Today’s guest for the #womensupportingwomen feature is the wonderfully talented and inspirational Kelly Mann of Sewistorical! I was honored to be the onset stylist at her recent branding photoshoot with Trayce Gregoire Photography.
Let’s step in! 👇
Interview Kelly Mann
Q: What is a personal favorite quote?
“If you fall behind, you’re left behind!”
— Pirates of the Caribbean
I guess there’s some wisdom in that quote, especially for business.
Q: What is your favorite activity when you aren’t working?
A: I love spending time with my family. Now that our kids are grown and moved away, the time with them is so precious. We also have a 7-year-old granddaughter and she’s such a joy to be with.
Q: What is your business, and what inspired you to start it?
A: I’m a historical costume designer and fashion historian. I started out making historical costumes for museums but when the pandemic hit, I pivoted to teaching online.
Q: Why was it important for you to create your business?
A: I want to encourage people as they go through their historical sewing journey and empower them with knowledge and skills so they can enjoy the process.
Q: What was important for you personally and professionally as you were building your business?
A: I am still in the start-up phase of my business, but integrity is very important to me professionally and personally. I want to be honest, compassionate, and caring too.
Q: What is your favorite part about working with/supporting your clients?
A: It’s amazing how much people can be uplifted by immersing themselves in a new hobby! I love to see how my students become more confident as they work through a project.
Q: If you could go back in time and give yourself any advice during the first year of owning (or starting) your business, what would it be?
A: Ahhh, well, I keep telling myself not to give up!
Q: What is the biggest lesson you have learned about yourself since starting your business?
A: You don’t eat fruit the day you plant the seed. You have to water, feed, and nurture it until it grows and bears the fruit. I am often guilty of wanting things to happen right away.
Q: What does confidence mean to you?
A: For me, confidence means being able to call upon my own inner resources, to know I can problem solve even when I’m faced with something new or challenging.
Last thoughts 💭
“If you try to be all things to all people, you end up being ‘nothing to nobody’.”
– Iris Apfel