With over 20 years of immersive experience in the apparel and accessories industry, I offer a comprehensive and applied background that meets and exceeds the minimum qualifications for building a comprehensive line, creative leadership and related disciplines. My combined education, leadership roles, and professional practice reflect a deep commitment to fashion as both an industry and a business Since 2020, I have proudly served as Co-Chair of the Fashion Department at Mesa College, where I help shape the program's direction through curriculum planning, student project assessment, stakeholder coordination, and departmental events. I’ve frequently served as a guest speaker in fashion classes, offering behind-the-scenes perspectives on everything from launching a product to navigating global sourcing, running a brand, or working with high-profile clients. My academic path began with early college enrollment at Palomar College while still in high school. I took courses to accelerate my academic progress and lay the groundwork for a creative career. I continued with more focused coursework at Santa Monica College and Saddleback College all of which directly informed my entry into the fashion industry. Though I pursued a nontraditional academic route, my continued professional development and multidisciplinary learning have resulted in a level of practical and theoretical knowledge equivalent to an advanced degree in fashion design, merchandising, or product development. My educational background has been continually augmented by real-world experience and mentorship under industry leaders, resulting in a career that bridges the gap between institutional learning and applied practice. I have held senior roles with globally recognized brands such as Levi Strauss & Co., Chrome Industries, American Giant, and C1RCA, and worked across disciplines including apparel design, product development, accessory design, sourcing, technical construction, and trend forecasting. I’ve successfully launched and managed multiple startups including Brewear Goods and Owlchemy Society Swimwear overseeing everything from business planning and funding to design, development, and retail distribution. Additionally, I’ve worked extensively in sustainable product development and ethical sourcing, aligning creative innovation with environmental responsibility — a key area of interest for today’s students and institutions alike. My ongoing collaborations with nonprofits like Keep-A-Breast Foundation also reflect my commitment to socially conscious design and community engagement. I offer not only the professional credentials and instructional experience required for this role, but also a genuine passion for what I bring to the table individually or in a team setting. Thank you for your consideration, Danielle

Danielle Rushing

With over 20 years of immersive experience in the apparel and accessories industry, I offer a comprehensive and applied background that meets and exceeds the minimum qualifications for building a comprehensive line, creative leadership and related disciplines. My combined education, leadership roles, and professional practice reflect a deep commitment to fashion as both an industry and a business Since 2020, I have proudly served as Co-Chair of the Fashion Department at Mesa College, where I help shape the program's direction through curriculum planning, student project assessment, stakeholder coordination, and departmental events. I’ve frequently served as a guest speaker in fashion classes, offering behind-the-scenes perspectives on everything from launching a product to navigating global sourcing, running a brand, or working with high-profile clients. My academic path began with early college enrollment at Palomar College while still in high school. I took courses to accelerate my academic progress and lay the groundwork for a creative career. I continued with more focused coursework at Santa Monica College and Saddleback College all of which directly informed my entry into the fashion industry. Though I pursued a nontraditional academic route, my continued professional development and multidisciplinary learning have resulted in a level of practical and theoretical knowledge equivalent to an advanced degree in fashion design, merchandising, or product development. My educational background has been continually augmented by real-world experience and mentorship under industry leaders, resulting in a career that bridges the gap between institutional learning and applied practice. I have held senior roles with globally recognized brands such as Levi Strauss & Co., Chrome Industries, American Giant, and C1RCA, and worked across disciplines including apparel design, product development, accessory design, sourcing, technical construction, and trend forecasting. I’ve successfully launched and managed multiple startups including Brewear Goods and Owlchemy Society Swimwear overseeing everything from business planning and funding to design, development, and retail distribution. Additionally, I’ve worked extensively in sustainable product development and ethical sourcing, aligning creative innovation with environmental responsibility — a key area of interest for today’s students and institutions alike. My ongoing collaborations with nonprofits like Keep-A-Breast Foundation also reflect my commitment to socially conscious design and community engagement. I offer not only the professional credentials and instructional experience required for this role, but also a genuine passion for what I bring to the table individually or in a team setting. Thank you for your consideration, Danielle

Available to hire

With over 20 years of immersive experience in the apparel and accessories industry, I offer a comprehensive and
applied background that meets and exceeds the minimum qualifications for building a comprehensive line,
creative leadership and related disciplines. My combined education, leadership roles, and professional practice
reflect a deep commitment to fashion as both an industry and a business

Since 2020, I have proudly served as Co-Chair of the Fashion Department at Mesa College, where I help
shape the program’s direction through curriculum planning, student project assessment, stakeholder coordination,
and departmental events.
I’ve frequently served as a guest speaker in fashion classes, offering behind-the-scenes perspectives on everything
from launching a product to navigating global sourcing, running a brand, or working with high-profile clients.

My academic path began with early college enrollment at Palomar College while still in high school. I took
courses to accelerate my academic progress and lay the groundwork for a creative career.
I continued with more focused coursework at Santa Monica College and Saddleback College all of which directly
informed my entry into the fashion industry.
Though I pursued a nontraditional academic route, my continued professional development and multidisciplinary
learning have resulted in a level of practical and theoretical knowledge equivalent to an advanced degree in
fashion design, merchandising, or product development. My educational background has been continually
augmented by real-world experience and mentorship under industry leaders, resulting in a career that bridges
the gap between institutional learning and applied practice.

I have held senior roles with globally recognized brands such as Levi Strauss & Co., Chrome Industries,
American Giant, and C1RCA, and worked across disciplines including apparel design, product development,
accessory design, sourcing, technical construction, and trend forecasting.
I’ve successfully launched and managed multiple startups including Brewear Goods and
Owlchemy Society Swimwear overseeing everything from business planning and funding to design,
development, and retail distribution.

Additionally, I’ve worked extensively in sustainable product development and ethical sourcing,
aligning creative innovation with environmental responsibility — a key area of interest for today’s students
and institutions alike. My ongoing collaborations with nonprofits like Keep-A-Breast Foundation also reflect my
commitment to socially conscious design and community engagement.

I offer not only the professional credentials and instructional experience required for this role, but also a genuine
passion for what I bring to the table individually or in a team setting.

Thank you for your consideration,

Danielle

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Work Experience

Co-Chair, Fashion Department at San Diego Mesa College
January 1, 2020 - Present
Lead meetings discussing curriculum, mentorship and student projects; Guest speaker for 2nd year students in relation to design, development and production skill sets as well as on the job experience; Advise on design technology adoption, including 3D prototyping and digital production tools.
Merchandise & Development Manager at The Golfers Journal
January 1, 2024 - September 1, 2024
Developed comprehensive product roadmaps by integrating insights from stakeholders, market research, and industry trends. Managed design and development from concept through delivery, aligning creative direction with production costs. Acted as liaison for co-branded partners, curating seasonal offerings that enhanced brand visibility and growth.
Accessory Design and Development Manager at LinkSoul
October 1, 2021 - July 1, 2023
Led accessory concept development through trend analysis, consumer insights, and profitability goals. Managed material sourcing and vendor negotiations across domestic and international partners. Ensured product quality and timely delivery while supporting collaborative capsule collections.
Apparel Design & Development Manager at Chrome Industries
March 1, 2012 - February 1, 2017
Establishment of seasonal product outlines, color and trend direction, growth trajectories, vendor establishment and delegation of duties for design and development teams. Allocation of technical fabric mill development, domestic and international cut & sew factories and travel during sampling and production phases. Sourcing, conception and evolution of new and innovative performance and specialized textiles and finishing. Seasonal sales and marketing meeting presentations and provision of selling tools as well as sales goals for new and closeout styles.
Apparel Director at Circa Footwear & Apparel
March 1, 2007 - September 1, 2010
Research of current trends, market demands, athlete and skate industry professional focus groups to define briefs per season. Team management and design delegation of product categories. Travel for trade shows, trend research, factory visits and sales meetings. Daily interaction with cross-functional teams such as upper management, marketing, development and logistics.
Product Development Specialist at Levi Strauss & Co.
January 1, 2011 - February 1, 2012
Collaborated closely with design, product management, marketing, and sales teams to conceptualize and launch products that met both customer needs and large-retailer cost targets. Managed vendor engagement including design allocation, sampling, cost negotiation, and hand-off to production teams, ensuring manufacturing timelines and quality standards were met. Conducted ongoing product testing and refinement. Partnered with sustainability teams to ensure vendors adhered to environmentally responsible practices.
Apparel Category Manager at Adio Footwear & Apparel
May 1, 2004 - February 1, 2007
Team management and design delegation of product categories. Responsible for managing all key calendar milestones per season. Vendor correspondence of all submitted designs in development. Travel for trade shows, trend research, factory visits and sales meetings. Daily interaction with cross-functional teams such as upper management, marketing, development and logistics.
Freelance
January 1, 2004 - Present
Freelance/2004-CURRENT

Education

Fashion Design & Merchandising at Santa Monica College
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2001
Fashion Design & Merchandising at Saddleback College
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2004

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Retail, Manufacturing, Education, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment