Meet Nicole Wzorek | Fashion Designer, Founder of Nicole Wzorek Designs

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Wzorek and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Growing up, I watched my father earn a living and enjoy his life from owning his own business. My mother also owned a business when she was young. I could tell she very much enjoyed working for herself and pursuing her dream through the stories she has told. I always wanted to enjoy life to the fullest and enjoy what I did for work each day. I was always creative growing up and looked for different ways to be an artist. In college, my love for the arts turned into a love for fashion design. Designing and making a dress from scratch was similar to sculpture and painting for me. I found that I enjoyed sewing and wanted to pursue fashion as a career. After college I had a few jobs that helped me realize even more that owning a business would be more beneficial. I found working for other companies proved to be restrictive and took away my creative freedom that I was looking for. While working for other companies, I was also running my business, Nicole Wzorek Designs, part time. I had multiple years of sewing experience before I felt like an expert in my field. I witnessed how I could help others feel more confident through fashion and custom designed dresses. This is when I took the plunge to make running Nicole Wzorek Designs my full time job! I am excited for the opportunity to expand my business in the future.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Nicole Wzorek Designs makes custom bridal gowns, corsets and lingerie. The biggest advantage Nicole Wzorek Designs has that sets my business apart, is the one-on-one experience with the designer. I work directly with all my clients to ensure each one feels comfortable throughout the entire buying process and that each level of detail is carried out. I got to where I am today because of the experiences I gained throughout life so far. I have had different jobs in all different fields. Each job has taught me different disciplines and how to work with people. I had jobs working with other seamstresses and designers learning all that I could from them. I observed how businesses were run and that has helped me with running my business today. These experiences helped me realize that owning my own business would be best for my future.
Starting your own business is not always easy but I knew that is what I wanted to do. I started my business as a side job when I was working two other jobs at the same time. Starting my business was a smoother transition than I anticipated because it was a similar field to what I had been doing in my other jobs. My biggest struggle is that there is never enough time. In the beginning it was hard because I was doing everything myself. I meet with clients, did fabric research, all the sewing involved, and stayed active on social media and many more things on a daily basis. Creating a garment from scratch takes time and not everyone understands all the prep work that goes into sewing. In time, I found people that were able to help with the workload of owning a business.
I am proud to say I now work with a talented team and when challenges arise, I know they can help figure out a solution with me. One of the challenges I think most entrepreneurs face, is the feeling of being overwhelmed and not knowing how everything will get done. I have learned so much through watching other entrepreneurs. I have learned how to run my business in a much smoother manner within the past few years through listening to advice from those around me. Networking is the biggest advice I would have for anyone starting out, networking has been able to give me so many opportunities.
Everyone deserves to look and feel beautiful! Nicole Wzorek Designs goal is to make shopping for your gown, corset, or lingerie a welcoming and exciting experience. Over the past ten years, I have established my business in Western Mass with couture pieces characterized as unconventional yet elegant. My attention to detail is reflected in the unique garments I design, exceeding expectations and approaching every piece as a work of art. I want to emphasize customization and sophistication with a daring use of color and rich fabrics in every creation. I shape my clients designs to enhance their figure, making them feel more confident than they could have ever dreamed of and will deliver a hand sewn masterpiece designed just for them!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
To start the day, the Good Table! This has been my favorite place to eat breakfast for years, must try their eggs benedict. Westfield has a ton of cute little places to shop around. Hilltown Chic would be my first suggest because they have some of the cutest and funniest gifts. There are too many local places to list, but parking downtown Westfield allows you to walk to these local businesses. Then to end the day would be Shortstop Bar and Grill for an awesome cocktail, a great dinner and then my favorite dessert, a crème brulee.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When I look back on my time as a business owner, I have a so many people who helped pave my way to where I am today.

My mother, Dorothy Wzorek deserves the most recognition. She has been there, believing in me every step of the way. I still remember the first few shows I did with my business. My mom was there helping my friends and I get all the models ready in the studio. To this day, my mom is there for me every step of the way. My work is very detailed, and my mother has learned to help with all the hand sewing. She is a crucial part of the business and her dedication to her family is a drive that helps me every day.

One of my first mentors was Natalya. She took me from sewing as a hobby to creating masterpieces as professional. Many of my sewing techniques that I still use today originated from the time I spent with Natalya and a couple seamstresses up in Rochester NY as well. I will be forever grateful for these amazing women.

Deanne inspires me to be a better business woman through organization. I am thankful for her for keeping me grounded for opportunities that are more in line with where I want to take my business.

My father has always provided for his family through owning his own business. I have always looked up to him for doing what he loves and making a living with it. His advice continues to help me through any issue that arises.

Dylan is the love of my life who now helps me in every aspect of my business. He has given me the confidence and support I needed to take Nicole Wzorek Designs to the next level.

And all my friends who helped countless times since the very beginning of my business. You are the best!

Website: https://www.nicolewzorekdesigns.com/

Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/nicolewzorekdesign/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolewzorekdesign/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLZ0myqyaTj1aXIDWp5nPSA