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

Hi Janna, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

JM Couturière is the name of my business. When I was brainstorming names I knew I wanted it to be something French stemming from my French heritage and admiration. My maiden name is French so I used those initials at the beginning for the “JM”. Couture is fashionable clothing made to a clients specific measurements. Since that is what I do, I chose the French feminine form of one who does couture hence couturière. I do have an instructional video on my Instagram page how to pronounce my business name as well.

Janna, 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 obtained a BFA in Fashion Design and Product Development (2009) from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. During the course of my senior year I gravitated towards formalwear interning for a bridal business and designing a collection of gowns for my senior collection. To make a long story short, upon graduating I went back to work for the business I had interned with. I learned so much during my time and am so grateful for that experience. I also had met my husband during this time so we set roots. I felt an inner crisis, discontent and burnout so I quit my job there. I felt a disconnect from fashion in general. I found myself in the insurance world even thinking this would be my new life long career. I had always wanted to start my own business but didn’t know what it would be and lacked the belief I could do it. My time in the insurance job taught me I really can do anything! During my fashion hiatus I still made and designed gowns for my sisters’ formal events and wedding dresses for my closest friends. A conversation with a friend sparked the fashion fire in me and JM Couturière was born. As a one person show and my love of something one-of-a-kind, I decided to focus on the custom route. Since custom is not a highly demanded route for bridal and formal I decided to also offer other services. I continued my full time job in insurance while designing and altering gowns for clients on the side. In March 2021 I went full time with JM Couturière and haven’t looked back.

The niche service I offer is custom bridal and formal design. This includes but not limited to bridal gowns, formal gowns, jumpsuits, separates (excluding suiting) and children’s formal needs to accessories such as veils, hair pieces, capes and over skirts. I also offer re-design services such as modifying an heirloom gown into something modern and alterations.

Something that sets me apart is my design knowledge from my schooling and experience. There are many people who can make a garment but cannot always make it totally from scratch or change the design to meet the request.

Most clients come to me because they cannot find what they’re looking for and desire something unique. I also have clients come to me because they don’t enjoy the typical shopping process and want a different experience. The custom design process is highly individualized from the design concept and through their fitting process. The client has full control and my goal is to make sure they feel comfortable, beautiful and confident in their custom attire.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

One reason I started JM Couturière and its business mission was because of little startup money required. I wanted to avoid taking a loan out. The money I needed would come from the full time job I had at the time. I also didn’t need employees and worked out of my home. The benefit to that was a tax write off. Did I want a fancy studio, of course! But I sacrificed having the best of the best and came to terms with the idea that starting small and on humble ground is ok. As I’ve grown, I do now have a studio separate from my home which I’m so excited about!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

There have been many points where I questioned my confidence and even my skill set. One example was when I was setting up my business and talked to an accountant. As I described my business to them I could see they were confused and even gave off a vibe to me that they questioned my success. It did make me question and I thought, maybe this wasn’t something I could do after all. But the more I thought, I could see the clear picture in my head and continued knowing there would be challenges ahead. I’m happy to say it’s going well!

Another example was a garment I designed and made. It was a type of garment I hadn’t patterned or fit since college and felt especially lacking. I knew it would challenge me. I cried several times and wanted to give up – on the project and my business entirely- afraid the client would be unhappy. One thing I learned here was to not be afraid to ask for help. I sought out help from a professional patternmaker which helped tremendously! Though it took extra effort and time the end product for the customer turned out beautifully and now I have knowledge from that experience moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jmcouturiere.com/
• Instagram: @jmcouturiere
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jmcouturiere?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janna-volmert-6733b3152

Image Credits
K Hulett Photography Billie Stock Photography JM Couturière Theresa Kelly Photography Amanda Musselman Phography