Because I Have To...

Ok, so this is the post I've been dreading... Crowdfunding... I'm not good at it. As a new business, I'm broke. That's something that most consumers don't know about small businesses; you really need a nice chunk of capital in order to begin operations. I went to business school after receiving my degree in Fashion Design, and while they taught us all of the ins and outs of "business," they didn't really elaborate much on how to actually obtain the funds needed to start a company.

Luckily, we live in the digital world full of social media marketing and a larger sense of online community. So I decided to put together and launch a crowd-funding campaign to help me raise the start-up funds needed to get this show on the road. I've had several donations, which I am incredibly grateful and appreciative for, but in all honesty, it's HARD!! I wasn't aware that Facebook sucks in terms of actually reaching out to people. Maybe you have 572 friends, but I can guarantee that only about 15 of them actually see what you post. And, when you rely Heavily on the support of your social circle (whether it's full of close friends and family or distant acquaintances) it's critical that as many people see it as possible! Facebook's platform seems to be Pay-to-Play, so without "Boosting" my post, the same 5 people are the only ones Liking and Sharing. This is a BIG PROBLEM!

So, after realizing this, I transitioned over to Twitter. They are SO much better when it comes to actually connecting with others and getting your message out! Granted, I have no idea how many (if any) of the donations came from Twitter followers, but I have connected with many other professionals who are interested in what I'm doing. Some have helped by retweeting my link and some are interested in collaborating! (Remember that photo shoot I mentioned in the last post? Well, the photographer found me on Twitter!) 

Now, without further ado, I'm sharing my IndieGoGo fundraising campaign because I need help. I really need help. If there's someone out there that's interested in historical costuming, couture wedding gowns, or just supporting small businesses, please do me the giant favor of making a contribution today. There's less than 30 days left now, and I'm only 2% of the way to my goal. I really Really need your help! Click here to make a donation. 

Thanks for reading!

Round 2

Hello again!

Ok sorry for the delay, things have been super hectic and I'm terrible at keeping up with a blog. BUT it's pretty important so here we go... Trying!

So in my first post I just kind of introduced myself and wrote a tiny bit about my first piece as a business, here's a picture to recap!

Today I want to show off present another project I'm working on. I initially I started the project just wanting to replicate the "smoldering temptress" from one of my favorite movies, Moulin Rouge. BUT, since I'm an official business entity now, I started thinking about the legal stuff and decided to avoid ANY trouble with copyright infringement I should make some changes:

....And Now!

I know, I'm pretty excited about it too! ;) It kind of has a bit of an 1898 Vampiress from Interview with the Vampire (another one of my favorite movies) feel to it now with the changes I've made and I'm so glad! I luckily had just the right amount of black sequin mesh, beaded trim, and a black appliqué to really complete the look! 

Well, I'd say this post was a success *still keeps fingers crossed* Thanks for reading and viewing the pictures! Stay tuned though for a stylized photo shoot of this dress with a Gothic Glam model friend of mine :D

~Monica <3

Hello World!!

...Here's to the first post, let's not screw it up... OH HI!

So, my name is Monica, I'm a designer, and as of this June I became a small business owner! 

"Designer of what?" you may ask... Well, I am a costume designer,  particularly historical costumes from the 16th to the 20th centuries. I also have a very soft spot in my heart for wedding dresses, so I do a bit of that as well (which I'll get to in a later post!) 

"What's your new business called?" you may wonder... Well, I am so Proud to present, Boxcar Boutique! 

I have been sewing since I was 6 years old, by hand at first, and then a few years later I disobeyed my mother and dabbled with the "broken" vintage sewing machine inherited from my grandmother! Ever since then, I've continued to develop my skills as a seamstress (ohhh sexy..) even went to College for it. 

Yup, so I went to FIDM (the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising) for fashion design, graduated, stayed another 1.5 years to get my Bachelors in business management, graduated from that and then... did nothing with it. Until Now :D

I had a realization one day that I have a unique talent, with "college degrees" to back it up, and the independent personality to start something real for myself, a Real Career! SO, here I am.

Now, I want you to see something, it's my very first project as a bonafide business:

First of all, this is my sister, she was my very first client! Second of all, it was my very first piece as Boxcar Boutique :D My sister volunteered at the Memphis Renaissance this past August and I can guarantee she was the best lookin' broad there! Initially, neither of us knew what we were getting ourselves into, but to make a long story short, she's incredibly happy with her gown and will return to me for next year's Faire frock!

Ok, so I feel like I've said enough about myself for now, but stick around folks, I've got plenty more to show & tell!

~Monica