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Ever had a bride stand on the pedestal for 30 minutes and tell you things she hasn’t told anyone else? Bridal seamstresses joke that our fittings are basically therapy sessions, so this week I brought in an actual therapist! In this episode, Nadine sits down with Anansia Leslie-Bailey, a registered psychotherapist who specializes in couples and the wedding industry. They walk through the real situations seamstresses face in the fitting room and how to respond with care, without overstepping. Then they turn the conversation to us, and to what wedding season is doing to our own wellbeing. In this episode: Why “it makes sense” lands better than “that’s normal” when a bride is overwhelmed before the wedding What to say when she’s stuck with a difficult bridesmaid (hint: not everyone has to be in the inner circle) How to handle an overbearing mom or mother-in-law and stay “team bride” while still respecting her guest What to do when you’re worried about a bride’s relationship, and why it’s not our role to say so The wellness resource list every bridal seamstress should hand to every bride The 7-area self-care “battery” check for wedding pros, and why small 1% shifts work better than trying to hit 100% Busy season isn’t temporary; it’s your work. How to spot burnout by asking “how did I get here?” If you’re using the slower season to plan how next year will look different, this one’s a must-listen. Grab a notebook, because you’ll want to start your own wellness referral list before your first spring fitting! Connect with Anansia: Website: www.ido-therapy.com Email: [email protected] Instagram: @anansa_bailey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anansialeslie-bailey/ Connect with Nadine: Get your ticket to the first SBS National Conference, Monday, March 8, 2027, in Asheville: https://secretsofabridalseamstresspodcast.com/retreats-1 Learn more about the SBS membership: https://secretsofabridalseamstresspodcast.com/membership Join the newsletter: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.myflodesk.com/jvjdc7sd05 Instagram: http://instagram.com/nadine.bozeman

Hey friend! We’re back, and I have SO much to tell you! Last week, I brought a group of bridal seamstresses home to the Pacific Northwest for Fall Fest, our annual sewing retreat. I know I say this every time, but it really was the best one yet. In this episode, I’m walking you through all three days. We had candle-making at Point Ruston, a day exploring Seattle, and a ribbon-cutting (sort of) at Lisa’s new atelier in Tacoma. We also spent a day in Olympia at Sweet Francis Sewing Co. for a skill share. Plus, Jillian Minter led two eye-opening money mindset sessions, and every single woman found at least $15,000 hiding in her alterations business. Then I’m sharing something brand new: our first-ever national SBS Conference, happening Monday, March 8, 2027, in Asheville, North Carolina. It’s open to our whole podcast community, not just members! In this episode: The “Better Together” theme, and why the SBS culture means no one ever sits aloneJillian Minter on the money stories we tell ourselves and thinking beyond six figuresWhy every bridal seamstress needs a profit and loss sheet (and how to face your numbers without fear)The “find $15K” exercise that had one seamstress finding almost $50,000A live bridal game where a real bridal shop owner played the bride, and seamstresses talked through how they’d approach each alteration and what they’d chargeWhat to expect at the 2027 SBS Conference: the Six-Figure Seamstress course, breakout cohorts, a seamstress Q&A panel, your next-steps roadmap, and a dress-up celebration party!Whether you’re brand new to running an alterations business or you’ve been sewing wedding dresses for 20 years, there’s a seat for you at the conference. Come a little nervous; you’ll leave with a whole group chat of friends. Links: Grab your SBS Conference ticket ($399, includes full day, lunch, and the after party): https://secretsofabridalseamstresspodcast.com/retreats-1Members: the March 9–11 retreat is sold out. Join the waitlist: https://secretsofabridalseamstresspodcast.com/retreatsLearn more about the SBS membership: https://secretsofabridalseamstresspodcast.com/membershipJoin the newsletter: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.myflodesk.com/jvjdc7sd05Connect with Nadine on Instagram: http://instagram.com/nadine.bozeman

Your website might be beautiful, but is it actually telling potential brides why they should book with you? In this episode, Nadine sits down with Andrea Shah, a copywriter for wedding professionals, to talk about how the words on your website can shape the way potential clients see your business. Andrea shares how she got into copywriting and why helping wedding pros communicate the value behind their services is such an important part of attracting the right clients. They dive into how to describe the experience of working with you, why your past clients' reviews can be a goldmine for website copy, and the common website mistakes that could be costing you inquiries. Andrea also shares practical advice on creating a website that clearly communicates who you are, where you're located, and what you offer, along with why pricing transparency, consistent messaging, and a well-written FAQ section can make such a difference. This episode is packed with practical tips to help you communicate your value and create a better experience for potential brides. In this episode, you'll learn: How to use client reviews to uncover what makes your bridal business uniqueThe essential information every bridal seamstress should include on her websiteWhy pricing transparency can save you time and help potential clients make informed decisionsHow to communicate the value of your expertise, artistry, and alterations servicesWhy your website copy should reflect the personality and experience clients can expect when working with youHow to use FAQs to answer common client questions and improve your website's SEOSimple ways to make writing website copy feel less intimidating, even if you're not a natural writer Connect with Andrea: Website: https://andreashah.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreashahcopy/ Connect with Nadine: Check out the exclusive private podcast series, Fitting Packages 101: https://enchanting-sun-77080.myflodesk.com/privatepodcast Become a member: https://secretsofabridalseamstresspodcast.com/membership Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretsofabridalseamstress/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nadinebozeman YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@secretsofabridalseamstress/

This episode is a little different. It's pulled straight from our Booked Without Burnout webinar, and the turnout (and the takeaways) were so good we had to turn it into an episode. You'll hear from four SBS members with four very different businesses, each sharing one tangible thing from their own booking process. Then I'm digging into the why behind the burnout: the self-sabotage patterns I see over and over in coaching calls and inside the membership. In this episode: Tammy's (Seams Right Alterations, Woodstock, GA) one intake-form question that saves her from almost every dress "surprise"The unglamorous habit Betsy (Betsy Wise Bridal, Beacon, NY) says made the single biggest difference in how she plans her season — and it's not a new app or a new CRMAbby's (Abby Molloy LLC) rule for protecting her time that she thinks every home-studio seamstress needs to stealHow Kirsten (Long Island, NY) went from "I can't let go of control" to running a full team without losing her standardThe three self-sabotaging patterns that quietly wreck almost every alterations business each season, and the "win" your brain is actually chasing when you fall into themWhy the way you're booking your brides right now might be setting you up for the exact same burnout next SeptemberThe real reason this time of year feels unbearable — and it's not just the workload Learn more about the membership: https://secretsofabridalseamstresspodcast.com/membership Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretsofabridalseamstress/ If this episode resonated, subscribe for more real talk on running a bridal alterations business.

Networking doesn't have to mean awkward introductions, forced small talk, or standing in the corner hoping someone talks to you. In this episode, Nadine sits down with Brandy Blackford, founder of Refine for Wedding Planners, to talk about networking as a skill that can actually be learned. Brandy shares her experience as a wedding planner of 17 years and explains how approaching networking with the right mindset can make it feel much less intimidating. They dive into practical ways to make connections before you ever walk into a networking event, how to keep conversations going without the dreaded awkward silence, and why having a goal can completely change what you get out of an event. Brandy also shares creative ways to connect with other wedding professionals outside of traditional networking groups, from hosting your own gatherings to attending local events and industry conferences. If networking has ever felt uncomfortable, overwhelming, or just plain awkward, this episode is packed with practical ideas to help you feel more confident walking into the room and building genuine relationships with other wedding professionals. In this episode, you'll learn: How to make networking feel less intimidating before you even arriveWhy having a specific goal can completely change your networking experienceSimple ways to keep conversations flowing and avoid awkward silenceCreative ways to connect with wedding professionals outside of formal networking eventsHow building relationships with other vendors can create more opportunities for your bridal business Connect with Brandy: Website: https://www.refineforweddingplanners.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorI23AI2xisYO5IpfZOqISJnNGCe75i6UpIxegoGwStgSVLzAFg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refineforweddingplanners Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/REFINEforWeddingPlanners Email: [email protected] Connect with Nadine: Check out the exclusive private podcast series, Fitting Packages 101: https://enchanting-sun-77080.myflodesk.com/privatepodcast Become a member: https://secretsofabridalseamstresspodcast.com/membership Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretsofabridalseamstress/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nadinebozeman YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@secretsofabridalseamstress/

The difference between getting results from coaching and feeling like you wasted your investment comes down to one thing: how you show up. In this episode, Nadine shares what she's noticed about the women who thrive inside a coaching or membership environment—and what they seem to have in common. She gets honest about her own experiences investing in programs, including one she barely showed up for, and the lesson she took away from it. Nadine also dives into what can happen when you stop trying to figure everything out on your own and start allowing other people to pour into your business. She shares why the way you approach a community, the effort you put into it, and even the way you interact with other members can have a bigger impact than you might expect. If you're considering coaching, thinking about joining a membership, or feeling like you've hit a plateau in your business, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on what it really takes to get the most out of the support you've invested in. In this episode, you'll learn: What successful members tend to do differentlyThe mindset shift that can change your experience inside a programWhy your involvement with others matters more than you might thinkHow to recognize when you've taken your business as far as you can on your ownWhy your next level might require more than another item on your to-do list Free webinar: Booked Without the Burnout: time management and scheduling mindset, September 14th: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.myflodesk.com/j20ksq5n0k SBS membership reopens September 14th Our brand-new UK beta membership group, launching this fall: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.myflodesk.com/stfmlfqpvf Fall Fest: October 21–23 in Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia — money mindset with my coach Jillian Minter: https://secretsofabridalseamstresspodcast.com/retreats Connect with Nadine: Join the newsletter: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.myflodesk.com/jvjdc7sd05 Learn more about the membership: https://secretsofabridalseamstresspodcast.com/membership Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretsofabridalseamstress/ If this episode resonated, subscribe for more real talk on running a bridal alterations business.

A couple episodes ago I told you about a hard situation I had with a client, and that turned into a conversation about being honest with ourselves. Today I'm taking it a step further: when you're really honest with yourself, what are you struggling to actually admit? This one might sting a little — but it's not here to discourage you. It's here to help you take ownership of what's actually happening in your business so you can make real changes for 2027. Also in this episode: a free webinar on time management, our UK membership beta group, SBS membership reopening, and all the details on Fall Fest. Join our free SBS webinar: Booked Without the Burnout: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.myflodesk.com/j20ksq5n0k In this episode: Why "nobody in my area would pay those prices" is easier to believe than "I'm undercharging"The pricing gut-check I use with coaching clients: what does your local electrician, plumber, or mechanic charge per hour?The DM that stuck with me: "As long as I pay my rent, it's gravy" — and what it revealed about money mindsetWhy "this is just bridal seamstress life" is the story keeping you stuck in the exact same stressful season next yearWhat it actually means when you tell yourself a program or membership "just doesn't work for me"The real reason a member left the membership feeling like she didn't fit in — and what we changed because of itA story from my old classroom teaching days (any WA teachers know TPEP) on why we're all more alike than we think Plus, everything coming up this fall: Free webinar — Booked Without the Burnout: time management and scheduling mindset, September 14th: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.myflodesk.com/j20ksq5n0k SBS membership reopens September 14thOur brand-new UK beta membership group, launching this fall: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.myflodesk.com/stfmlfqpvfFall Fest: October 21–23 in Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia — money mindset with my coach Jillian Minter: https://secretsofabridalseamstresspodcast.com/retreats Connect with Nadine: Join the newsletter: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.myflodesk.com/jvjdc7sd05 Learn more about the membership: https://secretsofabridalseamstresspodcast.com/membership Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretsofabridalseamstress/ If this episode resonated, subscribe for more real talk on running a bridal alterations business.

Last episode I told you about the mistake I made with a bride. Today, I am sharing the lesson underneath it: I can't grow my business without being honest with myself about where it really stands. I'm breaking down the three places bridal seamstresses lie to themselves most — money, hustle, and client experience — plus real stories from my coaching calls and membership. Also in this episode: a new beta membership for my UK listeners, and what's coming when SBS membership reopens September 14th. In this episode: The launch of the UK beta membership (Sept–Dec)Bonus monthly call built around UK time zones and client trendsMembership reopens Sept 14thKicking off with a free webinar — topic still being crowdsourced, so vote if you haven'tMoney: the gap between revenue and take-home payThe client paying $450/month for a website she never touchedThe hustle: real networking vs. scrolling and liking postsThe coffee-date connection that started with a chance meeting at a dance classClient experience: response time, studio vibe, real feedbackWhat gets results in coaching or membership: showing up beats everythingThe member whose consistency came back to her tenfold on a hard day Join our weekly newsletter: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.myflodesk.com/jvjdc7sd05 Receive updates for our new UK branch of the membership! https://secretsofabridalseamstress.myflodesk.com/stfmlfqpvf

What happens when a bridal seamstress makes a mistake two days before a wedding? I am letting you behind the scenes of my own bridal seamstress business and sharing a VERY embarrassing story from this bridal season: a bride's small dress accessory went missing during her fittings, and how staying too casual about it almost turned into a disaster right before her wedding day. I walk through exactly what went wrong, the hard conversation that followed when the bride and her mom picked up the dress, and, most importantly, the five real changes we made in our bridal alterations business because of it. If you've ever worried that a client mistake means you're not cut out for this business, this episode is for you. In this episode, you'll learn: Why familiarity with a client can quietly lower your professional guard The real cost of staying quiet too long about a problem instead of communicating it early Why "the dress is done" should actually mean done — no last-minute changes before pickup How to take full ownership with a bride without excuses or defensiveness Why sending final invoices weeks (not days) before the wedding protects the client experience The 5 specific changes we made in the shop after this experience Why one hard client moment doesn't mean you're a bad seamstress Secrets of a Bridal Seamstress membership opens the second week of September — join the email list to get first access + info on our free webinar. Join the newsletter: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.myflodesk.com/jvjdc7sd05 Learn more about the membership: https://secretsofabridalseamstresspodcast.com/membership Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretsofabridalseamstress/ If this episode resonated, subscribe for more real talk on running a bridal alterations business.

Ever notice how you can respond to a bride at 11pm on a Sunday, over-deliver on every single fitting, and still feel like you're not doing enough? That's not a work ethic problem. That's a mindset problem — and this week we're digging into it. In this episode, we're talking about the thoughts that quietly run bridal alterations businesses: the "what if she doesn't book me if I raise my prices," the "I can't trust anyone else to touch my brides' gowns," the "I have to answer right now or I'll lose her." Turns out, there's data on how often those thoughts are actually true — and it's a lot less often than it feels like. In this episode, you'll learn: The 97% vs. 3% thought model for catching scarcity thinking before it runs your dayHow the "hustle loop" shows up specifically in bridal alterations and fitting businessesWhy setting clear expectations with brides (communication windows, waiting room policies, package inclusions) builds more trust, not lessThe golden rule for client communication: you're responsible for what you clearly explain, your bride is only responsible for what you told herWhy not responding instantly to an anxious bride is often the most helpful thing you can doA daily gratitude practice for shifting out of scarcity mindsetHow mindset work translates directly into pricing confidence and revenue growth Mentioned in this episode: The Anxious Generation — this month's SBS Book Club pick The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron Connect with Ashley: https://theabundance.group Connect with Nadine: Check out the exclusive private podcast series, Fitting Packages 101: https://enchanting-sun-77080.myflodesk.com/privatepodcast Become a member: https://secretsofabridalseamstresspodcast.com/membership Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretsofabridalseamstress/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nadinebozeman YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@secretsofabridalseamstress/

Trust isn't built in one big moment. It's earned one small interaction at a time. In this episode, Nadine sits down with business strategist Amber McKinney of Vow To Grow to talk about one of the biggest challenges wedding professionals are facing today: building trust with modern couples. From the rise of "wedding tax" conversations on TikTok to clients questioning pricing, timelines, and expectations, Amber shares practical ways to create a client experience that feels transparent, professional, and confidence-building from the very beginning. Together, they discuss why clear communication, strong boundaries, and thoughtful education can completely change the way clients experience your business. Amber also explains how wedding professionals can position themselves as trusted experts before a bride ever walks through the door, while protecting their own time and preventing burnout. Whether you're struggling with ghosted inquiries, difficult clients, pricing conversations, or simply want to improve your customer experience, this episode is full of actionable ideas you can implement immediately. You'll walk away with: Why transparency builds trust long before the first appointment How better boundaries create better client relationships Ways to educate brides so they understand the value behind your pricing Simple customer experience improvements that lead to more referrals How to position yourself as the obvious expert before clients inquire Connect with Amber: Website: https://vowtogrow.biz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vow.to.grow/ Connect with Nadine: Check out the exclusive private podcast series, Fitting Packages 101: https://enchanting-sun-77080.myflodesk.com/privatepodcast Become a member: https://secretsofabridalseamstresspodcast.com/membership Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretsofabridalseamstress/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nadinebozeman YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@secretsofabridalseamstress/

The difference between surviving busy season and enjoying it comes down to one thing: your systems. In this episode, Nadine sits down with business coach and Wed2You founder Becca Mai to talk about why every bridal seamstress needs standard operating procedures (SOPs). From recovering after a serious accident to navigating life with multiple sclerosis, Becca shares how creating simple, repeatable systems has helped her build a business that doesn't rely on constant hustle. Together, they unpack how SOPs can make hiring easier, improve your client experience, create healthier boundaries, and help you avoid burnout during busy season. They also discuss practical ways to start documenting your processes, why automation doesn't mean losing your personal touch, and how small changes today can completely transform future wedding seasons. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or like your business can't function without you, this episode will leave you with practical ideas to create more freedom and less chaos. In this episode, you'll learn: What SOPs are and why every bridal business needs them How systems make hiring and training far less overwhelming Why automation can strengthen—not replace—your client relationships How clear boundaries create a better experience for both you and your brides Simple ways to start building sustainable systems, even during busy season Connect with Becca: Website: https://wed2you.co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wed2you Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wed2you LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wed2you Connect with Nadine: Check out the exclusive private podcast series, Fitting Packages 101: https://enchanting-sun-77080.myflodesk.com/privatepodcast Become a member: https://secretsofabridalseamstresspodcast.com/membership Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretsofabridalseamstress/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nadinebozeman YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@secretsofabridalseamstress/

Think ads are only for big businesses with big budgets? Think again, seamstresses! I am sitting down with Whitney and Daniela, the duo behind Wedding Industry Ads, who turned a shared wedding venue client into an agency serving wedding pros. With Whitney's 12 years in the wedding industry behind them, they break down how paid ads actually work for local, one-to-one service providers like bridal seamstresses — no viral reels, giant email lists, or midnight tears in the Meta Ads Manager required. In this episode: - Google Ads vs. Meta Ads — high-intent searches vs. relationship building, and which fits YOUR business - Why your ads might be reaching brides three states away ("expand my audience" is not your friend) - The truth about vanity metrics — likes don't pay for thread, bookings do - What happens AFTER the click: dedicated landing pages and follow-up systems that turn leads into fittings - Why ads + SEO give you independence beyond bridal shop referrals - Real results: one client saw ~60 leads and 10 booked weddings in 90 days from Google Ads - Budget talk: what $500/month gets you — and what just a couple dollars a day can do during busy season Grab their free Ads Investment Guide: https://weddingindustryads.com Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weddingindustryads Connect with Nadine: Check out the exclusive private podcast series, Fitting Packages 101: https://enchanting-sun-77080.myflodesk.com/privatepodcast Become a member: https://secretsofabridalseamstresspodcast.com/membership Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretsofabridalseamstress/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nadinebozeman YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@secretsofabridalseamstress/

It's summer, which means it's busy season — and if you're reading this between fittings with a lukewarm coffee and a half-eaten granola bar, this episode was made for you. Nadine sits down with Cortnie Dee, a Dallas florist and systems consultant for wedding entrepreneurs, to talk about the b-word every wedding pro knows too well: burnout. Cortnie has worn just about every hat in this industry — wedding photographer at 17, florist, marketing lead for a floral department that grew to $6 million — and she's seen burnout at every level. Now she helps creative business owners build the systems that get them back to the dinner table on time. (Also, she has fabulous bangs. This is discussed at length. You're welcome.) In this episode: Why the half-turkey-sandwich-at-9pm #hustle post is NOT the badge of honor we think it isThe very first step out of the burnout pit: take a beat and get clear on your prioritiesHow to train clients on communication boundaries from the very first consultation (because if you answer that 7pm email once, you've answered it forever)Figuring out YOUR bandwidth: why there's no magic number of bookings, and how to calculate the hidden hours behind every fittingAutomation without losing your voice: canned emails don't have to sound cannedCortnie's hot take on minimums and the overuse of the word "luxury" 🔥Redefining success so it doesn't come with a wrist brace and a hustle hashtag Connect with Cortnie: Website: https://cortniedee.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cortniedavis/ Connect with Nadine: Check out the exclusive private podcast series, Fitting Packages 101: https://enchanting-sun-77080.myflodesk.com/privatepodcast Become a member: https://secretsofabridalseamstresspodcast.com/membership Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretsofabridalseamstress/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nadinebozeman YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@secretsofabridalseamstress/

Raise your hand if you've ever sat down to do your marketing and ended up just... reorganizing your thread collection instead. Nadine is sitting down with Tayler Cusick-Hollman, co-founder of Enji (enji.co) — a marketing project management platform that is basically a brilliant marketing consultant in your pocket, minus the 20-page PDF that you'll never open. If your marketing lives rent-free in your head but never makes it out into the world, Taylor is here to change that — and she's bringing receipts (and stats, and a genius engineer husband). In this episode: Why tying your marketing to your creativity is keeping you stuckThe truth about marketing touchpoints — and why the old "rule of seven" no longer appliesWhy staying consistent during your busiest season actually protects your future incomeHow to audit your own marketing in 30 days and have an honest conversation with yourselfWhy marketing is like farming — and what that means for your booking calendar Connect with Enji: https://www.enji.co Connect with Nadine: Check out the exclusive private podcast series, Fitting Packages 101: https://enchanting-sun-77080.myflodesk.com/privatepodcast Become a member: https://secretsofabridalseamstresspodcast.com/membership Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretsofabridalseamstress/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nadinebozeman YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@secretsofabridalseamstress/