We were lucky to catch up with Suzanne Anderson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Suzanne, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s talk about social media – do you manage your own or do you have someone or a company that handles it for you? Why did you make the choice you did?

Currently I manage my own social media. Because the business is small and due to budget constraints I am managing it for the time being. The results have been fair and gaining followers slowly. I developed a monthly marketing calendar that has helped to stay on topic for the month. I plan on hiring someone to take over my social media as soon as I am able to do so. I have learned one lesson, that customers and followers love seeing behind the scenes of a business. My most liked and followed posts are from sharing behind the scenes media.

Suzanne, 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 started sewing doll clothes at the age of 6. My passion for sewing, fabric and fashion design lead me to Chicago, Illinois where I studied fashion design. After completing my Bachelors of Fine Arts in Fashion Design. After college I got a job at a High End Bridal Store. I immediately fell in love with the gowns, fabrics and brides to be! After working for several bridal stores I opened my business SuZann Designs in 1998 in Chicago. Serving Chicago Brides for over 25 years. In 2022 I relocated to Florida and launched my business here in the Tampa area.
The services I offer are : custom design, upcycle gowns and alterations. We custom design wedding gowns, veils, Mother of Bride/Groom and special occasion gowns. Custom designed wedding is ideal if a couple has a unique theme such as ” hollywood glamor” or a destination wedding, color or a unique ethnic wedding gown that celebrates cultural heritage. We offer a 30 minute free consultation for our prospective bridal customers where we discuss their concept , theme or special request for their dream gown. Once we understand the brides vision we sketch their gown, source fabrics, laces or embroidery. After the bride approves the sketch and fabric it is about a 6 month lead time from start to finish. Each gown is meticulously crafted and altered to ensure a perfect fit. We uphold the highest quality standards with couture sewing and finishes.
I am proud to have had the privilege of serving brides for over 25 years.

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

I do manufacture my products. I knew how to manufacture sewn products from working in the apparel industry for many years. I have found vendors to manufacture for me and they have worked out well. Several factors go into finding the right vendors : years in business, reputation in the industry, quality standards, size of business and products produced. Lessons learned – be patient during the interviewing factory process. Make sure to test vendors out for quality.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

I sell on Etsy my upcycle brand : ” I Do Redo!”. I have only recently opened my Etsy shop. I don’t have a lot of experience with Etsy yet, but a pro would be I am able to reach a larger audience looking specifically for hand made through Etsy. I Do Redo! is an wedding gown upcycle storefront. We upcycle worn wedding gowns into heirloom products such as : bridal robes, pillows, handkerchief, purses and baby’s Christening gown.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.suzanndesigns.com
• Instagram: suzanndesigns
• Facebook: SuZann Designs Custom & Alterations

Image Credits

Deanna Grace Photography
AngelandJose Model Couple