https://voyagetampa.com/interview/an-inspired-chat-with-desiree-singletary-of-lakeland-highlight

An Inspired Chat with Desiree Singletary of Lakeland

Desiree Singletary shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Desiree, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I wake up early every morning at 5:00. I feed my cats, and I get a matcha before heading down the hallway to my sewing room. I work alone, at home, but I’m a strict boss, so I get right to work. I always have a few custom orders, but the majority of my business nowadays comes from bridal alterations. I usually like to finish at least one order a day.
I look at my schedule for the week and determine which bride/woman/dress is the most crucial to work on next. I usually have music, Audible, or even a show playing while I do alterations. Around 7:30 every weekday, I drive to my mom’s house and we walk her dogs. Sometimes we go shopping afterwards or to brunch. Then I come home and start sewing again if I don’t have any appointments. If I have an appointment, I get the fitting room ready and the whole house cleaned for guests. Appointments take anywhere from 10-60minutes. I have around 6 appointments on average every week. This includes new clients, clients returning for fittings, and clients picking up gowns. Around 4:00 most days, my husband comes home and we start to work on dinner, and then just relax the rest of the evening.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, I’m Desireé. I’m a bridal designer seamstress in Lakeland, FL, who loves mixing vintage and modern fashion. One of my favorite projects to take on is refurbishing mother’s/grandmother’s gowns for the daughter to wear for her wedding/rehearsal/bridal shower. I have done refurbishing of vintage gowns where we make them more modern for the bride and fit to her size, and I have done other transformations from vintage gowns to Memory Bears/Cats, clutches, bridal robes, and more. Another piece I am proud of that I recently created is my zip-off Penelope gown. It’s a pink, floral Bridgerton-inspired gown with lace details that zips off above the knee for a cute mini dress. The idea is that you could wear the full-length version for your ceremony and zip off the bottom for the reception.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
My mom and pictures of my childhood will tell you I have always been the fashion girl, the girly-girl, the girl who overdresses. But, I have lost count of how many times I have been told, This is not a fashion show. I love all the ruffles, pearls, floral, lace, and poofy dresses, and I struggle to always keep those voices out of my head telling me that I’m overdressing, or it’s not a fashion show. I hope to inspire young girls to dress as they want and how they feel best, not to want to blend in just because they fear getting called out.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Wear the dress. Take more photos. Focus more on producing good work instead of struggling to find more clients/marketing.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
My husbands. We grew up together. We’re high-school sweethearts. We changed together over the years, and I trust his soul and mind, so I would go to him first.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
Customers tell me that I’m patient and kind.