Listen "Tariffs, Textiles, and Truth: What It Really Means to Make in America"
Episode Synopsis
In this solo episode of Inside the Design Studio, I get into a question that’s more political than it might seem: Do Americans really want things to be made in America? It sounds good on paper—and even better on a campaign trail—but the reality is messier. As someone who has spent the past 15 years making clothes in Houston, I’m here to tell you: wanting the label is not the same as supporting the labor. From rising tariffs and raw material costs to the disappearance of skilled workers, we’re at a crossroads. Everyone talks about “bringing manufacturing back,” but almost no one talks about what that actually requires—or who’s willing to do the work. This episode is part personal story, part policy rant, and part open question. Consider it a love letter (and a warning) to anyone who still believes that “Made in the USA” is as simple as stitching a tag. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Conversation 02:19 The Impact of Tariffs on Small Businesses 04:43 Challenges of Manufacturing in America 11:24 The Skills Gap in Fashion Manufacturing 19:42 The Future of American Manufacturing
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