I just took a vacation to Minnesota to see family, in the middle of busy season as a seamstress. During my trip I had DMs from people asking, “How do you take time off?”

I get it! We work hard, and sometimes the thought of stepping away can feel impossible.

But guess what? It’s totally doable, and I’m here to share exactly how to plan time off so you can rest, recharge, and still keep your business running smoothly.

Today, we’re talking about how to plan a vacation, enjoy your time off, and come back refreshed without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re a seasoned bridal sewing pro or just starting out, these tips will help you take that much-deserved break.

In this episode:

• The 4 things you need to know about planning time off as a bridal seamstress

• Your job should revolve around your life, not the other way around.

• The steps I take to ensure that my time off of work is relaxing, and I come back to things still under control.

• How to set up your business to ensure that it supports time off - including pay!

• Reminder - you are the boss of your business! You are in control of if you are able to take time off!

ALSO - you are invited to my Free Masterclass on September 23rd! We’re hosting a free masterclass all about scheduling! I’ll be sharing even more tips on how to build a schedule that supports your time off and keeps your business running smoothly. https://enchanting-sun-77080.myflodesk.com/masterclass

Running the backend of your business can be easy – it might just take a few automations to make your life easier!

Kelly McCracken is a local celebrity in the SBS community, known for managing Dubsado, Pinterest and Blogging for wedding photographers & professionals!

Kelly discusses her transition from teaching to entrepreneurship, the importance of delegating tasks to trusted professionals, and walks us through the benefits and setup of a CRM system like Dubsado. We also talk about the value of blogging and Pinterest for business growth, SEO optimization, and how to effectively hire and collaborate with virtual assistants.

Tune in to learn how you can streamline your business processes and boost your online presence!

In this episode:

• What tools can you use to help your business run more efficiently?

• What is Dubsado and what can it do?

• Customizing Dubsado for your business

• Understanding SEO and its benefits

• Tips for hiring help for running your business, like a virtual assistant

• Is blogging still relevant in 2024?

• Pinterest for Your Bridal Seamstress Business: Is it worth it?

• Kelly’s upcoming training in SBS Membership

Episode about Automations with Fran Miller: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secrets-of-a-bridal-seamstress/id1559312804?i=1000605227820

Connect with Kelly:

Website: https://www.kellymccracken.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellymccracken.co/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/heykellymccracken/

Save 30% off of Dubsado with code “KellyMcCrackenVA”

Connect with Nadine:

Check out the NEW exclusive private podcast series, Fitting Packages 101: https://enchanting-sun-77080.myflodesk.com/privatepodcast

Become a member: https://secretsofabridalseamstresspodcast.com/membership

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretsofabridalseamstress/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nadinebozeman

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@secretsofabridalseamstress

Welcome to episode 100 of Secrets of a Bridal Seamstress! In this episode I’m sharing the secrets behind starting this podcast, growth and learnings I have seen along the way- and much more! This podcast would not be possible without listeners and guests, so thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey.

I also have a big announcement - Secrets of a Bridal Seamstress is closing fall 2024.

Listen to the episode to hear the new structure of the membership and how you can get in before the doors close!

In this episode:

• The backstory of starting this podcast

• Reflecting on what I learned from the past 100 episodes!

• Truth bomb: nobody really knows what they are doing

• Being scared is okay, but it is not a reason to stop yourself. “You don’t have to be fearless. Doing it scared is just as brave.”

• You can truly figure out anything you want help with in this day and age

• Big changes coming to the SBS Membership!

  
  

Connect with Nadine:

Check out the NEW exclusive private podcast series, Fitting Packages 101: https://enchanting-sun-77080.myflodesk.com/privatepodcast

Become a member: https://secretsofabridalseamstresspodcast.com/membership

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretsofabridalseamstress/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nadinebozeman
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@secretsofabridalseamstress

Peggy Mead, the creator, and designer behind Sew House Seven Patterns, a popular indie pattern company based in Portland, Oregon. Sew House Seven is an independent pattern company grown in the Pacific Northwest. Their focus is on creating beautiful sewing patterns that can be made up rather quickly and easily yet appeal to sewists of all levels. The pattern instructions are very detailed and provide an opportunity to learn while sewing. Most styles have a special design feature that makes them unique.

Peggy shares her journey from learning to sew as a child to developing her pattern business. We discuss the challenges of running a creative business, the evolution of Peggy's career, and her many influences and inspirations, including outdoor activities and community events.

In this episode:

• Starting Sew House 7 Patterns

• Peggy Mead's Early Sewing Journey

• The importance of community in the sewing community

• The Power of Social Media Connections

• How she comes up with concept for sewing patterns

• The fun and challenges of running a creative business

• Peggy’s ideas for evolving and growing Sew House Seven

• Funny Bridal Sewing Stories

Connect with Peggy:

Website: https://sewhouse7.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sewhouse7

Connect with Nadine:

Check out the NEW exclusive private podcast series, Fitting Packages 101: https://enchanting-sun-77080.myflodesk.com/privatepodcast

Become a member: https://secretsofabridalseamstresspodcast.com/membership

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretsofabridalseamstress/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nadinebozeman

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@secretsofabridalseamstress

In this episode of Secrets of Bridal Seamstress, Nadine interviews Christine Lindback, the creative force behind Sewing and the City and Lindy Lindy. Christine shares her inspiring journey from the Pacific Northwest to New York City, and describes living her dream life now in Spain. The discussion covers a typical day in Christine's creative life, the evolution of her brands, and her transition from a career in fashion retail to becoming a thriving sewing entrepreneur.

Christine talks about the importance of taking time off, staying motivated, and her upcoming plans, including a new stationery line inspired by vintage embroidery. The episode is filled with insights for sewists and creative entrepreneurs alike.

In this episode:

• What is a day in the life of a sewist in Spain like

• Christine’s experience from blogging to business

• The Origin of Lindy Lindy and Sewing and the City

• How Christine pursued a career in sewing

• Transitioning to retail and selling your work while building a business

• Christine’s experience creating content for her business

• The importance of taking breaks as a seamstress

Connect with Christine:

Shop Lindy Lindy: https://lindylindy.com/

Sewing and the City: https://sewingandthecity.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SewingandtheCity

Connect with Nadine:

Check out the NEW exclusive private podcast series, Fitting Packages 101: https://enchanting-sun-77080.myflodesk.com/privatepodcast

Become a member: https://secretsofabridalseamstresspodcast.com/membership

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretsofabridalseamstress/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nadinebozeman
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@secretsofabridalseamstress

Does posting on social media feel stressful to you? This episode about using Instagram as a business tool without the stress is for you!

Recently in the Secrets of a Bridal Seamstress membership, we did an Instagram challenge and I share the same strategy that I share with my to help them level up on Instagram!

This challenge focuses on mindset, big picture goals, and the differences between engaging as a creator versus a consumer. You will walk away with tips on maintaining a balance between too personal and too sterile posts, staying organized, and understanding who their audience is. The episode also covers how to feel inspired rather than overwhelmed and the importance of knowing your ideal client to optimize your Instagram strategy.

Topics in this episode:

• The premise of the recent SBS Instagram Challenge

• Ideas on what to post on social media, even during your busy season.

• How to think about Instagram as a seamstress!

• The difference between being a creator and a consumer on Instagram.

• Balancing Personal and Professional Content

• Overcoming Posting Paralysis and creating a posting plan

• The importance of Engaging with Your Audience

• Step by Step on How to Evaluate Your Instagram Feed

• Targeting Your Ideal Client with your content

If you have any questions, please feel free to message me on Instagram!

Connect with Nadine:

Check out the NEW exclusive private podcast series, Fitting Packages 101: https://enchanting-sun-77080.myflodesk.com/privatepodcast

Become a member: https://secretsofabridalseamstresspodcast.com/membership

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretsofabridalseamstress/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nadinebozeman

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@secretsofabridalseamstress

In this special episode of Secrets of a Bridal Seamstress, we share highlights from our recent SBS membership open house. You will hear from SBS members about their experience, as well as hot seat coaching from seamstresses who attended the open house.

SBS members share their business strategies, recent wins, and how the community and membership has helped them grow.

Whether you're interested in joining the membership or seeking inspiration for your own bridal business, this episode offers valuable insights and motivation for you!

In this episode:

• What is Secrets of a Bridal Seamstress Membership

• Hear from current members about their experience

• Hear questions from seamstresses who attended the open house

• Scheduling tips for seamstresses

• How fitting packages can grow your income

• Which studio style works best for you

• Goal setting for your business income and desires

• How joining a community can help you grow your business!

Connect with Nadine:

Check out the NEW exclusive private podcast series, Fitting Packages 101: https://enchanting-sun-77080.myflodesk.com/privatepodcast

Become a member: https://secretsofabridalseamstresspodcast.com/membership

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretsofabridalseamstress/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nadinebozeman

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@secretsofabridalseamstress

Trends in the bridal industry are ever changing, so this week I am speaking with two guests who are constantly keeping things FRESH with brides and couples: Melanie & Malea from Brilliant Bridal and hosts of White Dress Optional Podcast!

In this episode, we talk about their podcast, White Dress Optional, how they opened 7 bridal shops in 13 years, what dress trends brides are currently shopping for, the decision fatigue many brides are experiencing, and advice for bridal seamstresses wanting to grow their business and stay up to date with trends.

In this episode:

• Why Melanie and Malea started the White Dress Optional Podcast, a podcast for newlyweds and couples.

• How Brilliant Bridal found a new way to help brides & couples navigate all their options before, during, and after their wedding.

• The decision making fatigue many brides are experiencing, and how you as a seamstress can make this easier for them.

• The importance of educating your bridal stores about alterations.

• Strategies for adapting to upcoming trends.

About Brilliant Bridal: Brilliant Bridal specializes in selling designer bridal gowns at brilliant savings at our seven bridal boutiques across Arizona, Colorado, Nevada and Texas. We carry dresses from the designers you know, love and want to wear on your wedding day at prices that are always up to 70% off retail. Because all of our wedding dresses are sold off-the-rack with no long waiting period you can take your dress home the same day you find it! In addition to wedding dresses, we sell unique bridal accessories, veils and belts.

Connect with Melanie & Malea:

Brillant Bridal: https://www.instagram.com/brilliantbridal/

White Dress Optional Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/whitedressoptional/

Connect with Nadine:

Check out the NEW exclusive private podcast series, Fitting Packages 101: https://enchanting-sun-77080.myflodesk.com/privatepodcast

Become a member: https://secretsofabridalseamstresspodcast.com/membership

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretsofabridalseamstress/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nadinebozeman

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@secretsofabridalseamstress