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

Hi Jenni, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My grandmother gifted me a sewing machine for Christmas in 2019 after I expressed interest in learning to repair and tailor my own clothes. My great-grandmother had been sewing for work to support her family since she was 11 years old in the 1920’s, so maybe it was always my destiny to learn! When COVID started to become more serious in early 2020, I learned how to sew face masks, and from there I was curious what additional projects I would be able to accomplish. Next were purses and tote bags, and my business was created due to friends and family being interested in purchasing these handmade projects.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am always so proud to share that I am a self taught seamstress. The virtue of patience is a non-negotiable while working with a sewing machine, and there has been a lot of trial and error throughout my sewing journey. In fact, every new project I take on is mostly trial and error. Now that my skill level has reached upper-intermediate, I have been able to focus on creating more original designs of the products I sell. The biggest lesson I have learned from the time I began my business is that original designs and products are so much more valuable to my customers and fulfilling to myself as the designer and seamstress. The most important aspect of my brand is that every single piece is handmade by myself, and that the attention to detail in every product I sell is what sets them apart from similar products you may find elsewhere.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I was born and raised in Orange County, so my favorite place to spend time will always be the beach! I would absolutely recommend trying as many food options as possible – especially anything vegan.

Of course, if this is a friend who is interested in fashion design like myself, heading to the fashion district to check out fabric is a must!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The first time I ever saw a sewing machine was in my great grandmother, Grace Frisari’s bedroom. I remember being so curious about the little squishy tomato pincushion as a child – especially when urged not to touch it because I could injure myself. Grace was born in 1911, the oldest of 7 brothers and sisters. As a child of Italian immigrants, my great grandmother was faced with the responsibility of helping to support her family financially at the age of 11 by going to work at a sewing factory. I was so fortunate to know my great grandmother for a long portion of my life, as she lived until 2015, passing at 104 years old. Though she was never able to witness my sewing journey, I hope to carry on her legacy by continuing to practice this craft throughout the entirety of my life.

Website: spicysuite.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spicysuite/?hl=en

Image Credits
Caffeine – Talia Stewart (Yellow Outfit Image)

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