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

Alright, Nichole thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

I’ve been a seamstress since I was a teen. I went to fashion school and worked in the fashion industry for many years. Being a young single mother I always had side jobs, mostly teaching art, because I needed a constant flow of income to take care of more than 1 person.
In 2017 I started to apprentice with a marine canvas fabricator for extra work. Living in Santa Barbara I realized there was a huge demand for marine and outdoor canvas. When COVID hit my clothing sales declined and my art teaching halted but canvas work was pretty steady. My mentor was slowing down to retire and I decided to take the risk and jump into canvas full time in 2021. It was terrifying at first because I have dependents but it quickly paid off and till this day I am swamped with jobs/customers and couldn’t be happier.

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.

I’ve been sewing since I could tie my shoes. I was formally trained in pattern making, design and sewing. Although my dream was to work in the fashion industry, I’ve always found myself wanting to making custom items. Catering to a design that works specifically for ones need is what calls to me.
I started making custom clothing/swimwear because I am short and always needed to alter my clothes. The fashion industry has mass sizes that don’t really fit everyone and I quickly realized I was not the only one. I loved being able to take my designs and fit them to specific measurements that differed from standard sizing. I am also able to create custom designs for clients.

Switching over to marine canvas and upholstery was not much different. No 2 designs have been the same nor sizes. Boats are not always symmetrical and each one has a different purpose, some are for living on, working on or for pleasure. Pattern making skills are essential in building biminis, dodgers, custom covers and enclosures. I get to be very creative in design with tackling weather elements of sun, rain, salt and wind along with making sure my designs stay affixed to the boats.

Upholstery is also in the same family, with customers choosing their colorways, foam/pillow density, types of fabric and styles to suit their wants and needs. I can create simple utilitarian items OR fun decorative items, based on my client’s needs.

What sets me apart from other marine canvas fabricators is my experience is design and dress making. I’m able to create/add components that function, look nice and fit properly to provide better products than store bought or from other utilitarian fabricators.
What sets me apart from other upholsterers is my expertise in outdoor/marine fabrics. I can deal with the beach weather and still make items that last while looking good.

I’ve never fit into a certain category of style and am happy I created a business that follows the same path. I can make custom patio furniture and alter the wedding dress of the same client. My favorite job to date was an outdoor gazebo enclosure I built for a lady who also had some honeymoon jackets from Thailand she wanted to preserve. We decided on using them for a quilt. I was able to make something special for her to use while recovering from open heart surgery with memories she cherished, while she sat outside under her gazebo.

I would love potential clients to know their design wishes are possible. There is no need too big or small. Current items they own can be altered or new ones created.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

My best source of new clients is word of mouth. Our beautiful harbor is fairly small and word of mouth travels well there. I also have wonderful support from some amazing local seamstress/upholsterers who create different products than I do and are able to refer me.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

The main lesson I had to unlearn was from formal pattern making where patterns/measurements are symmetrical and the pattern can be mirrored to boats that can have a different measurement from point a-z. Every side, angle and measurement must be accounted for and checked. I cannot rely on side 1 being the same as side 2

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sirencustomcanvas.com
• Instagram: @sirencustomcanvas
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Siren-Custom-Canvas-100064167758718/