VANIA SOUCY @WARDROBESCHOOL
The lockdown in the spring of 2020 was a changing point in many people’s lives and none more so than for Vania Soucy. It was the catalyst that led to her pursuing her dreams and launching her own sewing business, the Wardrobe School. “I figured I'd share my sewing and upcycling skills with others who were interested,” she begins. She tentatively posted those first videos and was amazed by the feedback. “People loved my first videos and that made me keep going. Next, I created a complete course on how to sew a capsule wardrobe, then in 2021 I started a member scheme for upcyclers where we work together on different projects every month.”
These days, sewing is Vania’s full-time job, and she spends her time between teaching the classes for the Wardrobe School and sewing her own designs to sell locally and online, with a style she describes as modern and bohemian but not over the top. “I like the freedom I have. To be honest, I don't even remember working for someone else and just the thought of that makes me cringe!” confesses Vania. “Running my business is my number one priority workwise.”
Social media has been pivotal in helping Vania raise awareness and grow her business. “I love the Instagram community! Not only do I like connecting with other makers but also it helps me a lot to grow my business. Most of my clients and students found me on Instagram,” she recalls proudly.
Vania is originally from Brazil but now lives in New York City. Her mum and her sisters first taught her how to sew. “I didn’t take it seriously until I was around 20 years old and began to make tote bags to sell to my colleagues.” And what does her mum think of turning her intergenerational life skills into a dream job? “She’s 80 now and she tells me every day about how proud she is. We have this passion in common and it makes her very happy.”
As well as feeling like she’s bagged the job of a lifetime; Vania believes this is a path she was destined for. “I know more than I should about the fashion industry and it's very sad,” ponders Vania. “I'm such a small business but I'll always do what I can to reduce issues like textile waste and workers' unfair wages. We are just at the very beginning of tackling this huge problem. Way more must be done.”
And what advice would she give to people looking to upcycle? “Beginners should start by making a pillow or a tote bag from whatever fabric you have at home. When you finish your first piece, you'll be so proud and want to keep going!” And, if you’re already a dab-hand at refashioning your wardrobe, Vania’s going to be relaunching the Wardrobe School membership soon and running courses on how to create an upcycling business.
“I have almost 20 years’ experience and feel like it's time to share that and help others turn their passion into a lovely and very necessary business too!”
Sign up for Vania’s online courses at wardrobeschool.com and follow her on Insta, Youtube and Pinterest @wardrobeschool.