Secrets of a Bridal Seamstress

In this episode of Secrets of a Bridal Seamstress , we’re flipping the script to “secrets of a bridal shop owner.” I sit down with Courtney Foreman, owner of Weddings With Joy in Olympia, WA, who just hit 10 years in business and is leveling up by buying a building. Courtney shares how she went from banking to bridal, what she wishes she’d known before her first market buy, why appointments over w...

Feeling overwhelmed by all the ways clients reach out… DMs, emails, texts, contact forms, and more? You’re not alone! In this Six Figure Friday episode, I am sharing simple, free strategies to organize your bridal alteration inquiries without needing a fancy CRM or paid system. Whether you’re just starting out or not quite ready to invest in automation, these tips will help you regain control, red...

Do you ever feel like you’re posting on Instagram and nobody’s listening? You’re not alone. Most of us post a few times here and there on scattered topics, and then wonder why nothing sells. In this week’s Six Figure Friday tip, I’m sharing the results of a simple experiment I ran on my Sweet Francis account. I picked ONE topic, my spring cleaning sale, and posted about it all month long. No reinv...

Today I’m joined by Leslie Stanfield of Lace Envy Alterations in Spokane, WA. Leslie is known in our community for her endless energy, her willingness to always learn something new, and the beautiful work she delivers to her brides. In this episode, Leslie shares her story of starting out sewing from home while raising five kids, and how that eventually led to opening her own bridal studio. We tal...

The SBS Membership opens again on September 22 for two weeks only—then it’s closed until March 2026. In this episode, I am breaking down what’s included, what it costs, and how to know if it’s the right time for you. What you’ll learn: The 3 core calls each month: Training, Sew-Along, and Girls’ Night In Who should join now, and who should wait The culture of SBS: ego-free, generous, supportive Wh...

Tired of feeling stretched thin during your slow season? This week's Six-Figure Friday episode is all about preparing your bridal seamstress business for the quieter months—without the stress and panic that can come from inconsistent income. Nadine gets real about the emotional rollercoaster of feast-or-famine finances and shares one simple yet powerful strategy that changed everything for her...

Are your local bridal shops your biggest allies, or just names on a list? In this behind-the-scenes episode, I am sharing my takeaways from The Bridal Summit in Fredericksburg, Virginia, hosted by Wendy Rivera and Speak Bride University. From touring the dreamy Ava Lauren Bridal boutique to leading conversations between stylists and seamstresses, this episode is all about the power of collaboratio...

Let’s face it—working alone in your studio can be both peaceful and isolating. In this episode we're diving into why in-person connection isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a total game-changer for your business. You’ll hear stories from our Charleston retreat (including how attendees braved an ice storm to get there!), learn what’s ahead for upcoming events, and discover why now is the perfect t...

It’s easy to get caught in the nonstop hustle of busy season—but today’s Six-Figure Friday tip is all about reclaiming your time and energy by using one simple tool: a schedule. In this quick, actionable episode, I share two powerful (but doable!) scheduling habits that have completely changed the way I run my bridal sewing business—and I think they’ll do the same for you. In this episode: Why sch...

Marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming—or overcomplicated. In this episode, I’m joined by Kate and Bridget of Engaged Marketing Company, two incredible wedding pros with a background in bridal shops and seamstress studios. These women get our world, and they’re here to bust the biggest myths that are holding bridal seamstresses back from effective, aligned marketing. Whether you feel like you’r...

Let’s talk about social media—specifically, how to use it like a business owner, not let it use you. In this Six-Figure Friday mini episode, we're diving into the heart of how social media affects your mindset, productivity, and overall business health. Inspired by the book The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, this chat is part mindset reset and part tactical check-in. Bridal seamstress or no...

Think sewing is just for older generations? Think again. This week’s guest, Danielle Park, is living proof that passion, hustle, and community support can turn a teenage dream into a thriving bridal business. Danielle is the owner of Yours with Every Stitch , a bustling bridal studio she launched while still in high school . Now, at just 22 years old, she’s fully booked for the year, working in a...

Welcome back to another Six Figure Friday episode of Secrets of a Bridal Seamstress ! This week, we’re diving into a topic that fuels everything from your logo to your Instagram captions: your brand essence. So… what exactly is brand essence, and how does it differ from your mission statement? Your brand essence is the feeling your clients get when they interact with your business. It’s the vibe,...

In this episode of Secrets of a Bridal Seamstress, I'm thrilled to introduce you to one of our incredible SBS members — Susan Taylor, the owner of Saylor Sewing in Nebraska! Susan’s story is a perfect mix of heart, hustle, and creative passion. From sewing doll clothes with her grandmother to running a bustling bridal studio with a team of talented seamstresses, Susie's journey will inspire anyone...

Welcome to the first official Six Figure Friday on the Secrets of a Bridal Seamstress Podcast! If you’re on my email list, you’ve seen these weekly business tips designed to help bridal seamstresses like you strengthen your brand, streamline your systems, and boost your income—without burnout. And now, you can listen in as we bring these tips to the podcast! This week’s short and powerful tip is a...

At some point, every bridal seamstress will encounter a difficult client. But what happens after the fact? How do you move forward without letting one stressful experience overshadow the joy of serving your brides? In this episode, I’m sharing a special training I created for DeeDee Anderson’s Bridal Seamstress Symposium, all about how to emotionally and professionally move on from a bridezilla si...

It’s still a new year, which means its a perfect time to refresh and realign—especially when it comes to your emotional well-being. In today’s episode, we focus on leveling up emotionally for 2025 with small but impactful changes that can transform how you approach both your bridal seamstress business and personal life. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed from the hustle of last year or eager to co...

In today’s episode, we’re focusing on the power of decluttering to help you get ahead of the busy bridal season. As bridal seamstresses, we know how quickly our studios (and minds!) can become cluttered when business is in full swing. That’s why now—during your slower season—is the perfect time to clean, organize, and streamline. I share tips to help you organize your studio, refresh your client c...

Welcome back and Happy 2025! In today’s episode, we’re focusing on how you can use your slow season to set yourself up for success when the busy season hits. The work you do now—updating, refreshing, and organizing—will save you time, stress, and headaches later. Trust me, your future self will thank you once the busy season rolls around! I’m sharing five essential areas to revisit and refresh thi...

If you struggle with hustle culture and work life balance, this episode about slowing down to grow a sustainable, joyful business is game-changing for anyone in the wedding industry. In this episode, I sit down with Megan Gillikin, wedding pro, educator, speaker, and host of the Weddings for Real podcast. Megan shares her journey from working in hospitality to owning a thriving wedding planning bu...

Ever wonder how the bridal alterations community comes together to share, learn, and grow? In this episode, I’m joined by DeeDee Anderson of Anderson Academy to talk about the highly anticipated 2025 Symposium—an event designed to educate, inspire, and unite bridal seamstresses from around the world. In this episode: Who is DeeDee Anderson What is the 2025 Symposium About the panelists: Adrienne G...

How do you reignite your love for sewing while managing the day-to-day demands of running a business? In this episode, I chat with Sarah Betty of Sarah Betty Designs about her journey from learning to sew with her grandmother to running a thriving bridal business. Sarah shares the story behind her designs, her deep connection with clients, and how she keeps her creativity alive, even during the bu...

Ever wondered what it takes to build a luxury brand in the wedding industry? In today’s episode, we’re joined by Christy Townsend, founder of The Paper Vow and The Collective Vow. Christy shares her story of going from a corporate graphic designer to luxury wedding stationery designer and creator of a retreat for wedding professionals.  She shares advice from someone in the luxury wedding industry...

In this episode, I’m  joined by Anna, the talented and compassionate owner of The Heart-Centered Seamstress . Anna shares how she transformed her passions for sewing and holistic wellness into a business dedicated to providing not only stunning bridal alterations, but also a calming and supportive environment for brides-to-be.  If you’re a bridal seamstress, a wedding industry professional, or a b...

Business is only as hard as you make it!  In today’s episode, I’m joined by Heidi Thompson, founder of Evolve Your Wedding Business. Heidi shares her expertise on avoiding burnout and building a wedding business that provides freedom rather than stress.  As Heidi says, creatives are the best at burning themselves out, so Heidi provides practical steps for bridal seamstresses to help manage and pre...