I am new to ASDP and am so very glad I joined this Association! I was introduced to ASDP via Rhonda Buss’ blog. I enrolled in my first conference held in Orlando within days of becoming a member. This group is an over-the-top group of lovely, talented ladies that share the same passion as I – my inspiration was on overload when I returned home from conference. My take-away from this conference was “work smarter, not harder” (thanks to Barbie McCormick) and that there are so many members able and willing to help you perfect your talent, become an expert in your field and become successful in your business.

I am currently the Deputy Director for the Office of State Lands & Investments for the State of Wyoming and still work full time. However, I will be retiring in December, 2018 and plan to begin the next chapter of my life with a custom sewing and alteration business on January 1, 2019 – new year, new chapter. I anticipate that my business will consist of primarily alterations, but am hopeful that I will have custom sewing and design opportunities as well – all options are on the table.

My Mother and Grandmother sewed for me for as long as I can remember. I started sewing at age eight under their tutelage and have continued to “up my game” over the past 50 plus years. Thanks to my Mother and Grandmother, I am obsessed with fit and try to challenge myself with new techniques and complex projects whenever possible. Because I still work full time, I am more of a weekend warrior but do try to incorporate at least one or two “sewcations” each year. I try my best to spend at least 30 minutes a day in my sewing room, be it sewing in a zipper or a couple of seams, cutting out or drafting a pattern or just cleaning up after a weekend project. I find that if I allot myself a minimum of 30 minutes per day I don’t feel too deprived of my passion.

There is absolutely no doubt that I will continue my membership and I am looking forward to future conferences and becoming more involved in ASDP and its mission. I plan to take advantage of the opportunities ASDP provides and enroll in as many conference classes as time will allow. I want further my education and expertise in alteration and sewing techniques, fitting and operating a successful business. I sincerely believe I have found my “peeps” and am looking forward to working with each and every one of you.