We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Adrienne Nixon. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Adrienne below.

Adrienne, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I have ever worked on has to be the sequin gown I made for my mother for her surprise retirement party.

My mom tried to teach me to sew when I was a little girl and I didn’t have time for it LOL. She took me to Hancock Fabrics, purchased a small pink and purple sewing machine, multi color fabric and a pattern to make rabbit pillows. Those pillows were circle lol. Not a rabbit shape in sight. Years later when I really became interested in sewing I went back to Hancock Fabrics and took a class. That was life changing for me.

Fast forward 20 years when I am designing gowns it was an honor to be able to make a gown for my mother.

Adrienne, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Adrienne! I started sewing out of necessity. I was married very young (19 years old-divorced at 38 years old) and we couldn’t afford new furniture so I decided to buy a sofa cover and make some decorative pillows. I did that and it gave the sofa a brand new look. I decided if I could make pillows, then I could make pants.

I went to Hancock Fabrics and picked out a pattern, fabric and the notions and I made those pants. They were perfect, except they didn’t fit. I didn’t know the difference between pattern sizing and real sizes. I took a sewing class and the rest was history. I have learned a lot over the years from the internet, books and of course trial and error.

I specialize in formal and bridal wear. My clients seek me out for luxurious formal gowns…think rhinestones and sequin. I am often called the “Sequin Queen”.

My brand is always expanding as I am always growing, learning and evolving. Striving daily to be the best version of Adrienne. I love making formal gowns for those who don’t want to see themselves coming. The person who isn’t always waiting on a special occasion, they CREATE the occasion. If you follow me on any of my social media channels (Adrienne M Nixon on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok or Pinterest) you will see me, a 40+ year old woman who has rediscovered herself. I show the good and the not so good. Social media can be a highlight reel for some, but for me it’s a way to encourage and empower others. To let them know that they are able to redefine themselves at any age and go after any dream. You will be able to see my most recent love being showcased, Hosting. I have always loved to host and since that has always been a part of my heart, I am showing others as well.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Honestly, going through a divorce has truly shown me just how resilient I am. Being a stay home mom for most of my marriage and having to start over from zero was not an easy task. There were a LOT of tears shed and a lot of change that seemingly happened overnight.

I did have my sewing business while I was married but when I divorced I walked away from it for a couple of years and went back to Corporate America. I was so unsure about how life would look for me and my children and they were already experiencing a lot of change, I did not want them to feel the financial strain of divorce, so I walked away from my sewing business and found a job with a steady pay check. We all know that nothing about entrepreneurship is steady. Not always. Especially not in the beginning.

It took a couple of years for me to even have a desire to create. I have to be emotionally balanced in order to create. Creativity comes from the very depths of me and I put my all into everything that I do. I wasn’t able to do that. Once I got to the place where I wanted to sew again, I took it very slow because I didn’t want to get overwhelmed. That was one of the best decisions I could have made.

Fast forward 8 years post divorce and I would like to say that I am thriving but I know I’m not where I will be. I am creating the space and I’m continuing to create a life that I love. Where I can thrive as a woman and I no longer let going through a divorce define me. I use that to empower others to let them know if “I” can make it, you can to and you can do it with a grateful heart. I’ve created journals to help others through the process (they can be found on Amazon). Something I wish I had when I was going though the process.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I have been on social media since 2009 or 2010. I am still growing my audience but I think the key to my success has been being authentic. I’m not putting on a show. I am showcasing my work and my lifestyle. However, back when blogging was a HUGE thing a lot of the followers I have watched my children grow up. They saw my family grow and they also saw me divorce.

Taking them through that journey was not only helpful to me but so many others. I’ve recently starting sharing my story more on Tiktok because some of the followers I have there don’t know me as well as those who have followed me for years.

So advice? I would say just be yourself. Don’t try to copy anyone else or do what you see others doing. Take time and find your thing and go with it. The right people will find you and love you for who you are.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.adriennemnixon.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adriennemnixon/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/adriennemnixon?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@adriennemnixon?_t=8nXF4dUYN1X&_r=1