We recently connected with Beverly Riley and have shared our conversation below.

Beverly, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

I’ve always loved creating. In my home growing up, there was no such thing as something you couldn’t do, just something you didn’t know how to do yet. My parents are the definition of DIY, building their own house from the ground up, learning along the way.

When my mother taught me how to sew, I knew it was something I’d always love. All through my school years, I grew my skills, eventually making my own formal dresses. I don’t remember exactly when, but at some point in my senior year of high school, I decided. I wanted to work with wedding dresses and own my own clothing shop

I applied to various bridal retailers, but being untested, big stores were reluctant to hire me. I stopped in at a small bridal boutique near me and the owner said that, while she didn’t have an opening for a seamstress, if I wanted to start working as an independent consultant, she would lease me a small space upstairs.

Suddenly, I had a business!

In those first couple years, I learned so much, and was blessed to be a part of beautiful moments in people’s lives.

While I loved what I was doing, and was skilled in my work, I was inexperienced in the running of a business. My life began pulling me in another direction, and I followed; taking a full time office job and closing Fairy Folk Creations (forever, so I thought)

Fast forward a few years, I have gotten married and become a mother to two beautiful children. Suddenly engulfed in the repetition of motherhood, I took up sewing again. I started by just making some things for my littles, but over the course of one year expanded back into alterations, with the addition of baby and kids clothes.

With my business up and running (much smoother this time), I needed a space for fittings once again, so my sweet husband bought me a shed as an early birthday present, and together, (with some help from my parents) we refinished it to be a working studio.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My sewing inspiration comes from the amazing ladies in my family before me. Both my grandmothers and mom used their skills to bring in income and create meaningful keepsakes for their families. I didnt get a chance to know my grandmothers very well, but sewing and carrying on their skills makes me feel closer to them.
I absolutely love being able to bless others with my skills. I offer a wide range of textile services from Custom Wedding gowns, to patching jeans, and everything in between, including embroidery services and other customization. My favorite might just be the baby and kids clothing I make, but I’m always thrilled with whatever my amazing clients bring me.

In my kids clothing, I use as much reclaimed material as I can, keeping textile waste down and giving vintage materials new life.
Finding quality clothing that fits is so underrated in our society, and I want to bring awareness to that. 80 Years ago, clothing fit because it was, in most cases custom made or taiored to fit each individual. in the 50s and 60s there was a rise in premade clothing that has vastly contributed to the current body dysmorphia in today’s society.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

It’s hard to sum up because when you ask, what’s your mission, I think of a hundred tiny reasons (Brides to feel secure and authentic in their dress, mamas to have access to heirloom clothing, repairing a well loved item of clothing). Honestly though, I just want to help people to feel seen. To help them with what matters. It is so hard to find authenticity and kindness, if I can give a little of that, then I’ll have been successful.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Absolutely. My biggest goal is to be able to be present for my kids, to teach them the life skills they will need. This gives me the flexibility to homeschool and make income, while passing down invaluable knowledge.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

In high school, I read the Book ‘Do Hard Things’, which showed me that young people are only held back by themselves – if you want to change a stereotype, be the change. It helped give me courage to put myself out there and take no for an answer only at first.

However, my biggest motivation comes from the Bible, my parents & their stories of my grandmothers. I was always encouraged to do what I love & use the talents God gave me, and I can’t thank them enough for that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://fairyfolkcreations.myshopify.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fairyfolkcreations
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fairyfolkcreations

Image Credits
Cultivating Culver