Community Highlights: Meet Donna Bragg of Donna Bragg, Professional Seamstress

Today we’d like to introduce you to Donna Bragg.

Hi Donna, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Loving wife to Kent and proud mother of two daughters, Donna Bragg is an entrepreneur managing a Nutrition Coaching business and an Alterations business. In 2024, she also launched her own pageant system, Regal Princess Pageants, for girls ages 0-17.

Once an adult struggling with morbid obesity and diagnosed with hypertension and prediabetes, Donna knew she had to turn her life around—not only for herself but for her family. In 2020, she obtained certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine and has lost 110 pounds without the aid of medications or restrictive dieting! Through her business, No Rules Health, she now helps others make lasting lifestyle changes for better health. Donna is passionate about learning new skills daily to improve her and her family’s lives, which led her to earn an Accounting degree from the University of Phoenix.

Donna has served as a Diet Ambassador for The Mayo Clinic Diet, inspiring others to embrace healthier habits. She has also partnered with MyPlate.gov and Feeding America to promote better nutrition education for those lacking access to such resources. Thanks to her weight loss and newfound confidence, Donna stepped into the world of pageantry in 2022. Her pageant platform, “A Happy Heart,” raises awareness of fad diets, educates on proper nutrition, and shares everyday tips for making small changes that lead to significant achievements. As a pageant competitor, Donna has won three national titles in the past three years, including Ms. USA Prime Ambassador 2022, AmeriFest National Ambassador 2024, and AmeriFest Princess 2024 in the Women’s Division. She was also a 2024 The Queen’s Magnet Model, recently inducted as a Lifetime Queen with The Queen’s Magnet organization, and is the reigning 2025 Ohio’s Ultimate Elegant Queen, preparing for Nationals in June.

When it comes to unique pageant wardrobes, Donna shines—just like the 30,000 rhinestones she meticulously hand-placed on one of her competition gowns last year. Her love of seamstress work began in childhood when her grandmother provided scraps of leftover fabric from skirts she made. Donna used these pieces to hand-sew clothing for her Barbie dolls. Once she was old enough to join 4-H, she participated in sewing projects that consistently won First Place in her class. As a seamstress of 20+ years, Donna designs and creates most of her competition wardrobe. She also loves assisting her pageant, wedding, and prom clients in bringing their unique designs to life!

Recently, Donna and her family made the big decision to relocate to Rochester Hills, Michigan for an exciting career opportunity for Kent, which also aligns with their family’s future. “This opportunity in Rochester Hills was simply too good to pass up. It aligns perfectly with our long-term career aspirations and family goals. Rochester Hills offers excellent schools, a safe and welcoming community, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. We wanted a place where we could build a stronger future together, and this city checked all the boxes. It’s not just about my career—it’s about improving our overall quality of life,” Donna shares.

Donna Bragg’s journey is one of resilience, ambition, and passion. From overcoming personal health challenges to thriving as an entrepreneur, seamstress, and pageant queen, her story is proof that growth comes from dedication and belief in oneself. As she and her family embark on a new chapter in Rochester Hills, Michigan, the future looks brighter than ever—filled with opportunities, success, and the continued pursuit of excellence. With unwavering determination, Donna is ready to embrace all that lies ahead, inspiring others to follow their dreams and take charge of their own journeys.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like any great journey, Donna’s path has had its fair share of challenges. Her battle with morbid obesity, hypertension, and prediabetes was one of the most difficult yet defining moments of her life. She had to make significant lifestyle changes—not just for herself, but for her family’s well-being. Overcoming those health obstacles required determination, discipline, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.

Starting and managing multiple businesses also brought hurdles along the way. Balancing entrepreneurship, personal growth, and family responsibilities required sacrifices, late nights, and continuous learning. The transition into the world of pageantry was another challenge—navigating competitions, building confidence, and developing a platform that could truly impact others. Yet, despite these struggles, she has thrived, turning each obstacle into fuel for success.

Relocating to Rochester Hills, Michigan, is yet another big transition—new beginnings often come with uncertainty. But Donna’s resilience and drive have always helped her push forward. She embraces the challenges, knowing that each obstacle is an opportunity for growth, pushing her toward new possibilities and success.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Donna Bragg’s Seamstress Business – Bringing Dreams to Life Through Fabric
For more than 20 years, Donna Bragg has turned fabric into works of art, specializing in custom alterations, pageant gowns, wedding dresses, and prom designs. What sets Donna apart is not just her technical expertise but her ability to transform a vision into a masterpiece—whether it’s a dazzling stage gown or an elegantly tailored fun fashion piece.

What Makes Her Business Stand Out?
Customization at its Finest – Every piece is tailored to fit perfectly, ensuring elegance, confidence, and comfort for each client.

Handcrafted Detail – With a meticulous eye for detail, Donna adds her signature touch, whether it’s custom beadwork, hand-placed rhinestones, or intricate stitching that enhances every garment’s beauty.

Expert Alterations – From bridal gowns to formal wear, she provides precise alterations that help clients feel and look their best on life’s biggest occasions.

Pageant Wardrobe Excellence – Known for award-winning pageant gowns, Donna’s designs stand out on stage, blending stunning craftsmanship with unique vision.

What She’s Most Proud of Brand-Wise
One of Donna’s most celebrated achievements was hand-placing 30,000 rhinestones onto a pageant gown, an example of the dedication and artistry behind every garment she creates. This level of commitment has earned her recognition within the pageant community, making her one of the go-to seamstresses for competitors looking for something truly one-of-a-kind.

Why Clients Love Her Work
Donna doesn’t just design clothing—she builds confidence. Whether it’s a dream wedding dress or a statement piece for a national pageant, her business focuses on empowering individuals through expertly crafted attire. Clients trust her not only for the quality of her work but for the personalized care she puts into every project.

Services & Expertise
Donna’s business isn’t just about fashion—it’s about transformation. She takes ideas and brings them to life with skill, heart, and a dedication to excellence. Her services include:

~Custom design

~Alterations for bridal, prom, and formal wear

~Pageant wardrobe design and embellishment

~Fabric artistry and hand-sewn detailing

For those who want a garment that embodies individuality and elegance, Donna’s expertise ensures that every piece reflects quality, creativity, and perfection.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Michigan has so much to offer! What stands out the most is its natural beauty—from the stunning Great Lakes to picturesque forests and charming small towns, there’s an abundance of outdoor adventures. Our absolute favorite place to visit is Frankenmuth! The changing seasons are breathtaking, especially fall, when the foliage creates a colorful masterpiece. Michigan also has a strong automotive and entrepreneurial spirit, with a rich history tied to innovation, craftsmanship, and industry.

On the other hand, the winters can be brutal, with heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures making travel difficult. While Michigan’s cities and communities have a lot to offer, some areas face economic challenges, especially in regions that were once heavily dependent on manufacturing. However, that same resilience that defines Michigan helps it to push forward and evolve.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.regalprincesspageants.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/no_rules_health
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theseamstress84