How my journey began

I began sewing in 4H (Youth Arts Club) as a kid. It was fun to have a skill to make things that I wanted but couldn't necessarily afford to buy. It came in handy as a teen when I wanted to participate in living history events (at Greenfield Village, historic Williamsburg ect  ). I started sewing and researching historically accurate techniques, I checked out lots of books from my local library and searched out books on pattern making. One at a time, I tackled creating bonnets, corsets, ballgowns, suits and everything in-between. I have four siblings. I made them outfits as well. We would participate in various living history time periods (i.e. Renaissance, US Civil War, World Wars, etc). This led to being in the presence of many expert seamstresses and tailors that I was able to apprentice under. In college, I was able to take more modern pattern drafting classes. After that, more apprenticing and volunteering.  I had the opportunity of working with the Grand Rapids Ballet, historical societies, and community theaters which continued to hone my sewing skills. 

At this point in my journey, sewing and creating was a hobby. I worked in retail doing visual merchandising, bringing in thousands of pieces of new clothing each week, setting up and designing end caps and displays that would best feature and sell the products. I loved that part of the job. On the side, I began bridal and custom alteration work. I soon realized I wanted to work for myself somehow and grow my business to be my primary "job". One step at a time I kept at it, making changes along the way till my dream of sewing as my full-time job became a reality.

Along the way I realized it is very time consuming doing custom work. I was working with clients to create their dream wedding dress, or one-of-a-kind cosplay or reproduction wardrobes. My passion for research and pattern design meant I found myself pouring countless hours into each single piece.  Sadly, it was hard to charge accurately for my time. It seemed timelines were always tight, managing expectations were often challenging, and finding fair compensation was a struggle. It was stressful. After a time, I realized I found the most joy when I created on my own schedule, with my own expectations and desires. I also realized I wanted to spend more time traveling, with family, and enjoying life outside my sewing studio.

      I wanted to make what I wanted to make, not make other people's drawings and ideas come to life. So, I took the things I loved, detail work, history, seams, repurposing and just started making what I wanted to make. Turns out other people resonate with this. I travel to different towns to participate in pop up markets and sell my designs. This grew my clientele and caught the eye of upscale Boutique owners.

Fast forward several years, I am now in eight shops in Michigan and Indiana as their Art Brand. I participate in over a dozen boutique popup markets across the states, and spend my offseason travelling to warmer climates, enjoying the numerous adventures life has to offer. I am so grateful for you, and the many patrons that have helped make my dream a reality.