We were motivated to ask a few more questions to get to know more about Glamtastik, so read on and enjoy getting to know about this thriving business.
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| Inside the store at Glamtastik in Frenchtown, NJ Copyright Angela Pilat Photography |
When did you start and what made you want to design custom corset dresses?
I have been a professional photographer for just over ten years now. www.AngelaPilatPhotography.com I thought that I had really found my true passion in life. That was until September of 2009. My boyfriend, at the time, (now my husband) and I went out to Las Vegas to do a Photo Shoot. Since he is also a photographer, he wanted to photograph me at the neon sign graveyard. I needed to come up with an amazing outfit that no one else would have already shot in that amazing location! I searched online and did not find quite what I was looking for, so I decided to make it. Since I did not have much sewing experience at the time, I consulted my mom. She has sewn her whole life. If she could not help me achieve my "Las Vegas look" I am not sure who could! After our photo shoot, I posted the images on facebook. Everyone loved the images and the outfits we created. I was told from a few people to open up an Etsy page. I did and everything sold pretty much right away due to the Halloween season. I felt like I was on fire! Not only did I love my new career, but everyone else seemed to as well.
What inspires you at Glamtastik, from day to day?
I get inspired by music videos, fashion shows and other designers. Sometimes new fabrics and trims give me inspiration, too.
What are some of the main fabric types and/or materials you use when sewing for Glamtastik?
My fabric would have to be tulle. We use it in just about every design. It is a Glamtastik staple for sure! I also love feathers.
What is one of your favorite dresses you have created?
Picking out a favorite dress is not an easy thing to do. I have created well over 300 designs within the past few years. The more I sew, the better I get. I am no longer afraid to try new things. I recently made a dress that has a huge train that is about 10 feet long and 7 feet wide. It has tons of cut up tulle that had to be individually tacked on. It took forever, but I am super happy with the results.
What are you working on right now?
Currently we are working on Halloween costumes. We have a ton of orders that have to be made and shipped out by the end of October. We are making lots of witch costumes, Katy Perry costumes, and Burlesque costumes. I plan to still make a peacock dress very soon with huge wings. I am looking forward to finding time to work on that, as well as more zombie costumes and a Morticia style dress.
We have been sharing sewing rooms on our Facebook, can we get a peak of your sewing room?
My sewing space has three sewing stations. There is a long counter that is used for making accessories and such. I have both a tv and a couch. I tried to make the space as cozy as possible since I spend most of my time there.
My sewing space has three sewing stations. There is a long counter that is used for making accessories and such. I have both a tv and a couch. I tried to make the space as cozy as possible since I spend most of my time there.
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| Glamtastik's Sewing Studio Copyright Angela Pilat Photography |
What are all the services Glamtastik offers?
We make Halloween costumes, prom dresses, alternative wedding dresses, mini top hats, fascinators, capes, and feather collared neck pieces. We also offer photography services. For a session fee, clients can come in and wear my designs in a photo shoot. My store transforms into a photo studio!
Any advice for others in the sewing industry trying to get their business started & be successful?
I have tons of advice for anyone getting started... business does not come knocking on the door, unless you work hard for it. It took me years to get any sort of recognition. Never give up. Market yourself through social media. It is free and you can target who would be your potential clients will be. You really need to have a clear understanding about Etsy, if that is where you want to sell online. I highly recommend starting there. I have tried to Ebay in the past and have not had good results. The main thing to remember about selling online is to have good photographs. Without them, you will not sell anything. Your clients need to see the quality and detail of your work. If you are not a photographer, hire one. Or get a camera and shoot your pieces outdoors. Get away from artificial lighting! Shooting indoors and not knowing what you are doing will lead to some pretty awful photos. Another option would be to buy studio lighting and have a photographer show you how to set everything up. If you plan to sell a ton of things and make it really work, it is a good investment. You just put a ton of time and effort into making the piece, why try to cut corners and take crummy cell phone pictures? You want to also remember what you made when it sells. You will also be able to use the pictures for your portfolio.
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| The 2012 store front at Glamtastik located in Frenchtown, NJ Copyright Angela Pilat Photography |
You have an official store front now! Tell me about that. Where is it and how is that different than selling your designs on Etsy?
I love having the store. Mainly due to the amount of space I now have. Coming from a 10'x12' spare bedroom that was my workspace, it is a HUGE difference. I used to have to store my dresses in storage containers in the basement. I was also able to hire a seamstress. Her name is Gail and she has been a huge asset to the business. She helps me design and to fill all of my orders. This way, I can do more of what I really want... and that is the designing. Probably about 80% of my business comes from Etsy. I do have a ton of clients who come from all over to see the shop and to try the dresses on. This was not something that I could do before.
Your business is booming and getting a lot of attention. Where do you see it going from here?
I hope to expand and have the need to hire more employees. I could really use someone to do all of my marketing and social networking. I want to expand the bridal line. I plan to always do this. I love what I do...I truly have the best job in the whole world. I count my lucky stars every single day. I never want it to end. In order to do this, I know that I need to always be creative and have fresh new ideas. I believe that by expanding my line, this will give me that ability.
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| Glamtastik's Katy Perry costume Copyright Angela Pilat Photography |
Glamtastik's Achievements:
- Made 215 dresses for Jose Cuervo
- Made the very first Katy Perry costume that was available for retail purchase.
- The Katy Perry dress was featured on Access Hollywood, and on Extra TV.
- Angela has been featured on the front page of Etsy in a treasury.
- During Glamtastik's peak seasons on Etsy, there are consistently, well over 3,500 people in my store on a daily basis.
- Glamtastik is one of the top sellers on Etsy. Etsy reaches out to Angela to give them advice on how she thinks their website could be improved.
- Just last month, we had 3 dresses featured on WE tv's, My Fair Wedding with David Tuttera.
We really enjoyed learning more about Glamtastik. You should definitely check out her website, this post doesn't even begin to show how many designs she has created and the amount of work she has completed with all her talent.
Thank you Glamtastik and good luck with your all your success! :-)
Website: http://www.glamtastik.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/glamtastik
E-mail: glamtastik@gmail.com
Address: 29 Bridge Street Frenchtown, NJ
Phone: (908) 339-7999
I am so incredibly proud of Angela. It takes a lot of guts to make a commitment like this and I am both amazed and yet at peace knowing that she is doing something that makes her truly happy every day of her life. It is so wonderful and fulfilling to see her passion thrive and her creativity abound!
ReplyDeleteThe world better brace itself, because this beautiful girl has plenty more up her sleeve! My fondest wishes of happiness and success are always with her as her friend and husband.
The designs look amazing and I can't wait to you can do for my daughters.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
You should definitely check out her website, this post doesn't even begin to show how many designs she has created and the amount of work she has completed with all her talent.
ReplyDelete