Lessons that I learnt being a seamstress
It is often said that the moment you turn your hobby into a business the joy goes out of it. And then there are some who say turn your hobby into a business and you will never have to work again.
Which one of these is true?
Although I have been blessed with amazing customers, every time a customer demanded life out of me, critiqued my work or worse not paid for my hard work as they were not satisfied with the result, I did hate my job (I said it).
That doesn’t mean I don’t sew for others. Of course, I do whenever I get a chance but I don’t feel negative or disappointed when things don’t go as expected.
Am I able to feel that way always? I don’t, sometimes I do end up taking up taxing projects or dealing with difficult customers.
But with time it has started happening much lesser than it used to.
A. Be clear– communication and boundary-wise from the start, you allow leeway, you will be taken for granted (most of the time). I have been taken for granted.
B. Cover your a** – take a deposit to cover your basic expenses which include your material, labour and time cost ++
C. Own your mistake – we all are humans and we will make human mistakes. If you need flawless work hire a Robot. If you goof up big time, admit your mistake gracefully and offer alteration.
D. Be honest and don’t over-promise– Sewing for your customer will not turn them into Aishwariya rai overnight. Tell them what will look good on them and what will not.
Is it an interesting design that I would love to work on? Is it for a friend or a good customer who trusts me and has been with me for a long time? or is it for the money? Money usually is the last on my priority list. I’m not trying to be noble here but what use the money be if it gives me stress and anxiety and affects my overall well-being !?
In the end, I remind myself of the great words of Michael Corleone – It’s not personal Sonny, it’s strictly business.
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2 replies on “Lessons that I learnt being a seamstress ”
I really admire what’s been written here – there are valuable takeaways that can be applied in any creative work, and it shows how you’ve grown through years of making your hobby a job. I hope you also sew some nice things for yourself sometimes! Thanks for sharing and may you have continued success.
Can you recommend a sewing course for someone who has been learning how to sew through you tubes & has some pieces made in progress. A comprehensive course to get started with patterns to cut & can be done in a short time. I hope to hear from you!
Warm regards,
Erica.