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

Anna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

The Heart-Centered Seamstress is so much more than just a bridal alterations service!

As a ‘holistic bridal seamstress’, I consider the “whole” bride (mind/body/spirit) and the additional support they may need to make it to the aisle centered, grounded, and calm. I specialize in supporting brides-to-be as they prepare to marry the love of their life and the forever that follows. Getting married should be a love-filled experience with as little stress as possible!

Brides are supported on this journey by more than just a perfectly tailored wedding dress. What is unique about The Heart-Centered Seamstress is the relaxation and support services available to help brides release stress, develop a strategic way to navigate the wedding planning process, and be able to focus on the true sentiment of what a wedding is all about… LOVE.

Anna, 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?

Throughout my career, I’ve been the wedding planner, the bridal stylist, and the bridal seamstress. I’ve worked with many brides that were so in love with their partner, yet had trouble gazing in the mirror during fittings. There were also brides who were so overwhelmed with the planning and emotions of it all that it was spoiling the joys of even being a bride. Then, add on the stress of a global pandemic!

Inspired by my career in the wedding industry, my role as a “holistic bridal seamstress” is to support brides with wellness services for stress-relief and relaxation in addition to custom wedding dress alterations. Relieving stress and building healthy habits for navigating the wedding planning process are the biggest problem-solving factors for me in the creation of my business.

I knew I wanted to be able to help brides in a way that went beyond altering wedding dresses. I’ve seen and experienced firsthand how a personally tailored and individually crafted garment can boost one’s confidence in a way like no other! It’s incredible to me to see people light up in that way. Yet, my goal is to ensure that brides feel this way from the inside, too! Taking everything into account, I enrolled in an intensive holistic health and healing arts degree program in the fall before the pandemic.

Shortly thereafter, The Heart-Centered Seamstress was born!

I’ll be honest. The wedding planning process is stressful! It can be too easy to want to go “bridezilla mode.” As a newlywed myself wed in December 2021 I had to use the same self-care tools I provide to brides. Navigating life in general and adding on wedding planning can be overwhelming, and you don’t have to do it all alone or make it seem like everything is perfect. I want those that are reading this to know that there are so many resources available to help and there are those that are wanting to help!

I am most fulfilled and proud seeing the growth and transformation of a bride and seeing their happiness radiate from the inside out! I love celebrating love. When you love from the heart it truly changes the world. It’s my mission to spread more love and help brides build sustainable wellness practices for mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. I am here for any bride seeking to live a more heart-centered life.

SERVICES:

Custom Bridal Alterations + Education

Bridechilla Coaching

Yoga Nidra for Total Relaxation

Intuitive Tarot Readings

Day-of-Wedding/On-Site Seamstress Services

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

As an independent seamstress and small business owner, my “team” right now includes me, myself, and I! My personal philosophy is that if you can effectively and efficiently manage and care for yourself, you will be able to manage a team and business the same way. In other words, your business is a reflection of you. A lot of the services I provide for brides I have learned and curated from my personal and professional experiences with management and educational training.

My vision is to one day expand to be able hire employees, yet right now my reality is that my business does not operate unless I do! I try my best everyday to be healthy and care for my whole self, ask for help when I need it, and keep my internal cheerleader a positive one. My advice is to make sure you are always listening to yourself and not neglecting your self-care needs to be able to manage and maintain high morale. It is a balancing act for sure!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to unlearn is that I’m not meant to help everyone, and that is okay! It’s just not sustainable, and this is the quickest way to burnout. As a small business owner, I’ve tailored my services and offerings to narrow in on what I do best and ways I can solve the needs of potential clients. This allows me to provide quality products and services because I am not overextending myself and my energy. Quality is so important to me.

For future or even current business owners and entrepreneurs, consider starting with what you know you can do and do well and focus on growth! This mindset really helped me pace myself and not become overwhelmed with everything that comes with starting and operating a business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theheartcenteredseamstress.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theheartcenteredseamstress/
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Max Evans Photography Mimi Snow Photography Indie Jess Photography Wynsummarrow Photography