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

Alright, Tricia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How has Covid changed your business model?

I have had a costume build shop since 2010. I started in Las Vegas and have clients such as Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group, Broadway Shows and Disney. What has helped me to succeed in my career has been my love and knowledge of pattern making. I was often asked by my peers to share my knowledge about pattern making, so in 2013, I developed my first class. I taught classes along side my business on the weekends as I built up my client list and worked as the Assistant Wardrobe for Jersey Boys.
In 2016, I moved to North Carolina and was able to continue my business here. People were still wanting my classes, so I put them online. My thought was maybe I could grow my teaching along side my entertainment business to eventually move into that full time since I was starting to get burnt out on the stress of working in entertainment.
I was planning my first official launch for my course March of 2020. When Covid hit, my thriving costume business disappeared overnight!
I decided to go all in to my classes. I shifted my target audience from theatre professionals wanting to grow their skills to the online home sewing, DIY world. I went all in, because I had no other avenue. What happened, was helping to empower people learn something they thought would be unattainable for them. Since 2021 I get messages weekly if not daily from people telling me I have changed their lives because they can finally make clothes that fit them. It has been more rewarding than I ever could have imagined.
My original goal was to get my teaching business to a point where I could be more selective with my costume clients when the theatre work came back so I wouldn’t have to work to an unhealthy state like I had for so many years. When my clients did come back, I had beyond achieved this goal. I thought about turning down this work. Instead, I chose to continue to serve my clients that it took me years to cultivate and pass on work to others who had also lost their jobs during Covid. I now see this as an opportunity to create jobs for others and allows me to continue to spread my knowledge.
My biggest priority now is to share the power of pattern making with all who wish to learn it. Let it be known that it is accessible and can be fun and easy to learn. All while growing my business and creating job opportunities for other creatives in a healthy work environment.

How did you build your audience on social media?

When I started first moved my classes online, they sat there for over a year. No one signed up. Up until a few years ago, I was against all social media as I had not time with all my work.

I learned quickly that I had to learn about social media marketing. I started following a business coach, Alex Beadon. She was, at that time, focused on showing people how to grow their business through Instagram stories. I invested in her program where she gives a strategic prompt to post to IG stories and build a brand and focus on relationship building.

I studied what online marketing meant. I read books and listened to podcasts. I learned everything I could about the steps to take in marketing an online business. I also made it a point to check out the big players in my industry. I would put myself in the community to learn about them and get on their radar. I would join lives and engage on posts until they began to recognize that even though my handle is @creative.costume.academy, they would say “hi Tricia” and would know who I was.

I now have over 7,000 followers and have just started a YouTube channel this year. I have had a private business coach, Yvette Mayer, for 3 years who helps me with strategy. I have also invested in Alex Beadon’s newest marketing program helping membership sites with big launches.

I also put myself out there to connect with accounts who had a bigger following than I had to collaborate in live events.

Marketing an online business is completely different that growing a costume shop business, but I studied and invested in people who could help me get there with strategy. I have focused on building relationships and engaging with my audience. People buy from people. Building the Know, Like and Trust factor is EVERYTHING. – and honestly, it’s a lot of fun to connect with others all over the world who have the same interests as you!

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I would say the top three books that have helped me in my business are:

Profit First by Mike Michalowicz – how to manage your finances in a way that you are building profit and rewarding yourself for having your own business while being able to pay all of your taxes.

The Big Leap by Gay Hendrix – I have listened to this book over and over. It focuses on mindset and know how to focus on your zone of genius so that you can live up to your highest potential and not self sabotage.

Launch by Jeff Walker – This was how I launched my first course. Building momentum before the open cart and providing value to my audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: creativecostumeacademy.com
• Instagram: @creative.costume.academy
• Facebook: Tricky Patterns and Biz page Creative Costume Academy
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYmHkX4zhzw0Y2fE_6E9I4A @creativecostumeacademy
• Other: TikTok @Creativecostumeacademy