Today we’d like to introduce you to Janeen Brown.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Third generation seamstress. My grandmother (father’s mom) taught my mom and my mother taught me. All of us self taught. My grandmother would share stories of her time with clients and the beautiful garments she constructed from dresses to all sorts of coats. She was commissioned from local shops to do alterations which is incredible to be sought out. I’m truly proud of that. I would enjoy bringing my garments to her to inspect up until her days prior transitioning which was one of my favorite past times with her. I never got to see my grandmother in action, only stories. However, my mother I watched first hand pinning clients that would come to the house. I got to witness her process in creating garments like custom full 3 piece suits for the men, bridal parties including wedding gowns and still had time to create custom pieces for me as well. From me sitting on her lap since three with a front row seat to emulating her during my playtime reconstructing Barbie outfits or custom pieces out of my mothers scraps or too small socks.
My very first custom piece for someone else was for my younger cousin who had career day in middle school wanting to dress as a designer, she requested i make her a piece to fit the look. I recycled burgundy and yellow corduroy’s mixed with denim to create a one of a kind two piece jacket and skirt set. I was in high school at this time.
Through my childhood i was a plus size kid that made it incredibly hard to find my size and age appropriate. Being plus sized i was limited to adult apparel which was no fun. My mother would create me garments often which helped my self esteem when it came to how I dressed. This is the reason that I continue doing what i do, full time since 2011
Based off my clientele, all shades, shapes, sizes and backgrounds is who i have the privilege of creating for. It’s my homage to the little Janeen who didn’t have the off the rack commercial figure. I get to create for women, men and children all with the desire to look and feel amazing. It’s my ministry to empower others and this is one of the vehicles, creating custom garments and tailoring to assist individuals in shining their light in the world as the true beacons they are.
My why i started after my father transitioning 2009. I remember a couple years prior showing him sketches of some original designs and he was enamored. He always wanted me to finish college. That was him and my mother’s perception of guaranteed future success. However, i remember that day i showed him my designs, he asked me if designing is what i truly want. I said yes and he told me to “go do that then.” No more imposed conversations on what i should do with my life. My father was a master electrician who was an entrepreneur who would take me on jobs to meet his clients and see what he did. His electrical work inspired my tagline line “Be A Beacon”
It was my mother and grandmother sewing skills imbedded in me and my fathers entrepreneurial journey that he shared is both how i got started and how i got where i am today including all the clients who not only patronize my business, the referrals from their networks. I’ve managed to last this long with referrals only. No marketing. Pure connection, true alignment and that’s what i value. How I got started was with the “permission” from my parents, the acknowledgement that they see me for who I am, what lights me up and creating makes my heart sing.
Now full time a mobile seamstress, which I fully pivoted to after covid. Prior i only went to my regulars, however, after covid the connivence was a hit so as they say “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” Even still new clients can’t believe this exist and I’m grateful that I can provide the space for it.
Mother of five daughters, for whom i have the pleasure of either creating custom garments for or custom Barbie clothes…..just know the legacy continues.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The only struggle I’ve had over the years was my perspective/mindset to be honest. Over the years since i begun, stepping away here and there navigating motherhood and figuring out what being a business owner looks like among that. Often in society we are told once we become parents our dreams are to be put on hold. On top of that postpartum is real. I’m sure many can relate. The challenge with stepping away it hinders consistency, brand trust, and the popular question “ are you still sewing.” Whenever I got out my own way, i always come back stronger and a bit wiser. Challenges are lessons to me and my faith in my purpose and what i can do in this life is even stronger
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I design, sew from my own patterns custom garments. I tailor and alter garments. I specialize in fit, body contouring no matter the fabrication. I’d also say I specialize in customer service and I’m known for empowering my clients. That’s what sets me apart. The relationship and bonds I cocreate with my clients. I’m super proud of that which has allowed me often to provide service for entire families through the years. I’ve gotten to watch siblings grow up that I’ve done work for. I’m proud when my clients take ownership of the experience i provide and share me with their networks by referencing me as their seamstress. That puts me in the mind of the family attorney or family nanny for example.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I’d say take a business class as soon as possible. Book keeping is super important. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.Find a mentor or more than one. One in your Field and another in business in general that can show you how to network. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you and can place you in rooms that you wouldn’t be able to get in yourself. The old adage “your network, determines your net worth” still rings true. Network in the placers you’d expect to find our customer. Not just in the places to be popular. Popularity doesn’t always pay, your customers do.Take classes in your craft and stay curious. Whether or not you have a signature, still stay a breast of the evolution of your craft. Invest in yourself and your business. Be ok with sacrificing time and attention because you’ll either do it in the beginning or the end. Plan your days with intention. Your time is your most valuable asset. Have nonnegotiable and stand on them. Most importantly always remember your why because that should be at the forefront of every decision. Will this choice get me closer or further away. That applies to people, places and things. Begin and end the day with yourself with moments of peace/solitude. Productivity is up when you are clear. Stay positive. Everything is a lesson. Remain a student. Be teachable. Have fun. Be ok with hard. Read books. Make time for yourself. Pivot when necessary. It’s ok to quit to make room for a better opportunity. Never sacrifice your health because health is wealth including the vitality of your business/craft. Stay visible doing what you love.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://sobiubeacon.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sobiu_beacon?srtk=Z2dkbHg1Mzh0cnpz&utm_source=qr
