Advertise on podcast: Secrets of a Bridal Seamstress

Welcome back to Six Figure Friday! This week's quick tip tackles the topic most bridal business owners avoid: retirement planning. If you've been putting off opening that Roth IRA because it feels too complicated, this episode will show you exactly how to get started—no financial expertise required. Perfect for: Self-employed bridal seamstresses, wedding business owners, and alterations professionals ready to invest in their financial future. You'll Learn: Why you don't need to understand financial jargon to start saving for retirement How much money you actually need to open a Roth IRA (hint: way less than you think!) The simple 2-step process to get your retirement account started this week How to set up automatic withdrawals that work with seasonal bridal business income Why starting now matters—even with small monthly contributions 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/@nadinebozemanYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@secretsofabridalseamstress

One leap of faith transformed years of creative experience into a thriving bridal career. In this episode, Nadine sits down with Chris, a Pennsylvania-based bridal seamstress whose business took off quickly after a bold career shift. Chris shares her journey from fashion illustration and costuming to going all-in on bridal alterations post-COVID. You’ll hear how mentorship, community, and collaboration shaped her growth — from finding guidance through other seamstresses to building local relationships instead of competing. Chris also opens up about early wins, growing pains, hiring help, pricing confidence, and why she wishes she had started sooner. This episode is for seamstresses considering a career change, navigating fast growth, or learning how to build a sustainable bridal business with intention. In This Episode:    How a leap into bridal turned years of creative experience into rapid business growthWhat made her business grow faster than expected in the first yearWhat no one tells you about the growing pains that come with being fully bookedThe mindset shift that helped her stop underpricing and start owning her valueWhy collaboration with other seamstresses accelerated her business instead of slowing it downSmall wins that validated she was on the right path — and kept her goingHow hiring part-time support created freedom without overcommittingLessons from stepping into a room full of strong business owners for the first time Connect with Chris:  Website: https://opalterations.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opalterations/ 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 

In this episode, I’m revisiting fitting packages and the bridal investment guide—and why this topic matters more than ever. Every seamstress I know who’s implemented fitting packages has said the same thing: I wish I had done this sooner.They don’t just increase revenue—they change the quality of clients and the way your time is respected. I share how fitting packages started in my own business back in 2017, how coaching helped me clarify boundaries and pricing, and what fitting packages actually are (and aren’t). You’ll also hear real stories from SBS members who went from burnout and difficult clients to a more profitable, aligned business. This episode is for bridal seamstresses who want to step into 2026 with confidence, clarity, and a better way of working. In this episode: Why fitting packages consistently lead to immediate revenue growth How charging for fittings changes client behavior and respect for your time What fitting packages actually include—and how flexible they can be Why your investment guide should not live on your website How this model helps attract better-aligned, higher-quality clients 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

In this episode, I’m sharing a real, behind-the-scenes recap of attending Wedding MBA in Las Vegas just days after our SBS Fall Fest retreat. I talk about what it was like stepping into the largest wedding professional conference in the world as one of only a handful of bridal seamstresses in attendance, and what that revealed about how our role is still misunderstood and overlooked. This episode is for bridal seamstresses who are deciding where to invest their time, energy, and money when it comes to conferences, education, and community. If you’ve ever wondered whether big industry events are worth it, or if seamstress-specific spaces matter more, this one is for you. In this episode: Why Wedding MBA offers limited value for bridal seamstresses compared to industry-specific retreats What speaking at a major wedding conference revealed about how invisible seamstresses still are The importance of education and mentorship designed specifically for bridal alterations How community and shared language make learning more impactful Where to focus your investment if you want real growth as a bridal seamstress 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

In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of our SBS Fall Fest Retreat in Scottsdale, Arizona, and why it ended up being one of my favorite retreats yet. I share why I decided to make retreats members-only, what changed when everyone came with the same foundation, and how that shifted the entire experience from “catching up” to true growth. You’ll hear how we designed Fall Fest around the theme “remembering your why,” especially after a packed sewing season that can leave you disconnected from what you actually want. I break down what made our keynote day with Michelle Grosser so powerful—from noticing stress patterns to understanding the deeper “why” behind habits like overbooking, avoiding confrontation, and staying stuck on pricing. PS - I give you a peek at what’s coming for Nashville (March 10–12): a bigger group, new ways to keep it intimate, and a “Future by Her Design” theme with sessions on serving weight-loss-journey clients, social media + AI + Canva, and financial planning. In this episode: A shared foundation changes everything in an in-person retreat experience Stress patterns can drive overbooking, avoidance, and pricing hesitation Vulnerability and real connection create the “no drama, all growth” dynamic Retreat structure matters: space, pacing, small groups, and intentional bonding Nashville is March 10–12 with a “Future by Her Design” focus Learn more about the upcoming SBS retreat: https://secretsofabridalseamstresspodcast.com/retreats 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

Busy season doesn’t truly end for me when the last gown leaves the studio—it ends when I take time to close the loop. In this episode, I’m sharing the exact mindset shift that helps me step out of survival mode and into a grounded, confident space before I dive into website updates, rebrands, new prices, or fresh projects. Before you jump into all the exciting business upgrades you love working on this time of year, I’m walking you through the simple, free practices I use to close the loop daily, seasonally, and annually. These moments of recognition help me rebuild self-efficacy, soften the pressure I put on myself, and remind me that I do follow through. And when I show up from that place? My creativity expands, my planning gets clearer, and my business feels lighter. If you’re heading into your slower months ready to refresh, rework, or reinvent your bridal business, this episode is the reset I want you to take with me first. Takeaways How I recognize mental “open tabs” and clear them before planning The daily and seasonal practices I use to close the loop Why celebrating what I finished builds long-term confidence How quiet self-efficacy shifts the way I lead my business The reset I take before diving into my next big ideas for the new season Connect with Nadine: Check out the exclusive private podcast series, Fitting Packages 101: https://enchanting-sun-77080.myflodesk.com/privatepodcast Become a member: https://secretsofabridalseemstresspodcast.com/membership Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretsofabridalseamstress/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nadinebozeman YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@secretsofabridalseamstress

Your best clients are already showing you exactly how to build the business you want next season. This 6 Figure Friday episode dives into the foundations of attracting your ideal bridal client by studying the brides you loved working with this past year. Nadine walks through a simple, data-driven reflection process straight from the Six Figure Seamstress course—helping you identify who your dream clients actually are and how to intentionally bring more of them into your studio. You’ll learn how to analyze past projects, track where ideal clients are finding you, and use that insight to shape your 2026 marketing strategy. This episode is perfect for seamstresses planning ahead, refining their client experience, or shifting toward a more curated and aligned bridal season. In this episode: Reflect on your top 3–5 favorite clients to identify patterns and preferences Track where ideal clients found you to guide next season’s marketing Strengthen relationships with shops or platforms that already send aligned clients Interview past brides for deeper insights that shape your ideal client avatar Use your natural voice in your marketing to attract the right personalities Connect with me: Join the membership here: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.com/ Learn more about the retreats here: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.squarespace.com/new-page

In this episode of Secrets of a Bridal Seamstress, we’re flipping the script to “secrets of a bridal shop owner.” I sit down with Courtney Foreman, owner of Weddings With Joy in Olympia, WA, who just hit 10 years in business and is leveling up by buying a building. Courtney shares how she went from banking to bridal, what she wishes she’d known before her first market buy, why appointments over walk-ins changed everything, and how COVID became the unexpected catalyst that led to profitability, coaching, team growth, and a healthier owner role. We also get into hiring, training, culture, consistency, and delegation—plus the real talk on financing and finding the right property for expansion. In this episode: The messy truth of an accidental acquisition: buying a bridal shop with no industry experience Market buying 101: knowing your customer, sizes, colors, and how not to overbuy Why appointment-only improves client experience and owner sanity How coaching and community shortened the learning curve Building a team and culture (and why experience isn’t always an advantage) Systems, automation, handbooks, and consistent client messaging The building buy: appraisals, banks, deal breakers, and finding a space that supports growth (hello, separate menswear entrance!) Mindset for the long game: staying even-keeled through highs and lows Connect with Courtney: Website: https://weddingswithjoy.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weddingswithjoy/ Connect with me: Join the membership here: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.com/ Learn more about the retreats here: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.squarespace.com/new-page

Feeling overwhelmed by all the ways clients reach out… DMs, emails, texts, contact forms, and more? You’re not alone! In this Six Figure Friday episode, I am sharing simple, free strategies to organize your bridal alteration inquiries without needing a fancy CRM or paid system. Whether you’re just starting out or not quite ready to invest in automation, these tips will help you regain control, reduce stress, and set up a smooth, professional process that keeps you from missing potential clients. In this episode: Why having one point of contact is key to staying organized How to set up a free, easy system for managing inquiries What to say when clients message you on social media The difference between being “available” and setting boundaries How small steps now prepare you for future systems like Dubsado Check out Dubsado: https://www.dubsado.com Connect with me: Join the membership here: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.com/ Learn more about the retreats here: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.squarespace.com/new-page

Do you ever feel like you’re posting on Instagram and nobody’s listening? You’re not alone. Most of us post a few times here and there on scattered topics, and then wonder why nothing sells. In this week’s Six Figure Friday tip, I’m sharing the results of a simple experiment I ran on my Sweet Francis account. I picked ONE topic, my spring cleaning sale, and posted about it all month long. No reinventing the wheel, no stressing over what to say. Just one message, in different formats, over and over again. This episode breaks down exactly what happened, and spoiler alert - it was profitable and successful! I want you to try it too, and this episode outlines how.  And don’t forget, the SBS Membership is OPEN until the first week of October. This is the place where we dive deeper into strategies like this and cheer each other on as we grow. Come join us! Connect with me: Join the membership here: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.com/ Learn more about the retreats here: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.squarespace.com/new-page

Today I’m joined by Leslie Stanfield of Lace Envy Alterations in Spokane, WA. Leslie is known in our community for her endless energy, her willingness to always learn something new, and the beautiful work she delivers to her brides. In this episode, Leslie shares her story of starting out sewing from home while raising five kids, and how that eventually led to opening her own bridal studio. We talk about what it really looks like to make the leap from working for a shop to running your own space, including how to budget for rent, find the right location, and price your work with confidence. Leslie also opens up about some of the tougher sides of this business, from handling emotionally draining fittings to navigating a serious shoulder injury right in the middle of wedding season. Her perspective on boundaries, resilience, and leaning on your community is one that every bridal seamstress needs to hear. In this episode: Leslie’s journey from sewing “fun money” projects at home to running a professional studio How she found and afforded her first storefront The importance of setting boundaries in busy season (no more 4 a.m. sewing nights!) How she handled a shoulder injury and kept her business afloat Her encouragement to seamstresses who are thinking about taking the leap into business ownership Connect with Leslie: Website: https://laceenvyalts.com/ Join the membership here: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.com/ Learn more about the retreats here: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.squarespace.com/new-page Connect with Nadine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretsofabridalseamstress/

The SBS Membership opens again on September 22 for two weeks only—then it’s closed until March 2026. In this episode, I am breaking down what’s included, what it costs, and how to know if it’s the right time for you. What you’ll learn: The 3 core calls each month: Training, Sew-Along, and Girls’ Night In Who should join now, and who should wait The culture of SBS: ego-free, generous, supportive Why enrollment is capped and limited to 2x/year Key dates Enrollment: Opens Sept 22 for two weeks Next chance: March 2026 Retreats: Nashville (March 2026) + Seattle (October 2026) Join the membership here: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.com/ Learn more about the retreats here: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.squarespace.com/new-page

Tired of feeling stretched thin during your slow season?This week's Six-Figure Friday episode is all about preparing your bridal seamstress business for the quieter months—without the stress and panic that can come from inconsistent income. Nadine gets real about the emotional rollercoaster of feast-or-famine finances and shares one simple yet powerful strategy that changed everything for her: seasonal savings. This isn’t just about putting money in an envelope. It's about building financial habits that support the life and business you actually want—one where you’re not scrambling for bookings or wondering how to pay yourself during the off-season. If January and February have ever made you second-guess your path as a seamstress, this episode will show you how to take back control—with practical steps and plenty of encouragement. In this episode: What “seasonal savings” actually means (and how to start one today) How Nadine uses Profit First principles to plan ahead with confidence Why consistency in paying yourself is the ultimate game-changer The mindset shift that makes saving feel easy and automatic Real talk on how to stop letting stress rule your slower months Ready to build your own seasonal savings strategy?Book a one-on-one strategy call with Nadine using the link in the show notes. She’ll help you personalize a plan that fits your business and goals—so you can actually enjoy the slow season next year. 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

Are your local bridal shops your biggest allies, or just names on a list? In this behind-the-scenes episode, I am sharing my takeaways from The Bridal Summit in Fredericksburg, Virginia, hosted by Wendy Rivera and Speak Bride University. From touring the dreamy Ava Lauren Bridal boutique to leading conversations between stylists and seamstresses, this episode is all about the power of collaboration in the bridal industry. If you've ever felt unseen or misunderstood by your feeder stores—or unsure how to even begin building those relationships—this episode will inspire you to take the first step. You’ll hear why bridal shops want to hear from you, how to position yourself as a resource (not a critic), and why seamless communication benefits not just the seamstress—but the stylist and bride too. In this episode: Why building genuine relationships with bridal shops is a win-win-win The key differences between what stylists say and what brides hear How Nadine leads compassionate conversations about alterations What every bridal shop should know (but often doesn’t) Tips for setting up your own local Q&A session—even if you’re nervous! Resources Mentioned: Ava Lauren Bride – The "Disneyland of Bridal" in Fredericksburg Hit Save on That Podcast by Wendy Rivera 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

Let’s face it—working alone in your studio can be both peaceful and isolating. In this episode we're diving into why in-person connection isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a total game-changer for your business. You’ll hear stories from our Charleston retreat (including how attendees braved an ice storm to get there!), learn what’s ahead for upcoming events, and discover why now is the perfect time to commit to being in the room with other bridal professionals. There’s something special about real hugs, shared meals, and side-by-side learning that just can’t be replicated on Zoom. Whether you’re craving fresh inspiration, new friendships, or a reminder of your why, this episode will give you that little push to say “yes” to an in-person event this year. Want to join us in-person?Check the show notes for details on our upcoming gatherings, including: Register for the June 16 Bridal Summit in Fredericksburg, VA: Sign up - https://buy.stripe.com/9AQ8zH6WbgaQg0MeUW Fall Fest in Scottsdale, AZ (Nov 5–7) Wedding MBA in Las Vegas (Nov 11–13) 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