Life & Work with Danielle Simpson of Shawnee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Simpson.

Hi Danielle, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I became interested in design and sewing at a very young age. My parents even gave me a beginner sewing machine for me in elementary school. My interest grew in high school in FACS class in my first year. I continued to take sewing every year, advancing to the next class. I took this interest to college and got my Bachelor’s in Apparel in Textile Design. Graduating two months before COVID-19, I struggled to find a job. I was unemployed for quite a while before working with a family member in the mortgage business. At this time, my husband and I were also blessed with our baby boy, Izaiah. We saved as much as possible before he came along, and then I started my new life as a stay-at-home mom. All through that time, I had sewed for myself, close friends, and family when they needed it. Many kept asking me why you are not charging people for this. I started to consider that. I’m staying home and can start something for myself if I want to! I have always wanted to work for myself with something in design. It seemed crazy not to take the opportunity that life has given me to start something of my own. So now here we are. I have been designing and altering for over a year and absolutely love it!

It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Some of my struggles along the way were getting organized initially. I am still trying to perfect the numbers side of running a business and finding the right programs that work for me to help me stay organized and keep track of everything.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in customizing garments for my clients. What sets me apart is my passion for sustainability and repurposing. My favorite projects are when clients come to me with old clothing and an idea of what we could change to give it another life. Projects I find the most joy and am most proud of would be taking a client’s mother or grandmother’s dress and customizing it for the bride to wear at a shower, dress rehearsal, or wedding reception. I love to do it because it reduces waste, and seeing the bond and connection between the mother and bride is lovely.

What does success mean to you?
How I define success is through someone’s happiness. Success does not mean money or things to me, but the opportunity to wake up every day, do what you love, and be surrounded by the people you love.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alterations.by.dani?igsh=Zzdhaml2OG05NXI3&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Trudy Peterson