We recently connected with Janna Volmert and have shared our conversation below.
Janna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.
The biggest thing I’ve learned – that I wish I had just started sooner.
As a self proclaimed perfectionist and people pleaser, thinking too far into the future, almost scared of success and failure, held me back.
Obviously, I can’t turn back time so it does no good to dwell on the timing of how life worked out. But, to anyone else thinking about starting a business and feeling overwhelmed: Just do it. Don’t wait. Jump in. Start small. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Surround yourself with like minded people. They will encourage you, help you and lift you up.
For me, I would not have started it any differently. I started very small with little start up cost. I would have started sooner had I not held my own self back.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Janna Volmert. I graduated from Stephen’s College with a BFA in Fashion Design and Product Development.
My business is JM Couturière, which is a multi faceted design business providing custom design bridal and formalwear, re-design, and alterations. My favorite service and niche is custom design. I started the business with the desire to create one of a kind pieces for the most special occasions. With a foundation in fashion design, serving clients in many ways has been very full filling creatively.
I fell in love with formalwear while I was in college. Worked for a bridal boutique and learned about the bridal industry. I also learned the majority of formalwear construction at that time. At one point I had a career hiatus and totally changed to working in the insurance industry. But, my love for fashion and formalwear remained during this time. While I was working my office job, I started JM COUTURIÈRE on the side and eventually went full time. I haven’t looked back! I have the best clients. Serving them during the most special times in their life is meaningful to me. My hope is that they always remember our experience together, whether it’s creating something custom or fitting their purchased gown to perfection.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Referrals, number one for sure. Referrals from past clients and from other vendors within the wedding industry. Connecting with other businesses relevant to your industry, as well as competitor businesses, is just as crucial to growing your business. It fosters community and collaboration.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
My clients as I’ve stated earlier are the best. I’m so lucky. I do not see our time together as simply a business transaction. Many of my clients have become good friends of mine, actually. I am genuinely interested in their lives, watching them get married and go through other life events. Since most of my clients are wedding clientele, I get to know them on very personal levels. There is a relationship developed that requires a lot of trust. I try to follow them back on social media if they follow my account and stay in touch with them following their wedding for services they may need. I also follow up for photos or videos they receive after the wedding to share about their special day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jmcouturiere.com/
- Instagram: @jmcouturiere
- Facebook: @jmcouturiere
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janna-volmert-6733b3152
- Other: TikTok: @jmcouturiere
Image Credits
Mitchell Bennet Photography Layken Sommerer Photography Ashley Kimbrough Photography Amanda Musselman Photography Kiley Ann Photography