Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Bustos.
Jessica, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Hi! I’m Jess. I’m a work from home mom, raising two beautiful little girls who together with my husband have inspired me to follow my dreams and create Lil Luxe Collection. In college, I took classes in Graphic and Fashion Design but my degrees are in Architecture and Interior Design.
The birth of my first daughter during the second year of my Masters took me into a whirl of change. Becoming a mother and changing directions in my career plans to be a stay at home mom was a bit of a shock but without having done so, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I started Lil Luxe Collection in 2014 two years after the birth of my second daughter using the little bit of fashion design knowledge I received from school and combined it with my architectural design knowledge in drafting and graphic design to fuel my creative soul that was buried under diapers and bottles.
Having sewn since I was nine and two beautiful little girls as my muse, I quickly got back to my passion of design and construction only I wouldn’t be designing interiors or buildings anymore…this would be a new venture. And so I created Lil Luxe Collection, modern sewing patterns with couture details.
I am self-taught in the world of garment design and construction. I get inspiration not only from my two sassy girls but also from the gorgeous city we live in, Chicago. I love the architecture and social atmosphere here. Lil Luxe Collection sewing patterns are multifunctional, easy wearing clothes that can be dressed up or down to fit many occasions. Urban Princess is a phrase that comes to mind.
I love seeing the outcome from something that started in my head to something I can touch but more than anything else I love seeing my garments come alive through the dance of my little girls and the smiles on their faces. I pour my heart and soul into everything I do… I have fire and drive and can’t wait to see what will become of Lil Luxe Collection in the years to come. I love learning new things and am constantly evolving and or finding new ways to improve.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In the beginning, the hardest choice was giving up my dream and career as an Architect. I’m the kind of person who gives 100% and I couldn’t be the mom I wanted to be and put in the kind of devotion I knew was necessary to be a successful architect. The choice was clear but rough nonetheless.
As my girls grew more independent and I came out of zombie mode, I started looking for a creative outlet. I started networking with seamstresses online and connecting with other moms who sewed for their daughters for the same reason I did. The reason being that ready to wear clothing just didn’t fit right. My daughters like me, are short and petite. Dresses were too long for their size or pants that fit their waist were too short in the legs.
With many years of experience in altering my own clothes, I quickly realized the only way I could get their clothes to fit right as if I made them myself. My hobby became my new career when I received many compliments on my style and requests for how to make a similar outfit to what I had made. And so, Lil Luxe Collection was born. I began educating myself in the ways of pattern drafting and testing, starting with 1 pattern every 2-3 months.
As I developed a routine and established set blocks for girl sizes 18m-10y, I was able to create new patterns once a month and am currently releasing 2-3 new patterns per month. Throughout this new endeavor, the greatest challenge has been balancing everyday family life and work.
As a MOMtrepreneur, I handle everything from conceptual design/construction to accounting and website management for my business and juggle carpools and after-school activities along with necessary house cleaning. It’s quite a unique balance but I couldn’t do it alone. My husband is my rock and best support system; our girls understand the value of hard work and haven’t missed a day with me since they were born.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Lil Luxe Collection – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Lil Luxe Collection is a pattern company specializing in sewing patterns for girl sizes 18m-10y. Many people have the common misconception that I sew to sell garments but I just create patterns in standard sizes that offer instruction on how to alter the pattern to fit appropriately with unique “fabric real“ illustrations that show step by step construction details.
Each size is sewn/tested by 1-3 seamstresses around the world who’s daughters graciously test and model Lil Luxe patterns. Our Pattern Tutorials are available worldwide for digital download on our website and Etsy.
Lil Luxe style is very modern and a little high fashion for all those sassy little girls out there. With just the right amount of girliness, I design easy to wear patterns that leave room for the seamstresses own creativity and interpretation. I am most proud of the network I’ve created, the empowering women I’ve met and the strong mom I’ve become.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I planned Lil Luxe Collection so that it grew as my girls did. I slowly built it up and now that my girls are in school full time I can really dive into it and give it my all. Now that I have an established routine for my work, I am planning on hiring out for a lot of the work I do… accounting and web management being the first!
I really hate numbers and coding!! This will leave me more time for new designs and give me the time to start expanding into bigger sizes for tweens and women, a common request in our pattern group.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lilluxecollection.com
- Email: info@lilluxecollection.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilluxecollection/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lilluxegroup/
Image Credit:
Etta Hardwick Photography
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