Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sierah Edwards. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sierah, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
I developed my confidence first by simply “faking it.” That is, I told myself every single day, in the mirror, when I woke up, that “I am brave, I am strong, and that I can do hard things!” The only person who can build your confidence, is YOU and I had to tell myself this each and every day until I started to believe in myself. Thinking back in my life, about all of the hard things I’ve gotten through and all of the difficulties I’ve overcome – that makes me feel confident. I have been in tough situations that made me grow as a person when all was said and done. Losing my father in my early 20’s was extremely tough, and completely shattered my whole personality, however now I look back at that difficult time and I remember how brave I was. Brave to face another day at work, when I really just wanted to sleep on the couch all day. I was brave when I went out to parties and talked to people I didn’t know even though I felt very sad and depressed. I was brave to put on a smile, and go to holiday events that year, even when I didn’t think I could. Because of these difficult times, I will always show up being my best self, ready for whatever comes my way!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am an Upcycled fashion designer, and I am currently making festival clothing and accessories in Eugene, Oregon. I enjoy searching the local thrift stores and yard sales for curtains, bed sheets, table cloths, napkins and other textiles to make new garments out of. Sweaters make great skirts, and table cloths can make really nice tunics – it’s amazing what can be made out of discarded fabric and textile scraps. I also shop for deadstock fabric, that is fabric that was leftover after being printed in a big mill, this is fabric that would otherwise go to the trash. At sierah SEW fresh, I always try to create new designs, in a large range of sizes. My ultimate goal is to create ready-to-wear looks, as well a custom clothing so that we always have something in your size! I currently sew at an amazing place called “Wildling Collaborative Arts,” where there are shared studios, as well as private studios available. The Viking Textile Makers Hub is an incredible shared studio with about 4 members, who all have 24/7 access to the studio, with a monthly membership. It feels amazing to be surrounded by other creatives, while still having “my own” little magical portal to escape to! My newest favorite design, is a bell sleeved dress, made from deadstock stretch cotton, and a vintage lace curtain. Very 1970’s Stevie Nicks inspired!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I am grateful for my ability to innovate existing ideas and put my own twist on them. Thinking outside of the box, has really helped me stand out in a world of a million emerging designers. Not being afraid to “rock the boat,” or present a “weird and wild” idea, has helped me keep my confidence and move forward with a smile, instead of being afraid of what others might say. Being brave is another thing that has helped me forge ahead, without worrying what others may say or think. “What other people say about me is none of my business.”
I began sewing at age 12, when a family member taught me and I haven’t really stopped sewing since! Through all of that sewing experience, came the confidence I needed to sew every single garment that my business sells. I have had a handful of friends and family members help me along the way, however I have done the majority of the sewing myself, and I’m grateful for the years of experience I have had. Surely, I can’t make anything, but I can make a lot of things thanks to my had work and dedication.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I like to take 3 deep breaths, take a long sip of water/tea/beverage of choice, and then take a 5-10 minute walk. Being outside has always felt very grounding to me, and taking a sip of water can also be calming and centering. I also use various mantras to cheer up, such as “You can do this, you’ve done it before.” Sometimes it’s necessary to simply walk away, and pick up the project the next day once you’re feeling more rested. I will not “push myself” too hard anymore, because that simply does more harm than good. Taking a pause, getting some fresh air, telling yourself positive things in the mirror – this is my biggest piece of advice when feeling overwhelmed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sierahSEWfresh.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sierahSEWfresh
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sierahSEWfresh
Image Credits
Delene & Co., Jay Richardson
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