Tell us the story of how you got started. Take a moment to transport yourself back in time:
After a career in the apparel industry with Gap Inc., where I specialized in pattern making, garment construction, and fitting, I spent a decade designing couture wedding gowns for private clients while also teaching fashion, sewing, and pattern making to students at California College of the Arts. After having a baby and closing my bridal business, I was looking for something more flexible than a corporate job and I found that teaching was a great alternative.
I was freelancing as a pattern maker and also an instructor, when a friend asked me to teach their daughter how to sew. Before too long, my house was filled with 8 year old designers and I knew I was on to something.
What was your inspiration?Â
I actually began much earlier—at just seven years old, when I first discovered the joy of sewing and designing. My grandmother would commission “designs” from me and I would draw her little sketches. She was always into fashion and loved to sew and embroider as did all the women in my family. How fortunate for me to be born into a world that supported my passion.
That early spark never left me. I know firsthand what it feels like to have a deep passion for creating beautiful, well-fitting clothing, and I’ve always wanted to share that excitement with others. Teaching allows me to pass on not only technical expertise but also the confidence and creativity that come with making something by hand.
That early spark never left me. I know firsthand what it feels like to have a deep passion for creating beautiful, well-fitting clothing, and I’ve always wanted to share that excitement with others. Teaching allows me to pass on not only technical expertise but also the confidence and creativity that come with making something by hand.
What did you do first? How did you make your idea real?
When I was asked to teach, I found a time we could all agree upon and set some parameters around duration and requirements (she needed a project to sew). This particular student’s mom was very encouraging about me teaching summer camp. She had given her daughter a “fashion show” birthday party at a local community center and it turned out to be the perfect location for my camps as well as teaching at other times. It was really amazing how organically it happened.
Who did you seek out for help? How did you find the right people to work with?Â
My husband is also self employed and was a wonderful resource when I was just starting out. I had also had a small business before I worked in corporate, so I knew how to do all the “city/state” things like securing a business license and seller’s permit. When I eventually started hiring people to help me that was an entirely different situation with lots of trial and error. I feel so fortunate now to have a wonderful team of professional instructors.
Tell us the story of your first big break. How did you get your first customer, sale or partnership?
My first customer and subsequent customers were fairly easy as they were all friends and all having a great time. When I moved into my own space (out of the community center) I shared my space with a colleague from my pattern making days. It worked great for 1.5 years and then she had to leave.
Despite my fear about taking on all the new expenses, I was thrilled to have the space all to myself. That meant that I had to grow my business as well as mindset to reach new financial goals. I started participating in networking groups as well as volunteering with my downtown association. Getting noticed in my community was key and I got a terrific break when I was featured on the cover of Alameda Magazine.
About Jennifer SerrÂ
Jennifer Serr is Owner and Lead Instructor at The Sewing Room, an Alameda mom with over 20 years in the fashion industry & also Owner and Lead Designer at Bonjour Teaspoon Patterns – A sewing pattern company specializing in “Classic Style for the Modern Girl & Her Doll.” She is the AUTHOR of the Book Sewing Camp Power.
https://www.thesewingroomalame
https://www.thesewingroomalame
