Today we’d like to introduce you to Bailey Reber.
Hi Bailey, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It all started when I was 10 years old and received my very first sewing machine as a gift from my beloved Nana… Sewing quickly became a passion of mine as I learned how to make simple things such as purses and pillows. By the time high school came around, I decided to try my hand at making my own clothing – my very first skirt.
I continued to create new skirts and eventually began to venture into more advanced projects, such as dresses and rompers. By the time I graduated high school, I had designed and made over 25 different skirts and had even created a few custom design pieces that I sold to my classmates.
Flash forward to 2022 and my passion for designing and creating clothing has intensified tremendously! I’m very proud to say that I decided to take my passion to the next level as I enrolled in the Fashion Design program at Houston Community College at the beginning of this year. This is the first major step to turning my passion into a career.
In February of this year, I launched an online Etsy Shop, Bailey’s Way Designs, as a way for me to sell children’s clothing and other accessories that I enjoy creating. I also design graphic tees and tanks and they have been a really big hit! My shop was actually created as a source of income whose sole purpose is to help pay for my college tuition.
On top of my Etsy Shop, I’ve also begun taking on many different types of custom design work projects such as adult clothing (rompers have been the favorite!), t-shirt blankets, costumes and more. The t-shirt blankets have gained a lot of traction as it’s a wonderful way to preserve precious t-shirts/clothing items that belong to you or a loved one. I love creating them not only because they are sentimental, but also because they are environmentally friendly!
The costumes that I had been commissioned to create for the upcoming Halloween season are sure to knock the socks off of anyone who sees them! I am very excited for both my clients and myself as I continue to bring their ideas to life. It brings me such joy to do so!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been anything BUT smooth! Balancing college classes/homework, working a 9-5 job to pay the bills, maintaining my Etsy Shop and taking on custom design work has definitely been challenging. I’ve had to turn down many opportunities to attend social events in order to stay on top of my ever-increasing workload. I’ve also made many mistakes along the way, such as ruining the same t-shirt TWICE because I was in a hurry and didn’t check my iron settings before attempting to apply the vinyl.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m most known for creating t-shirt blankets, custom costumes and the most adorable baby girl dress sets. I have a few dress sets listed in Bailey’s Way Designs Etsy Shop, but I also take on custom orders for clients. So far, I’ve been able to design 6 different variations – all of which are themed towards a specific holiday or season of the year.
As far as what I’m most proud of, I’d have to say the costumes that I create. Last year I designed 5 different kilts for my friends to wear to RenFest and the compliments that they received had me beaming! A current costume that I’m working on is a custom Madonna Cone Bra Corset for my friend to wear to his Madonna Themed Birthday Party next week. Not only is this an advanced project, but I’ve really had to think outside of the box to create something that aligns with my client’s vision. So far, everything is falling perfectly into place and I can’t wait for him to debut it so that I can share all over my social media accounts!
What sets me apart from others is my ability to take an idea for an outfit or a costume and bring it to life in such a manner that exceeds my clients’ expectations. I even surprise myself sometimes with what I can come up with!
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
In terms of my business, what matters most to me is to, at minimum, meet the expectations of my clients. Overall, I want them to love what I create and to feel amazing while wearing it. Although creating a garment or costume that someone can wear which makes them feel beautiful and special is ultimately why I do what I do!
Pricing:
- T-Shirt Blanket: $200-$375
- Custom Costume: Starts at $150
- Custom Baby Dress Set: $50
Contact Info:
- Website: https://whatisheybailsdoing.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baileyswaydesigns/ | https://www.instagram.com/whatisheybailsdoing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baileyswaydesigns/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BaileysWayDesigns
