I was excited to learn that Mimi Goodwin of MimiGStyle was kicking off a business tour in Chicago. As soon as, I viewed this post, I knew I had to attend. #mgpassion2profit
I first became aware of Mimi G back in 2013 when I came across her Facebook page and blog at MimiGStyle. Through her blog, she rekindled my dormant love of sewing. The following July, I attended the Mimi G "Sewing, Fashion + Style Conference 2013" in Los Angeles. There I met a roomful of style mavens, seamstresses and "would be" seamstresses on various skill levels listening intently to what she had to say.
For me, my sewing resume includes over a 35 year history, which began after a high school home economics class. I avidly began sewing in
the late 70s, after returning home from a year of college with no money
and the need for clothes to gain summer employment. Sometime in the
late 80s to 90s, long after my move to California, I lost my zeal for
the craft.
Although, I was mainly a pattern sewer that was "self" and "mom" taught, learning how to sew was not the problem. After all, my mom was a seamstress and my dad was an upholsterer. Being fashionable, on the other hand, that innate sense of style, there is where I was always lacking. I needed help. Through her blog, I loved how Mimi G merged sewing with style. There is where she incorporated her love of sewing with tutorials for those who wanted to learn how to sew along with her sense of style into MimiGStyle.
Furthermore, I remember when I noticed a post showing what Mimi created by a New Look pattern (2013 image below), from that moment I was hooked! Initially, I would have lost interest because of the flowered fabric dress on the model of the pattern cover. I
would never, ever have purchased this pattern had I not seen Mimi's interpretation of this pattern. To me, it was perfection. I couldn't stop thinking about
that dress, the fabric choice, that look. I immediately sought out the pattern. I still
haven't sewn the dress. However, that fire, for my love of
sewing, was reignited.
I steadily watched Mimi's Facebook following grow from the 10s of thousands to over 500,000 followers in a few short years. Her blog now has over 12 million page views a year; impressive for any business. I observed her marketing techniques, linking certain social media platforms to grow her business. I knew that if I was to learn anything from anyone about running and branding an online business she was the one to teach me. My husband and daughter
heard me talking about her all the time, purchasing her patterns, and watching her videos. It was no wonder that when I mentioned to my husband about the seminar that he
didn't object and rearranged his schedule for me to attend.
#Verizon gives away an
Elipsis 8 Tablet and a $550 gift card
At the conference, she shared her knowledge and resources of the business. Information that most speakers would "upsell" to attendees for them to obtain. However, Mimi G is not just "most" speakers, she was there with a willingness to show all the attendees how to succeed in business with their passion. She shared her background and experiences as a single mom, dealing with homelessness, surviving domestic violence and working that 9 to 5 to make ends meet. She has been in the trenches, as many of us are, trying to make our way. She had a passion, however, defining the direction to grow that passion was another thing. With her generosity, style and determination her business grew. #Verizon was one of the sponsors of this event and gave away an Elipsis 8 Tablet and a $550 gift card! I'd say she made a success of that passion.
I've been ruminating, and making practical steps with the information I acquired on Saturday. I know that I left the session with a renewed vigor and inspiration to work on my passion and see where it leads.
The tour is scheduled next in Atlanta, then Houston, New York, D.C. and Philadelphia. If Mimi G is coming to one of your cities with her Passion to Profit Tour you do well to get your tickets and listen carefully. Get there early as it will be packed full of eager potential business owners. #PotentialOfUs
Just
a mention, Mimi G has a similar plight like mine, and is sensitive to fragrance. She
doesn't blast that info, however, if you want to get the best out of her
and the information she provides tone it down a bit or better yet, be savvy and
scent free!
