What No One Tells You About Surviving a Fashion Head Office

How to hold your own, speak up, and stand out in cutthroat fashion environments.

Let me tell you a quick story.

In my early 20s, I landed a job at a fashion head office in Montreal. (That’s where a lot of the older, more traditional fashion companies are based. These days, you’ll find more of the newer, modern brands in Vancouver or Toronto, but back then, Montreal was the place.)

My desk was next to the CEO, who also happened to be the founder’s wife. And she was intense.

She could smell fear. And I was terrified to speak up in meetings.

A few times, she looked straight at me and said, “Why are you even here?”

I froze. I didn’t have the confidence to respond, let alone prove my value.

Because of that fear, I couldn’t show my full potential. I had so much to offer, but I held it back.

And the frustrating part? I did have confidence, just not in that room!!!

In-store, as a store manager, I was sharp, assertive, calm under pressure. I knew how to lead. I knew how to handle tough conversations and personalities.

But in the head office, all of that disappeared.

I didn’t know how to speak up. I didn’t know how to hold my ground.

So now, when I’m dealing with those same personalities, the demanding ones, and I’m called out of the blue, expected to know every detail without hesitation, I can handle it.

I’m still a people pleaser. But now I know when to stand my ground.

And it’s respected.

I remember one of my coworkers back then. She was so good with the CEO. She didn’t act scared or nervous, she just talked to her like a normal person. More direct, more confident. I remember thinking, I wish I could do that. I was too afraid of saying the wrong thing, so I didn’t say much at all. That’s what they actually want — someone who can speak up, hold their own, and not back down when it matters.

This post isn’t just about head office survival.

It’s about what it really takes to own your space in a high-pressure, high-standard, zero-hand-holding fashion environment.

If you’ve ever felt that way — second-guessing yourself, unsure how to navigate strong personalities, or wondering how to prove you’re capable without burning out — this is for you.

Because fashion head offices move fast. And the ones who succeed? They know how to read the room, hold their ground, and speak up without overthinking it.

Here’s what I wish I knew back then, and what will help you stand out now.

What You’ll Learn in This Post

• How to make a strong impression in your first 90 days
• How to respond to difficult or intimidating personalities
• What to do when the culture feels cold or competitive
• Exact phrases to use in tough conversations
• A bonus download PDF to track your impact, set boundaries, and protect your peace

This one’s for the job seekers, early-career fashion professionals, and anyone feeling overwhelmed in high-pressure environments.