Dr. Cindie Husbands of the American Tailors and Sewing Association – Her Incredable Journey

: In this episode of Sew & So, we’re joined by Dr. Cindie Husbands, founder of the American Tailors and Sewing Association.

Few people can say they've been a professional mime at SeaWorld, designed award-winning bridal veils, produced performances at Carnegie Hall, Broadway Theatre, and the Sydney Olympics, built dance studios, manufactured casino uniforms in Las Vegas, launched a company that produced antimicrobial masks during the pandemic, and then founded a national organization to transform the future of tailoring in America. But Dr. Cindie Husbands can.

Every chapter of her extraordinary life has been connected by one constant—sewing. From learning to sew as a young girl to building businesses across the country, Cindie has embraced every opportunity that came her way. Today, as founder of the American Tailors and Sewing Association, she's on a mission to address the growing shortage of skilled sewists, establish professional standards for the tailoring industry, and create new pathways for people to build meaningful careers through sewing.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, reinvention, and why sewing isn't just a craft—it's a skill that can truly change lives.

(3:00) How did Cindie first learn to sew and who was her inspiration?

(4:40) What’s the first item she created and does she still have it?

(4:55) Cindie takes us on a ride with her through the journey to where she is today. Hear about the now famous people she still knows from high school and why she became a mime at Sea World. Buckle-up…this is amazing! Hear about Carnage Hall, the Sydney Olympics, Alaska, Las Vegas, Casino Uniforms, Kokomo, IN, the realization that she had gone to high school with her husband and more! And in all of this…she earned her Doctorate Degree!

(21:26) Hear about the performances she’s produced and which are her favorites.

(22:20) Cindie talks about why quilting in Alaska is so pervasive and why quilting became important to her

(25:46) Her daughter Amber owns Volcano View in Homer, AK.

(26:08) What sewing projects are the most meaningful to her?

(28:00) Cindie talks about the disconnect in the sewing industry and why she started the American Tailors and Sewing Association. And…the dearth of standards and sewists to work for fashion companies and tailoring.

(32:00) Why haven’t standards and pathways been addressed until now?

(34:00) There is a resurgence in the interest of tailoring…but not enough people in the workforce to do the work. She explains what can be done about it.

(36:08) Have the large stores been supportive of her efforts?

(37:56) What are the goals of the Association? And her vision for the future of the industry?

(39:20) Learn about her plans for Mobile Sew Labs created to help people reinvent themselves.

(41:00) Cindie has “sewing can be a business at almost any level”. What does she mean by this?

(43:00) Americantailor.org

(43:08) What’s next for Cindie?

(44:05) What’s her dream?

(44:50) Is there a question we didn’t ask?

(45:40) You can reach out to Cindie go to Americantailor.org. Tell her you met her on Sew & So!

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