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

Elizabeth, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I stumbled upon my purpose approximately 4 years ago when my oldest daughter, then 3, was really into dressing up in princess clothing and yet also really loved outdoor activities; jumping in mud, playing in sandboxes, rolling down grassy hills etc… The princess dresses she had were a pain to wash. Many had electronic parts for lights and sound that required handwashing, which is burdensome for a busy mom! My mother-in-law, who is an amazing sewer and knew I had experience sewing quilts, taught me how to read patterns to make clothing for my daughter. My daughter picked all the items, and I knew they were machine washable so we ended up with skirts and dresses that had tulle, glitter waistbands and pretty colors and yet could also be tossed in the washing machine. I found that this type of sewing was fulfilling and exciting to me and I also realized it had potential when friends asked for items for their daughters as well.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I sew clothing that is fun and functional for young kiddos. Little kids love to dress up and feel like a princess and yet also want to explore the world with zero care about getting messy. And how freeing is that feeling? That it’s not just OK, it’s normal to dress amazing and not live your life worrying about messes. My two daughters, 7 and 5, also pick the majority of the prints that I use. I’ve discovered many adults gravitate towards neutral colors, but children love vibrant color. That’s why most of my items are brightly colored, fun prints and what feels like happy colors to me. Additionally, I sew items in small batches, usually 5 of each size or fewer are made. Each child has a unique personality and it’s nice to see them in clothes that are not mass produced and on many of their friends as well. For the parents, I make each item with the goal that it will outlast their child and be passed onto a sibling, friend etc… As a mom of two children, I know the value of lasting 

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The first skill that was impactful in my journey was the basic skill of learning to read patterns for sewing but also adjust and adapt them for my needs. This has allowed me to create custom sizing as needed. Many parents struggle finding a dress that is one size waist and another size length, and that skill has allowed me to sew what they need.
The second skill that was impactful to me was learning how to price my items. I was lucky enough to make friends with several other business owners who nurtured my growth and encouraged me to have faith in my skills and who I am as a person. If I hadn’t had that boost of confidence, I would have easily underestimated myself and likely would not have lasted past the first year.
The third skill that was impactful to me was asking for help. It may not seem like a skill, but it truly takes time to develop the ability to admit help is needed. From hanging and price tagging items to helping me sell those items, it’s imperative to ask for help from family and friends who want to see you succeed. Women, whether as a mom or a small business owner, often try to do it all to prove they can keep up and have it all. Having the skill to ask for help doesn’t make us less successful or less strong- it just means we know where our time truly should be spent and where we can outsource to others.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed within my business, I tend to do two things. First, I text some of my best friends, those who have been there for me for decades and also those who have their own businesses and I know speak to daily. They are a great resource for either advice or just hysterical takes on events that have me laughing and forgetting why I was stressed. The second thing I do is remind myself “what’s the worst that could happen?” and just do it. For example, sometimes experimenting with new patterns can be challenging as I try to master them. My initial reaction is to over think it and reread the pattern way too many times before I sew another stitch. But what works best for me in the end is I remember “what’s the worst that could happen?” and I just give it a try. Maybe I do it wrong and have to rip out stitches. Maybe it’s so bad I ruin that piece of fabric and have to grab a new one. But most times, I figure it out and realize it wasn’t as hard as I thought. It reminds me to have confidence in myself and my abilities and to not fear trying something new. Doing all this while blasting some great tunes and drinking a strong coffee helps too. Setting yourself up to be in a good mood is never a bad idea.

 Meet Elizabeth Hall - Bold Journey Magazine