Secrets of a Bridal Seamstress

Wedding season is in full sewing, and it can be easy to let appointments slip away and just go through the motions. This episode is a bit of encouragement to remind you that the extra small steps make a big difference in your client's experience.

From the first impression, to the final appointment, it's all about the details. Grab a notebook and take some notes to add some extra sparkle to your fitting space!

In this episode, I mention a few of my favorite local businesses to support as I treat brides. One of these biz faves is French Coffee Roasters, located in Port Orchard, WA. They also serve fellow small businesses around the country!

If their coffee samplers interest you, check out their website https://www.frenchiecoffee.com/ and order your own custom samplers!

Join me for a sweet and real conversation with Brenda LaBolt, host of Bridal Sewing Techniques YouTube Channel.

Hear the story of how Brenda started the channel, a bit out of necessity, and how it's now become a source of education and encouragement for bridal "seamsters" around the globe.

Many of us know the voice behind the channel, and we can identify her dexterous hands! But today we get a closer look at the kind person behind the scenes. Brenda has a way of making you feel seen, and shares some stories that will definitely make you feel understood. (Don't you love those kinds of people?)

So to my fellow entrepreneurial bridal seamstresses, this episode is made with love by two sisters cheering you on! Our journeys all start at the same place- the first step. Wherever you are in your business creation, we hope you feel encouraged to keep going and pursue the next goal!

To learn more about Brenda's book, blog, or YouTube channel, visit BridalSewingTechniques.com, or check out her Instagram, @bridalsewing

Join me as I chat with the effervescent and inspirational bridal designer, Catrina Munoz. You'll feel like she's your new best friend as she shares her journey in bespoke bridal wear.

Catrina began her sewing career as a bridal alterations specialist, and soon found a passion for original designs and creations. As she brings her clients' dreams to life, she's also currently building a live collection to offer future brides.

If you're inspired to begin your own bespoke bridal journey, join Catrina's training within Secrets of a Bridal Seamstress membership! March 2022 will focus on the steps you need to take to build your own bespoke collection, led by the Queen herself!

Check out the link provided to join the membership and this exclusive training https://secretsofabridalseamstresspodcast.com/online-membership

As your bridal sewing business is in the beginning stages, it's not uncommon to hold fittings in your home- some sewists choose to sew from home even after they're well established. But for others, the thought of working from home can bring feelings of imposter syndrome and insecurity. If these feelings are holding you back from stepping into the industry, we are here to encourage you! With the right preparations, opening your home can be one of the most loving and hospitable ways you can honor a client.

In this episode, seamstress Francis Miller shares the pros and cons of hosting bridal fittings, and building your own sewing business, at home. Learn how to prepare for hosting, what boundaries may be necessary for yourself and your clients, and how to organize your business schedule to accommodate you and your family. We shared a few laughs over some awkward moments with clients...We bet that you'll relate!

Francis recently retired from an impressive career in education, only to launch a successful professional sewing business that grew faster than she'd imagined. After mastering the art of home fittings, she and her husband built a home to better serve her newfound career as a bridal seamstress. I loved talking with Fran- I felt like we've already know each other a long time! And I think you'd feel the same as you join the conversation.

To learn more about Francis and her growing business, visit her on Instagram, @sewgloriouscreations or check out her website for inspiration, www.sewglorious.com If you are interested in sewing for the Social Justice Sewing Academy, please head to the following links: Website: https://www.sjsacademy.org/ Webpage for the Remembrance Quilt Project: https://www.sjsacademy.org/remembrance-project Instagram @sjsacademy To learn more about Fran's daughter, Blayre Wright's cake business, visit: Flouretta Sweet: website: http://flourettasweet.com/ Instagram @flourettasweet

Working alone- it can be a blessing and a curse! Finding community can be difficult for seamstresses, especially when our local peers may keep their cards close. So, what can we do when our business owner to-do lists feel never ending, and we need support from others who just 'get it'?

In this episode, business community-builder Jessica Guzikowski shares simple steps to find like-minded business women in your local area, on social media, and within membership platforms. She shares the benefits of growing along like-minded colleagues, and the encouragement and accountability that comes within community pods. Jessica also shares ideas on how to bring community together, if you feel called to step up to leadership in this area! Enjoy the tips of this interview, and know that YOU are not alone in the tasks and stresses that come with being a bridal seamstress. For membership info, head to secretsofabridalseamstresspodcast.com to connect with our exclusive community!

Jessica Guzikowski and her husband are the proud owners of French Coffee Roasters. Recently, Jessica launched her coaching business for fellow maker mamas, Mamas Who Make. You can follow her on Instagram for her savvy selling tips, and community-building ideas: @Jessica.guzikowski

Have you ever thought about starting your own bridal sewing business? What’s holding you back?

In this episode, New York seamstress Kirstyn Gillies shares how she left her career at a big box store to start her own bridal alterations home studio. This decision did not happen without careful thought and deliberation- you may hear that her hesitations resemble your own! But Kirstyn had the secret ingredient needed for any small business launch: the courage to take the first step.

You’ll love hearing her approachable personality shine through in this conversation, and I hope you’ll feel encouraged to take the first step towards your own dreams.

Kirstyn’s studio continues to grow in Long Island, NY, where she lives with her supportive hubby and two sweet kids. I can’t wait to have her back on the show again!

Season 3 is here, and you may notice a few changes! My content is changing to serve bridal seamstresses, and offer educational support for their growing businesses! Here’s what you can look forward to, starting with season 3:

-Interviews with successful bridal seamstresses that will encourage you in your own journey

-Savvy business tips and strategies from featured business and marketing pros

-Q & A episodes from fellow seamstresses

-Sneak peeks of trainings within Secrets of a Bridal Seamstress Online Membership

-A new platform for the podcast! Subscribe to Secrets of a Bridal Seamstress on YouTube to watch each episode!

All of this new content has been curated to exclusively serve bridal seamstresses. 2022 is going to be a big year for us, and I can’t wait to hear your plans for this exciting season!

(Brides: you can still search earlier episodes in season 1 & 2 for wedding gowns and alterations tips!)

In this episode, I share a few of my favorite tips to freshen up our bridal sewing businesses. If you’re like me, and you love a great printable cheat sheet, check out the provided download- Click HERE to download your free guide, 5 Pro Tips for your Bridal Sewing Business.

Season 3 is bringing a few changes to the podcast! Listen to hear what’s new.

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to have a custom wedding gown designed and curated uniquely for you? If you have a specific design in mind that you’re not finding in boutiques, a bespoke gown may be an exciting alternative option for you. In this episode, designer Catrina Munoz unveils the mysteries behind a custom bridal look. She shares the first steps to finding your designer, choosing your custom look, and the common misconceptions that are associated with bespoke bridal wear.

Catrina Munoz is a bespoke bridal designer and bridal atelier in Medford, OR.

Owner of Catrina Munoz Bridal, she creates stunning original gowns that will take your breath away! Follow Catrina on Instagram for your own bespoke inspiration, @catrinamunoz_bridal