When Kathryn Brenne started sewing at a very young age, she knew she found her passion in life. Sewing for 50 years, Kathryn founded The Academy of Fine Sewing and Design in 2000 and is a founding member and a former president of the Canadian Professional Sewing Association. She is one of the contributing designers and editors at Vogue Patterns. She gives lectures in Canada and the US and spearheads fun, educational tours concerning sewing, fashion, and culture in New York, London, and Paris.

Kathryn joins me on today's episode to share how her business helps support the economy in North Bay and how open-mindedness plays a role, not only in creating designs, but also in the workforce of other industries. She defines what a "vogue woman" is and why this is her target audience, where she gets her design inspirations from, and why she nurtures young people who desire to be future entrepreneurs.

"If you have an open mind, the inspiration can come from food, outdoors, nature, architecture." - Kathryn Brenne

Today on the Creative Disruption Podcast:

• Why she prefers to use beautiful and expensive fabric over cheaper ones
• How she combines different sewing techniques
• Why Vogue likes her designs
• Creating patterns for accessories
• Fashion advice for Mrs. Clause for the holidays
• How she knew she would have to go global with her business
• Why she nurtures young entrepreneurs
• Sewing leather: Her experience, education, and way of teaching others
• Similarities between fashion and running a business
• How her partnerships benefit her students and workshops
• How Instagram becomes a family affair and a means to grow her business

Kathryn's Advice for Future-Proofing Your Business:

• Do your best and strive for the best results.
• Streamline your business based on the reaction you're getting.

Connect with Kathryn Brenne:

• Fine Sewing Website
• Email: [email protected]
• Couture Workshops in May
• The Body Double Workshop
• The Bias Cut Wool Dress Workshop
• The Classic French Quilted Handbag Workshop
• London, England Tour and Workshop with Jon Moore

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