Adorned by Nicole
Not many people are
willing to admit that they went into business by accident or a fluke. However many small business owners will
readily agree that their particular small business began as a hobby or as an
outlet to relieve the stress from their "real" job. Small business owners, myself included, tend
to have an entrepreneurial spirit that is buried deep within and is screaming
to get out. Some have progressed to operating successful small businesses that they more than likely began as weekend warriors
where they devoted every spare moment to build their business while toiling away at their day job. Others may have
taken a leap of faith by jumping off into the deep end of the pool and swimming against the tide until they could float comfortably on their back.
Whatever method entrepreneurs employ to reach their end point is commendable. You didn't give up on your dreams and passions even in the face of naysayers. So from one entrepreneur to another I say, " Can I get a fist bump?" We're doing it!
I was pleased to
meet another rising entrepreneurial rock star the other day who has her sights
set on becoming the premier custom clothier for women and children in the
Mobile area. Her name is Nicole Simpson.
Nicole is a custom clothing seamstress and
designer who sells her creations on the website Etsy under the name Adorned by
Nicole.
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| Nicole Simpson, owner of Adorned by Nicole Photo Credit: Treasured Moments Lifestyle Photography |
Nicole: I've been a seamstress for more than 10 years
and I'd always used store bought patterns to make clothing, however back in
January I decided to try and make my own pattern for a skirt. I wore it and thought it came out pretty nice
and I even got compliments from others, but you know how it is, you never think
your own work is good enough to sell?
Well, I kept receiving more and more compliments on my creations and
then various people started telling me
that I should make clothing for others.
MoCo: What is the reason you started sewing for
yourself?
Nicole: As you can see I'm pretty tall (5'10")
and most of the clothes I found in the stores were either too short or too
granny looking. I'm a stylish person and
I wanted to wear stylish clothes. So I
decided to make my own clothes that were stylish, yet modest.
MoCo: How did you develop the name for your
business?
Nicole: I thought when people wear my designs I wanted them to feel like they were wearing something that's sophisticated and where they
could feel confident and good about themselves, like they've been
"adorned."
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| Photo Credit: Treasured Moments Lifestyle Photography |
MoCo: Looking around your workshop and on your Etsy
site it appears that your designs are mostly made from African print
fabrics. Why is that?
Nicole: It is true that most of my designs are made
using African print fabrics, but I custom design each piece and clients are
free to use solid fabrics as well. It's
ironic how I fell in love with African fabrics.
It all happened quite by accident.
One day I was looking online for fabrics and I saw African prints. The rich, vibrant colors caught my eye so I
ordered a sample of the fabric and made a skirt. I love the quality of the fabrics and the
bold colors really stand out without being ostentatious.
MoCo: While browsing your site a noticed a large
selection of bow ties for men. Tell me
about that.
Nicole: On occasion my husband, Charles, and I like to match when we go out so one day I made him a bow tie to match one of my
outfits and he loved it. He never wore
bow ties in the past and now he loves them.
If I make a new skirt or dress he'll ask me if he has a matching bow
tie. I made the patterns for my bow ties
too. I make them for neck sizes 13 to
24.
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| Men's Bow Ties Photo Credit: Adorned by Nicole |
Nicole: Sales are going well. I get about three to four orders per
month. I just recently completed an
order of bow ties for a wedding.
MoCo: Where would you like to see Adorned by Nicole in five years?
Nicole: Growing to the point where I've become known in Mobile for what I do.
MoCo: If someone has questions prior to placing an
order what is your preferred method of contact?
Nicole: People can text me at 251-286-0436. I prefer to text but they can also call or
email me at: simpsonboutique@gmail.com.
MoCo: Thanks so much for your time Nicole and MoCo
wishes you all the best with your new business venture.
About:
Adorned by Nicole
Phone/Text:
251-286-0436
Website:
www.adornedbynicole.etsy.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/adornedbynicole
MoCo is always on the lookout for the
next good story. Hit me up if you know someone who should be Spotlighted
on MoCo.
Until Next Time - Go Out and Do
Something Awesome!
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