Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Kolis.
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?
Sewing was my favorite hobby as a little girl! I would take all the kids classes and camps that I could growing up. Then when Joann’s wouldn’t let me sign up for the adult sewing classes because I HAD to be 18, my parents got me a private sewing tutor, Vicki. I started my business in 2012 doing t-shirt quilts for seniors, then quickly entered the bridal market doing bridal alterations and custom gowns. While growing my business, I also worked in the auto industry as a “Trim Engineer” for 6.5 years where I designed the patterns for car seats. Luckily at that job I got my MBA/MSM. I took my business officially full time in 2022 as that was a booming bridal market at that time. From childhood to today, I have been completely obsessed with all things sewing and dresses, and am always looking for new ways to learn and grow! Today we offer bridal alterations, custom gowns, vintage-redesigns, semi-custom embroidery products, and so much more!
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?
Of course being a female entrepreneur has it’s many challenges, it is hard for people in my personal life to understand and support. However, I have created a tough mentality to work through all those difficulties and have found much success in a unique lifestyle choice. As you can imagine, the bridal industry generates emotional clientele, the emotions are extreme. Of course, it is so rewarding to see those excited happy emotions, especially as a bride smiles in the mirror at her last fitting and you can tell she is so happy, excited, and confident in how she looks, and I am so honored to pay such an important role in that woman’s big day. However, negative emotions can run strong as well, and navigating those pain points with a bride on such a high-stress event is something I have had to experience, learn, and grow from over the years. Bottom line, you never know what is walking through that door!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Sarah Kolis Couture Gowns?
What sets us apart is an extremely high level of customer service. The experience the brides receive here is like none other! We provide a complete bridal experience that enhances a woman’s entire engagement journey! We especially specialize in all things custom: custom gowns, custom alterations, custom projects made from mom or grandma’s gown, the list goes on! I am proud to be known as the business that “takes care” of these brides, I like to say I am a self-proclaimed non-certified bridal mental health advocate! I am here to help the brides in all ways, as I understand their situation and have a lot of sympathy for the difficulty of their journey right now. I am very proud to help woman feel confident! We also offer many services and products online, and help women all across the country looking for that special custom touch during their bridal journey.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I have had several mentors throughout my journey. Even though I have an MBA, my biggest advice when it comes to learning how to run a business is to find a business coach. I have worked with Sallie Ogden at the Brimm for years and can attribute much of my success to her. It is easy to gather advice from people in your personal life, but especially as a woman you need to be extra careful who you gather advice from, as your surrounding community may be looking out for your best interest on a personal level, but may not have the best advice in regards to running a business and making money. I also take every opportunity during in-person networking events, big and small. It is refreshing and energizing to have spontaneous, deep conversations with other business owners in person. Surrounding yourself with like-minded aspirational individuals is important.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sarahkolis.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahkolisdesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahkolisdesigns/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-kolis-02a323a8/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sarahkolis4232
