The Chosen One

In my last post, I shared some sketches that I submitted to my client for a ball gown. Here are the sketches again:

 

The client actually loved all of the sketches.

This is the one they chose :

 

 

Ball Gown

I am currently working on a dress for a client. Before knowing exactly what they wanted I came up with a few sketches. I knew they wanted a ball gown. Here are a few of the sketches that I submitted.

 

I can't draw/sketch very well. That is not my gift. I can sketch well enough to give the client the general idea and explain what my vision is along with showing pictures and fabrics.

Stay tuned to find out which (if any) sketches were selected.

 

~Rosalyn W.

Passion to Purse Year One

 

 

Here is a short video highlighting the awesome program that I run for amazing women in Greensboro! One year down, two more to go! It's such a blessing to a part of something like this.

 

 

YWCA Greensboro Passion to Purse Program (Grantee)
We awarded our first multi-year grant – as well as our largest one to date – to YWCA Greensboro to launch their new Passion to Purse program. The Y has had a tremendously successful first year with the program. See and hear for yourselves the progress they’ve made thanks to your support.
Posted by Women to Women of Greensboro on Thursday, October 29, 2015

New Location

Ok... So I moved a few months ago. I actually move in May. I have been serving clients in my new location and loving it. It's a coworking space for artists, entrepreneurs and freelancers. Right next door to me is a fabric designer. How perfect?!
I couldn't decide whether I wanted to be a "store" or a "design studio". I kinda don't want to be a "store". I've been there, done that.. I do love having a creative space to meet with clients, teach some sewing lessons and do some light sewing. My heavy sewing I love to do in my home studio. I am a nocturnal person so that works perfectly for me. I keep trying to be one of those "normal people" that are awake and productive during the day. That ain't me.

I do sell items in my online store. When I feel the itch to have a "store store", I have access to a great room with a beautiful window for pop up shops. I thought of using that space as a store for my entrepreneurship program that I run. For now, we all can use it for pop up shops. I am also thinking of turning it into a makerspace for the public. Hmmmmm....

I see clients by appointment only. To schedule your appointment, hop over to my website www.rosalynwomack.com .


Here are a few pictures of the space. I don't have a sign up yet because I can't decide what I want!

Oustide of the Entrance of 1150 Revolution Mill Dr

 

Walk in the lobby & down the stairs

 

 

I' in here, Studio #1

 

My suite is beside this fabulous picture painted by the owner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of my sewing students during her lesson in my suite!

 

Artist Felix Semper

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule your appointment for a custom garment, alterations or sewing lesson. 

 

 

~Rosalyn Womack

www.rosalynwomack.com

 

1150 Revolution Mill Dr, Studio #1

 

 

To learn more about the Revolution Mills and the $108 million renovations going on, visit http://www.revolutionmillgreensboro.com/

 

 

NYC Dressmakers

http://nycitywoman.com/features/best-dressmakers-new-york-city

Custom Made Clothing

http://recoveringshopaholic.com/custom-made-clothing/

The Cost of Sewing

http://www.sewcanshe.com/blog/2015/7/4/the-cost-of-handmade?rq=how+much+dress

Losing Passion & Mojo

Sometimes turning your passion into a business is not a good idea. That thing you love to do.. That thing that relaxes you and brings you joy... can turn on you. Here is a great example of how it just doesn't work out sometimes and that's ok.

I have to admit. I have lost my sewing mojo numerous times. But, like an addict, I keep going back.
I think my first store, my downtown store broke me. I worked so hard and nonstop. I lived and breathed sewing and work. Once I took a break, I broke. Some days when I try to get back into it, I just can't. I have the sewing room of my dreams, but many days I will walk right through that sewing room without any interest or desire to sew. I would read blogs or see pictures on instagram of things that other people made and would feel like "oh that's so beautiful. They are so awesome. I used to do stuff like that." I can do stuff like that again. There is no excuse. There is no reason. I have everything that I need. All I have to do is do it.

Here are some great tips to get your passion back when you don't seem to love what you used to love, but don't want to give up on it and want to love it again.

~Rosalyn W.

The Business of Business

I love reading blogs. I keep vowing to do better with my own blog. Being that I run a program for women to turn their passions into cash, I read a ton of crafty stuff as well as business blogs/magazines/books/webinars/videos. I do love my job. It helps me with my business and I get to help others with their businesses.

Anyhoo, I was reading the blog of one of my favorite makers/dress designers/ dressmakers  Brooks Ann Camper and she mentioned another blog that I love Colette.  I found some awesome posts on starting a business after reading a post on leading as an introvert.. I am an introvert. Most creative people are. I'll save that for another post.

They are from a few years ago, but the info is great. 

Here are the links to some of the posts.

On my quest to do better with blogging, I will continue to share great info from other blogs and websites.

~Rosalyn W.

Addicted to Pin

I am totally addicted to Pinterest. I haven't been up on my game lately though. Check out this post from the curvy fashionista about 10 great people to follow on Pinterest. I can't wait to spend hours looking through all of their stuff!

http://thecurvyfashionista.com/2015/06/10-pinterest-boards-to-follow-for-plus-size-fashion-inspiration/

Fat & Frustrated

This is a great post about designing plus size clothes. I love hearing what others have to say about the selection of clothing available to plus size women. Of course you can never please everyone, but hearing the problems helps to come up with solutions.

http://www.thegloss.com/2014/11/07/fashion/10-things-plus-size-women-want-fashion-designers-know/

Beautifull Bride Barbara

Last week I had the honor of making an African inspired wedding gown for a beautiful bride.

 May Barbara & Stephen have many happy years together. 

They are truly a stunning couple and were a joy to work with!

~Rosalyn W.

Apple Mortgage Cakes

This is a really good movie based on a true story of a woman that saved her house from foreclosure by baking cakes. I remember my daughter used to tell me to make mortgage shirts and rent dresses. This is truly a passion to purse story.

http://www.uptv.com/videos/video-apple-mortgage-cake-3

Women of Power

                 This website has great videos about phenomenal women. Watch them to be inspired!







             

Women of Power

Sewing Lessons

Hello Beautifull!
I have been quite busy with prom, bridal season and my new entrepreneurship program! Although I have not a scheduled a weekly sewing class in a few months, I have been teaching private sewing lessons. I have also taught group lessons to organizations & clubs.
I even have modified lessons for kids/adults with special needs.
You don't have to wait for me to post a class. If you are interested in learning to sew, you can schedule a private lesson on my appointment page!

Pretty Girls Sew

I recently discovered Pretty Girls Sew!

 This is an awesome online community of sewers.

Check out their competitions and April Newsletter.

I can't wait to get one of their cute tee shirts! I'm definitely a pretty girl that sews.

 

Get your shirt here http://prettygirlssew.spreadshirt.com/classic-pgs-logo-tee-black-A16615566/customize/color/2

 

Ready, Set, Sew!

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ready-set-sew-tickets-15985040687

What is a Micro Enterprise?

Recently I announced that I am the director of a new micro enterprise development program for women. What exactly is a micro enterprise? What is a micro entrepreneur?

 

DEFINITION of 'Microenterprise'

 

A Microenterprise is a small business that employs a small number of employees. A microenterprise will usually operate with fewer than 10 people and is started with a small amount of capital. Most microenterprises specialize in providing goods or services for their local areas.  . Many of these men and women and their employees are poor and have limited access to services. But they do not lack potential.

These businesses can be run from home and various locations. Products can be made at home and sold online, in local stores, or at local markets.  There are local markets in Greensboro that will sell the products that our program participants produce.

For example, a woman may take out a loan and purchase a sewing machine and basic supplies. She could use the machine to establish a microenterprise that specializes in sewing, tailoring, alterations, sewing classes and more. The woman would increase her wealth and help her community by providing a service.

Street vendors, carpenters, machine shop operators, seamstresses,  butchers, bakers, roofers, metal workers hair stylists, barbers, nail technicians, make up artists and photographers  are examples of  microentrepreneurs. This diverse group requires a variety of support to grow and improve.

Microenterprises contribute significantly to economic growth, social stability and equity. The sector is one of the most important vehicles through which low-income people can escape poverty. With limited skills and education to compete for formal sector jobs, these men and women find economic opportunities in microenterprise as business owners and employees.

The people that start and run these businesses are micro entrepreneurs.

If this sounds like something that you may be interested in, check out my program blog at http://passiontopurse.blogspot.com/

~Rosalyn W.

Birthday Suit