Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Carmen Jefferson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Carmen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I first knew I wanted to pursue this path when I made my first mask after the pandemic hit. In the beginning, it was just a hobby and I dabbled in small projects such as little dresses for my daughter. But, my interest and drive grew to create more than just masks. When we were on lockdown, I found myself wanting to create clothing that actually fit my body, which was short and curvy. I am a wife and mom, so curves come with this territory.

In my ongoing hunt for clothing in department stores, I saw there were several sections that were midsize to plus-size. However, what was available still did not provide a contoured feel or look. This is when I launched Sew and Reap. I wanted to provide custom garments to women who were businesswomen, wives, and moms who wanted everyday clothing that could take them from the office to a night out in town or date night. So, I began in my closet; I removed things that didn’t fit how I wanted them, and created what I wanted to feel: beautiful with a simple elegance.

Something I also felt was lacking in the clothing industry was the luxury experience. Luxury is not just attached to a price-tag–it also includes the client experience–how they are treated when they come to you for your services. I feel confidently that Sew and Reap is the solution to this problem. From start to finish, we provide excellence in the care of our clients. From every contact to package wrapped, our clients feel our love and appreciation.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

My name is Carmen Jefferson. I am the owner and operator of Sew and Reap.

Like so many others, my passion for sewing arose while in the pandemic. I began sewing masks for family members, friends, and even coworkers. I worked full-time, so plenty of my early mornings and nights included sewing. When we were on lockdown, I felt I lacked clothing that I truly felt comfortable, beautiful, and confident in. Nothing seemed to fit how I wanted. It’s then when I decided take the risk to make my own clothing. I wanted clothing that represented my lifestyle: I am a wife, mom, and businesswoman. These roles require me to be flexible. I knew that creating a clothing line that tied all those roles together, and that could also stand alone, was going to be a challenge–but, I was up for it.

I started with alterations on clothing I already owned. Then, I ventured out to offer my services to others. I saw that others were experiencing the same problems–clothing was not tailored to their body. Many times, people really loved their garment, but it lacked the custom feel–for example, missing the candles on your cake for your birthday. I also felt the intentional care in customer service was missing. When I would go shopping, I did not feel that extra touch of excellence that left me feeling like the entire company was rooting for me, and wanted the BEST for me.

I am confident that Sew and Reap provides the solution to these problems. From the first connection with me, you feel cared for. I want my clients to feel the level of excellence from every measurement taken to the details in each order packed. Everything Sew and Reap stands for is excellence and care. I do my best to ensure that each garment is constructed with excellence, because I know what it feels like to not have something with that standard. I represent wives, moms, and businesswomen who want to feel not only comfortable, but CONFIDENT in every day wear. This is where Sew and Reap takes its pride. Our sizing is more inclusive and more custom to the average woman. Every shape matters to us.

Sew and Reap provides custom clothing and also seasonal collection pieces. And with each garment, we ensure intentional customer service rooted in excellence. This is what I believe sets Sew and Reap apart from others. We believe that every client deserves a luxury experience. We take pride in the steps taken to ensure clients feel loved, cared for, and represented.

Something else I am excited about are Sew and Reap’s sewing classes. Growing up, I often had my hands in cross stitch or I was sewing something on a machine. However, as I got older, I noticed that several of my peers lacked basic sewing skills: sewing on a button, hemming a pair of pants, or mending a hole. I really believe that sewing is a lost art; it’s making a comeback, but it really does take a community to ensure this. Sew and Reap offers one-on-one and group classes that give the fundamentals of sewing. It is one of the ways for me to give back to my community and share my gifts and talents.

I am most proud of the level of care I provide each of my clients. Yes, the skill is there, and I am still learning. But, at each stage of my growth, I can confidently say that our level of intentionality and care for our clients is consistent. It is one of our core beliefs.

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

My goal with Sew and Reap is to provide a luxury client experience, no matter who we encounter. Every shape and size matters to me, because I, too, am one of the shapes and sizes. My mission is to constantly be a voice for the wife, mom, and businesswoman. I want to aid in making her feel beautiful and confident in every garment we construct for her. Every person deserves the BEST, and Sew and Reap is here to give that.

We want to remain flexible as fashion is flexible. Though it may be challenging to keep up with the changes, I feel confident that with each garment we construct, it will be comfortable and with a touch of simple elegance.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of Sew and Reap is hearing and witnessing the feedback of my clients. We take pride in our level of care, intentionality, and excellence we provide to EVERY client. Knowing that we aid in making our clients feel loved and cared for is why Sew and Reap is here. We are literally ‘sewing’ into blessings. We are here because of our clients. And it is an honor to serve them.

Contact Info:

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

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