30 years of design experience and 15+ years as a fashion entrepreneur. Her collections embody her philosophy of "Fit, Fashion, Function" and empower women to own their style with confidence.