ACC Fashion Incubator
I supported talented cohorts of designers in developing and launching their collections, focusing on building the production framework behind their creative work. I oversaw sourcing, vendor communications, and sample execution while integrating industry-standard tools and processes to keep projects organized and on track. My goal was to provide each designer with the operational foundation and industry support needed to move forward confidently.
Rooted in community and collaboration, the incubator involved close partnerships with designers, interns, local vendors, and internal college resources to translate creative vision into production-ready garments.
Community Impact
During the pandemic, we mobilized the incubator’s equipment and technical expertise to support the local community. Working alongside ACC student interns, we produced face masks, cut surgical caps, and fabricated face shields for frontline and essential workers.
Z1 Cutter used to cut face shields with ACC students during COVID pandemic.
Collaborations
“I began my journey in fashion 5 years ago. Building a small business can be daunting and overwhelming with, or without, the guidance of mentors. Until I became a student in the first cohort of the [ACC] Fashion Incubator, I had limited knowledge of what steps to take to grow my business. So, the time spent under the tutelage of the instructors at the Fashion Incubator was absolutely essential to NefrFreshr’s development and growth over the last two years. All of the instructors, mentors, and guest speakers were tremendously insightful and available to answer any questions.
Michelle French took things to another level, spending countless hours and hands-on direction. She taught me how to organize my business, communicate with vendors, build a production plan, and much more. She went above and beyond on countless occasions; always going the extra mile to find creative solutions.
My experience with Ms. French during my time in the first cohort was nothing short of exemplary, and my business would absolutely not be where it is today without her support. There were many that times that I wanted to quit, and she would never let me doubt myself, or the potential of my brand.”
— Chaka Mahone, Designer
NefrFreshr
“I feel so lucky and honored that I have been able to work with Michelle French and I have gained and incredible amount of knowledge and insight into the fashion industry thanks to her vast array of insight and hands-on experience. Michelle has not only been an incredible wealth of knowledge but her limitless patience and willingness to explain the details and nuances of the business side of the industry has given me so much more insight that I ever thought was possible. New experiences can always make a person feel nervous but the first day that I worked with Michelle I felt like I was working with a professional who was emphathetic, patient, and wanted only the best for me. I consider my experience working with Michelle to be the one that has propelled me most into being a more professional and educated designer. My time and guidance from her has been priceless and I truly feel incredibly blessed and grateful to have her as an advisor and mentor.”
— Katy Dori-Roberts, Designer
The Salt Nomads
“. . . I want to thank you for everything. All the industry knowledge you have coupled with your development skills and the trusted people you know in the industry, it’s all been such a huge help. . . you have been the most patient person I have ever worked with. Making clothes and building brands is hard and of course, you know this; it’s a relief to know that you understand. . . I also appreciate your good ideas and tweaks and solutions. Thank you for your consistent kindness, understanding, and patience. Seriously.“
- Ryan Britton, Designer
The National Bureau
of Product Research
“Michelle French has been an invaluable asset within the ACC Fashion Incubator program. My experience with Michelle has been nothing but professional, and I have observed her mentorship amongst other designers and interns.
Michelle’s professionalism has been clear from the beginning, and she has been a core component of my apparel and brand development over the last eight months. Even before our cohort was assigned mentors, Michelle was actively meeting and mentoring designers, including myself, to ensure their utmost success. Even throughout her FMLA, Michelle has gone above and beyond to continue my development timeline with full communication.
Without Michelle, my development would not have reached where it is today, and she continues to be a mentor for me and my brand. She is a great asset to the designers, incubator, and to ACC. She is a critical part of the program’s success, and I give my full commendation to her performance and work ethic. I sincerely believe that if Michelle were not part of ACCFI, the designers would reach limited success, if any at all.”
- Lisa Husberg, Designer
Loka Hous
“Michelle French is an outstanding person; committed, compassionate, open, reliable, bright, and exceptionally knowledgeable. She is a natural and exemplary leader and teacher. She is caring, co-operative, and patient. It is my sincere pleasure to work with her, as a Product Development colleague collaborating on projects to deliver exemplary results.
It has also been an absolute joy to interact with her in my various efforts to build my personal Gerber technology skill set through the Austin Fashion Incubator.
Michelle’s intelligence, wit and kindness is like fresh air in a dusty mind. I am fortunate to have met and worked with her.”
— Charlotte Bird
Professional Pattern Maker
“Michelle deserves a glowing review! She has been such an asset to our emerging fashion brand. Without her in-depth knowledge of product development, fabric sourcing, and apparel manufacturing we would not have been able to deliver such high quality dresses to our clients. Michelle’s amazing organizational skills and ability to establish and manage our vendor relationships was invaluable as we created our first collection. She is considerate, professional, and easy to communicate with. I will work with her again
and recommend her in all of her professional pursuits.”
- Mehla Hicks, Designer
The Dia Collection