How do you feel in your dress?

Often times, someone may need additional fittings to get the fit exactly how the client wants it. Especially with a special occasion dress. They almost always require 2 fittings before it's picked up. 

I do like to ask my clients "how do you feel" in the garment. I rely partially on their answer, and also my experience, so I know it's fitted well. I think it's a fair question, because I'm not the one wearing it.

Recently I had a MOG that needed a lot of adjustments, and came back for a 2nd fitting. She didn't like some things , so I made some more modifications and an appointment to come back. She actually thought she would be taking it home that day. But I did ask her how she felt, after pinning certain areas a 2nd time. She questioned my knowledge about the garment construction and that she shouldn't have to tell me how she feels in it,,,,that I should just know because I'm "the professional" 

I tried explaining how the dress is constructed, and certain things just can not be changed. Our bodies are not symmetrical. She had a nice figure, but this was a dress that you could not hide behind. It showed every curve. It was big when she bought it, so she didn't see how it would look once taken in. She didn't' like that the dress didn't look symmetrical on her body. I do my best to make the client look their best in whatever garment I'm working on.

SIGH...

So - we made another appointment for the following week to pick up her dress, and she left. I proceeded to work on her gown right away, because at this point, I wanted to know that it  was done, and that it would be satisfactory to her. Then I went home. My phone rang during dinner, so I ignored it, and listened to the voicemail afterwards. It was her. She wanted to come pick up her dress, and for me not to do any more work on it. It was too late, I told her. I did everything except for the shoulders. She told me not to do the shoulders, and that she would "settle up with me" the next day.

So she came, tried on the dress, and because the shoulders hadn't been done, she wasn't satisfied. I told her if she had allowed me to finish the shoulders, she would have been happy, and the dress would have been done. So instead, she paid me and left unhappy.

Now I don't want ANYONE to leave unhappy with my work. 99.999% of the time they leave happy - I often get hugs as appreciation! 

Schedule This!

Deciding to leave the accounting profession after 36 years, was easy! 

Face it, doing something you went to school for, while moonlighting with what you love, makes the transition so much easier. I have done both for so long, but Covid made me examine what was important to me.

For me, making my own hours, finally finding a studio space outside my home, and designating time for myself, was a no brainer. Plus, doing what I love, makes me happy! I get hugs instead of scowls telling someone how much they owe the IRS! 

Scheduling - this is still evolving

I finally have my booking calendar the way I like it. I have some daytime appointments and some evenings. But not every day. No weekends until Sunday night. People book online - most of them. And this works! It's when people call, text or email me to schedule, that throws me off. I am very accommodating for students, nurses and others with odd schedules. So, I schedule "outside" of my normal appointment times. I'll go in on a Saturday morning - but no later than 9AM. I like to have my weekends like everyone else, and I stick to it, unless it's a rainy day and I've got lots to do, then I don't mind going in. 

I find I also have to schedule MY time. This is the tricky part!  I TRY to set aside time for yoga, going home for lunch, visiting my parents and kids, food shopping, riding my bike and other activities I might want to do during the week. Yes, I schedule lunch! Sometimes I have to cancel my scheduled activities if I'm too busy, but I prefer to stick to my schedule if at all possible. 

I also found that I needed to take a break in my busiest time of year! This year I took 4 days off and I went away - on a plane, to do absolutely nothing, with some very good friends. No plans, no worries, just time to chill. Yes, I still had a lot to do when I left, but I'm glad I took the break - I needed it - to clear my head. And believe it or not, I didn't stress over what I had to get done when I got back! I felt relaxed and recharged! 

Custom/Redesign

I am now in my 2nd year full time with my business - and it is growing! I'm even getting more custom work, which I'm trying to navigate. How many custom things can I juggle during my busiest time of year? While I didn't go to school for sewing/design, after 25+ years, of doing creative work, I am still evolving and learning as I go. It's an exciting time for me! 

Focus - I can't do everything!

I used to take everything, all the time, because I wasn't so busy, and it was my side hustle. But I have decided that I found my niche. I'm a bridal seamstress. That's what I love to do, so that's what I've become good at! I'll work on anything bridal - wedding gown, bridesmaid, mothers of bride and groom, and flower girl dresses. I've decided what I'm good at and am sticking to that! 

Certain things I am now saying NO to. For example, I don't alter jackets, of any kind. The only menswear I'll take, are pants hems. I don't replace zippers and I don't replace linings. I also don't make curtains or do any upholstery anymore. Those are specialized items as well, and while I did enjoy making home fashions, these are things that I don't do enough of to be good at them, so I have people that I recommend for those, and I'm happy about that. I'd rather pass something up, than do a terrible job for someone. And, in my busiest time of year - March through October - I won't take anything that's not bridal related. Famous last words....(I DO give preference to existing clients, if I have the time)

I never thought I'd end up here, but here I am!

I have found that the key to being happy, is doing what you love to do. For so many years I just did what I was taught and told to do, while I was doing what I loved on the side. I'm so happy I made the transition.  I believe I am healthier and happier because of it!

Thanks for reading :)

You can't make a living!

 Recently I was speaking with a family friend. He called to ask me if I found a bracelet at my house, where he had been for a cookout. It was important to him because his brother made it. He went on to say that although he likes to make these, he still has a job, because he can't make a living doing that. Then he said to me, "I'm sure you know about that with your sewing". I corrected him saying that my sewing IS my full time job now, and he was really surprised about that!

Why is it that people can't believe that this is a real business for me? What surprises me the most, is people who aren't my customers, like friends and some family members, still don't get it! I am busy enough to be renting a space outside my home. People will call or text me and ask "are you busy?" 

I'm at my studio during the week, usually every day either for appointments or to do my work. I'm there some nights as well. Definitely at least 40 hours a week, and more during my busiest times (prom, spring and fall weddings). I try not to work Friday night through Sunday nights. Sometimes I'll go in for a Saturday morning "pick up" if that's the best time for my customer. Sunday nights I'll take appointments, and get work done for the upcoming week. However, this year I decided to not take appointments on Sundays for the month of August, through Labor Day. I like to have the flexibility to go away in the summer just like anyone else!!! 

How do I run my business? 

I have carved out a niche in the tailoring business. I take appointments at night, as well as during the day. My working brides love this! Most people who do alterations, only take daytime and weekday appointments, meaning brides have to take time off of work. I've done this for years, and people love that I have evening times during the week as well as on Sundays.

Online booking has worked for me for well over 10 years now. I set the days/times I'll take appointments, and sometimes when I'm real busy, I will block off times so people can't make appointments!!!  It's pretty cool actually. I also set up reminders - text and email - so people are reminded of their upcoming appointment! My customers love this feature. 

I've decided to specialize in everything bridal, and making custom christening gowns. Sure, I get the occasional basic alterations, but it's few and far between. My rack is full of gown bags!

Christening Gown

https://www.instagram.com/p/CvFD3aHuqq8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA=

I have a business certificate from the city, and am a chamber member.

I take all forms of payment including Venmo! 

So, that's my business - come see me sometime in my studio!!! I'd love to show you around the creative space I call my home!