We recently connected with Tracie Byrd and have shared our conversation below.
Tracie, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I have always marched to the beat of my own drum; quick to allow others to hear and feel that beat. Both of my grandmothers taught me to sew by hand as a young child; there is no denying that the love fostered in my heart for this thread-based craft was instant. One project led to another, and I have become a self-taught clothing designer and seamstress. Over the course of my life there has been a resonating theme, which leads me back to embracing my own truths and talents in order to help others feel their best.
What I do as an entrepreneur is unique, but how I do it is even more unusual! In summary, I offer creative, workable solutions to real problems for real women. I make an effort to understand my client’s needs before offering solutions, and the key to this for me has been to respect the integrity of the minute details while also considering the bigger picture. My business is grounded in fostering relationships through transparency by keeping promises and building trust. My clients understand that when they are in my studio that they are the most important person in the world to me and that I will do whatever is possible to solve their garment related issues! The LOVE I have for what I get to do is genuine.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
The company that I have built offers upscale clothing design and alteration services exclusively for women. My journey in becoming an entrepreneur has been a vibrant one with many curved paths that intersect and cross. I have found that while the skill of the service I provide is considered by many to be “BASIC” in nature, it is anything but… it is “COMPLEX” and a very much a needed commodity in this day and age. However, NO two clients are the same and likewise, no two solutions are either!
Through the services that “SEWN, a Tracie’s Stitch Niche, LLC co.” provides, the surrounding communities have access to a high-end formal consignment shoppe where women can also come for alterations for anything from casual wear to formal gowns or wedding dresses. In addition, I also offer clothing design, professional embroidery services and creative project creation. On a larger online platform which is in the works, I will also have the ability to provide adaptive clothing for both men and women who are receiving infusion, chemo and or dialysis therapies.
The work that I do is wild because it is largely undefined – it is basic, it is complex, it is elemental, and it is also luxury. There are so many words to describe the services that I offer and often, these words are opposites! However, the words are always accurate because the value of what I do is freely given to the client to determine for herself, and that is what makes each day different, exciting and challenging!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
In retrospect, considering the last five years of my entrepreneurial journey, I have recognized that each day and each new project is an opportunity for success. While work ethic and tenacity are embraced daily and hourly, skill and professional development are most accurately measured over time.
Inspiration for my life’s work is found the world around me. Thoughts of sewing really never leave the forefront of my mind- even in my dreams. I wake up, often to recall the vision that I had during the night of how to solve an issue that has been taking up space in my head and that is EXCITING! I feel like a rock-star must feel, in my own space, ready to create something amazing or help someone feel incredible, to make a difference- (no matter how big or small); continually looking forward to learning new lessons and applying them to improve my skill and process. Sometimes I realize that my views, my approach and my zeal need to be adjusted for the lessons that I need to learn, and that, is where the true growth occurs.
Being committed to my own professional improvement for the sake of the craft and providing solutions has absolutely been my key to overall success and gradual growth! I cannot wait to see the progress of my business in the next five years!
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am absolutely looking for opportunities to expand this highly valued venture and would very much like to link up with a like-minded professional to expand the services that my company offers. Dedicated Men’s tailoring is a HUGE need in my local area.
If you have tailoring skills, a learn- to -grow attitude and would like to discuss how we could make collaborating possible, PLEASE call me, 850-723-4544.
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Image Credits
Trysha Scott Photography
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