We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Theresa Taylor a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Theresa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s something crazy on unexpected that’s happened to you or your business

Well, I have to admit that I never thought I would be sharing this particular story with anyone but, it is the most craziest that I could think of. And what’s even more bizarre, I still have the emails from this past client! Just to remind myself just how versatile I can be.
Back in 2011 when I was living in Chicago, I was always putting ads on Craigslist for sewing projects. Rather if it was for dresses, alterations or classes. I would get random request from people asking for so many different things. Some things I took on and some I had to turn down due to reasons of late notice, lack of information or whatever.
Being the risk taker that I am, I decided to take on a project from a man who wanted something custom made. He assured me that I was capable of creating what he was asking for.
After countless emails back and forth, we were comfortable enough to trust each other to make the transactions of me getting a deposit and him sending me the fabric and other materials needed to complete the project.
I was still not 100% sure on what he wanted according to his messages but he had faith in me that I could do it no matter what, because it was simple let him tell it.
I get the package he sent with the fabric and I was not prepared for how much it actually was. I couldn’t figure out how he got over 20 yards of 60 wide tricot in a small box, but it was packed in the box very well!
I get it all out and I go over the instructions that he sent with it. I knew that making a sample would be needed first, so as I started to make the measurements, it was starting to make sense to me on what he wanted me to make but I wanted to be absolutely sure. So, I was going over and over in my head how to make the actual garment while I was cutting it out and pinning the pieces together.
At one point, I did get very frustrated with it because the layers were piling up and it was getting harder to keep them all together as requested. Once I was able to get a good amount cut and pinned, I then decided to baste the pieces together, just so I could see what the hell I was really making, and then it came together.
This guy had me making a giant pair of “man panties” that he wanted to be very fluffy and full, sort of diaper-like but very big to fit him.
I found myself constantly and hysterically laughing at them while I was attaching the elastic around the top and sides.
I should have known it was something out the box because he went by the name “Sissy”.
Once I came to my conclusion on what I was sewing, I then asked him to confirm what I was making and he indeed said it was something he was having a hard time finding someone to understand, let alone make for him, and I did make it happen for him. I got my final payment, shipping cost and a tip for my patience. In about 5 days he received his special package and was satisfied with the results.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve been a seamstress for over 30 years and an one on one sewing instructor for about 15 years. I have sewn many things including wallets, tote bags, earrings, clothing and worked with many different fabrics including leather, hair on hide, linen and faux fur.
I have enjoyed working in the bridal industry as an alterations specialist but now I am ready to start creating my own couture designs and even creating custom pieces as well.
I have even come up with a new garment steaming service to clients particularly brides who need their gown freshly steamed for their special day! This is a mobile service that I can provide the day of the ceremony! I offer other alterations as well, the prices range from $45-$300+, depending on what is needed.
Custom dresses or gowns require a consultation and fee, deposit if needed and at least 6 months to 1 year in advance.
When it comes to custom and couture, I not only give great quality construction but I also give my knowledge on fabrics and fit, which helps clients solve a lot of guessing on what works for them. I can get clients to take emotion out and allow logic to come in. Some people are not aware of clothing construction and how it works, all they have in mind is what they want and how fast can I get it done.

Having the education and experience in sewing and in fashion, sets me at a high level in my industry. And having the capabilities of passing my skills on by teaching others to do the same, gives me even more leverage over most competitors. I do offer one on one sewing classes and I provide all the materials needed to complete the project including sewing machine use. The classes are open for 3 hours on Saturdays and Sundays. Times can be determined by myself and the student’s availability. Prices for classes start at $57 for 3 hours and I can work out a long term price for anyone willing to make the investment.

I am most proud of the growth and determination I have made in past years, despite the major setbacks and losses, lack of support and resources, even feelings of giving up did not stop me from getting back up when knocked down and pushing to move forward, even in my darkest hour and my back against the wall.
I believe everyone has a great story to tell about their journey, no matter the path. We are all here to learn and to teach each other what we know. And for me, I can allow people to share those with like minded fellow sewing students and designers of all walks of life.
I share the many experiences I have had in college, retail jobs and other places, as well as other people that I have met, who have made an impact on me in some sort of way, that I have carried on as great advice or inspiration.
I put all of that love and pride back into my students and any project I take on, and that makes everything worth the time and energy put in to it.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I have 3 sons, all are adults now but back in 2016, my oldest son was killed by his neighbors, he was 26 years old. What’s even more devastating, he was killed on the same day as my youngest son’s birthday, his brother. So, instead of telling my son happy birthday, I had to tell him his brother had died.
As a mother, I don’t know how I am able to go on with life knowing I lost my child, my first born.
Living with that pain everyday from that point and having to be a pillar of strength for my other sons, was and has been a tremendous challenge for me.
We have to go on and celebrate my living son on his birthdays and yet still mourn my other one at the same time, on the same day, pretty much forever.
It’s 2024/2025 and although I am still grieving, I have been standing strong, not giving up, getting inspired and motivated to live in my purpose, even in my pain, I have been resilient.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

I do have an Etsy shop and a small quantity of hand made items for sell. I like Etsy because it is a open platform for crafters and skilled creatives to sell their one of a kind pieces to the world, right from the comfort of your couch!
It is easy to use and has all the tools you need to set up your shop including shipping cost. It would be nice if they had more ways to advertise from the platform. And I have had technical issues when it comes to sharing on certain social media platforms.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clothesruleschoolofsewing/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reereethequeen
• Twitter: https://x.com/Icansteamyou2
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ClothesRule

Image Credits

all images and photos are credit to myself, Theresa Taylor