Life in Colour - 3: Stitching a Colourful Life: A Chat with Aims Watts from IndyBindy

Episode Date: November 6, 2024

In this episode, I sit down with Aims Watts, founder of IndyBindy, to chat about her journey in the world of sewing, colour, and Japanese fabrics. We delve into her inspiring story of living overseas, discovering the beauty of Japanese textiles, and building her own business from scratch. Aims shares what drives her passion for making her own clothes, her approach to choosing the perfect colours and fabrics, and how she uses sewing as a creative outlet. Tune in to hear all about her colourful journey, tips for sewing beginners, and the joy of crafting a wardrobe that truly reflects who you are. Follow Aims @ https://www.instagram.com/indybindyfabrics/ Want to learn more about seasonal colour analysis? Get my free Finding Your Colours Guide @ https://www.lovingcolour.au/findyourcolours Or want to know your perfect colour palette now? Purchase a Virtual Colour Analysis with me to find out exactly which colours light you up! Go to https://www.lovingcolour.au/colouranalysis Follow along on Instagram: https://instagram.com/lovingcolour__

Welcome to Life in Color, the podcast where we dive into the real, raw and wonderfully colorful aspects of life. I'm your host, Ashley, and I'm here to explore the ins and outs of seasonal color analysis, navigating motherhood, thriving in your 40s and beyond, and embracing health and wellness with a healthy dose of humor. Join me as we uncover the secrets behind finding your perfect palate, share stories of the joys and challenges of being a mom. And from practical tips to heartfelt conversations, life in color is your space to laugh, learn and live life. apologetically in all of its colorful hues. So grab your favorite drink, settle in and let's add some color to this adventure that we call life. Welcome to Life in Color. Well, hi, Ames. Thank you so much for joining me today on the Life in Color podcast. I'm so happy to be able to interview you today.

For everyone, we've known each other for a while. So we do know each other a little bit, but there's so much about Ames and her business and about her sewing life that I don't know. So welcome. Thanks for having me. I'm excited to be here. I've been wanting to interview you for ages, so this will be amazing. So I think first things first, how about you start off with telling everyone what you do, who you are, and yeah, let's get started there. Sure. So I'm Ames. I'm based in Canberra, Australia, but Japan is kind of like a second home for me and my family. So I have a store that specialises in independent fabrics, and they're all by Japanese designers. And they started that when my son was born.

I'm a mom of two sons. And he was born in Tokyo. And before that, I had been making custom made to order children's clothes. And basically my time had reduced. And so I needed to find a new way to pivot my business. And I moved into fabrics. And I initially was just looking at Japanese fabrics in general. And then I found these incredible designer fabrics.

And that's where the business really took off. And from there, it's grown and evolved as I have. And it's become a sewing membership and business coaching as well. Oh, that's amazing. And it's really lovely to see how, you know, as when we do have children, we have to pivot a little bit and things do change. But sometimes it takes you on a whole new direction that you didn't even think about beforehand. So did you, have you always sewed?

Like, like since you were a little girl, was it something that's taught from family? Or did you teach yourself or how did you come into it? I actually don't even remember when I learned to sew. Like it's been that long. Yeah. So you were that little properly when you started. Yeah. My mum learnt to sew when I was really young and she used to make matching outfits for me and my friends.

And I think I learned mainly by osmosis. And she taught me a few things along the way. But then it was kind of trial and error and my auntie sewed and my godmother sewed. And so I'd get tips and tricks from all of them. And then just kind of made my own way. Yeah. That's fantastic. Yeah.

see, I come from a very non-sewing background. My mother, as we were talking yesterday, she can't sew to save her life. And she was given at school the role of chief unpicker because she literally, she just, yeah. So if I knew something sewing, my dad would sew our buttons on. But, yeah, I'm just learning it now

because I think it's just such an amazing skill to have for so many reasons. Obviously, kids' costumes become one of them once you become a mum. but I think mending things and then also having the freedom to be able to make things. Having that skill for sewing is really important. So you'd always known from really little and been surrounded by sowists. Did you choose that as a career straight away or did you do something else? How did you fall into it as a business?

I had a completely different career to start. So my mom's Vietnamese and so half of her family lives in the States and then we're obviously in Australia. So we would always travel every few years and meet up somewhere in the world. So travel and kind of being a global citizen has always been kind of part of my DNA. And so my first career was actually in humanitarian aid and development. And so I worked in that for a long, long time. And I loved it. It was a really rewarding career.

But in the back of my mind, I'd always wanted to do something creative. And so when I had my first son, it was a natural break in my career. And my husband actually said to me, like, if you're not going to do, do it now, then when are you going to do it? I just thought, all right, then I dove in and gave it a try. That's fascinating. Yeah, I think travel, well, that's where we're very similar. Travel for me is a really big thing. And like, as a kid, I traveled, I was an expat. And you get to see, and that's where your children get to see so many different cultures as well. And I think it's just such a great way of also seeing different fashions and different styles and different careers. Because obviously, you know, depending on where you live,

sometimes they have a totally different avenue for careers of what you can do compared to what you can do, say, in like, our Western world as we would see it. So I know you mentioned that your son was born in Tokyo. So how did you end up living in Japan? It kind of goes back to my mum as well, actually, because she went on exchange when she was a teenager from Vietnam to America for a year. And then she just changed her life. She just loved it.

And so she'd always recommended it to me. So when I was 15, I went on exchange. from Australia to Japan and spent a year at a Japanese high school. And then I'd love with the play. Were you scared going on your own and doing that? Or is it more of an excitement of I can't wait to go and experience it? I don't think I knew enough to be scared. Yeah.

I was just too excited. Yeah. That's amazing. I had a wonderful family and a really good experience. Yeah. I think experiences like that, you don't hear about them as much. Like I have, so I know your children are younger than mine, but I have three teens,

like my daughter's about to go into year 11. And you don't hear about those exchange programs as much. I think they're amazing. Like my godmother, she went to the States, similar to your mom, and she did a year in the States. And she would go back all the time

because they became her second family. And so that she saw it. And it was like a second home then, like you mentioned for her. It's wonderful. And it just opens your eyes to so much of what is possible. So how did you end up then? you did you year, how did you end up then going back?

So I did my year and then you're right. It creates those connections like you said, your godmother and like my mom went and then I went and then my host, I had two host sisters in the family that I went to. They then went on exchange afterwards. One went to America, one went to South America and it was just like that bond to Japan was just so strong and to that family. I still called them my sisters and my brother and they came out to my wedding and I went to theirs. And it was just like another family.

Yeah, it really, really was. And so I would just find myself going back every few years to visit Japan. And then I went for another year as part of my university degree, which was Asian Studies, and I was studying Japanese. And then so I got to spend a year at a Japanese university. And then as it happens, I came back for my master's degree in international affairs. And I met my husband who'd also just come back from Japan. That's amazing.

We were just destined to keep going back, I think. Yeah, I think so. And I think that's really lovely sometimes when you meet someone who's had a, not always like a experience, but used to travelling and that kind of thing and wanting to continue to do something like that. That's great. So how long did you end up staying there for? I think so far we've lived there for about seven years and we're about to go back for another

three, which I'm very excited about. When are you doing that? In April. Oh, that's so exciting. Yeah. Yeah, so it'll be a decade, you know, once this next week is done too. Wow, that would be fantastic. I have to meet you in person before you actually end up going back.

We've been saying that for a while. You're not that far at all. But so you said that you were doing children's clothes first. So that was like, I'm assuming, made to order. Was that like through an Etsy kind of thing? Was there Etsy even a thing around then? Yes. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Yeah, that's exactly what it was. I basically got into, we were living in the Solomon Islands. And sewing is one of those things. For me, I kind of came to it and moved away from it in different phases in my life. So as a teenager, I really experimented a lot because, like, you're finding your style, right? And you don't want to be like everyone else and all that kind of stuff. And then university, I got busy with my social life. So I moved away from a little bit.

And then when I was living in the Solomon Islands, there's not a heat to do. One of my neighbors also. Yeah. You know, you can go to the beach, which is fantastic. I love that. But one of my neighbours became my best friend. And she also sewed. So on the weekends, we'd bring our sewing machine around to each other's houses.

And we'd sew together. I'd call them sew today's. So, yeah, when I had my first son, I'd just finished up in the Solomon Islands. And so when he was napping, I would make little outfits for him. And we had a wedding to go to. And I made him this cute little vest and, like, paper, what do you call? Paperboy hats or whatever. And everyone at the wedding was asking if I sold the outfits and, you know, how could they get them and stuff like that?

So I was like, all right, I'll make outfits and open to Etsy store. And that's amazing. I love how sometimes you do. And you hear this, you and I hear this quite a bit, obviously in the business groups that we're in together, that people just, you fall into what you do. Kind of rather setting out necessarily to do it, it's more of a, yeah, you're doing something that you love or that you've discovered that you love. and then you kind of fall into it. Yes, I think it's that perfect, like, melding of the passion that you've got, and then what people are coming to you for.

So if anyone ever asks me, like, I don't know what my niche should be. I'm like, well, what do you love and what are people coming to you naturally for? Like, those two things. Completely agree. Yeah. So then you went into more of fabrics. Now I've seen on your Instagram, by the way, you'll have to check her out. Ames has an amazing Instagram.

We'll give it at the end. where you've actually, I've seen where you've gone back to Japan to visit the people and see how they're actually making your fabrics because your favorite fabrics, they're beautiful. But would you say they're quite specialized fabrics? Yes. Yeah, yeah. All of the companies I work with are very small independent companies. So some of them are just a husband and wife team.

And then they work with a printing house that has been printing for generations in Kikothor. Others are more digital base, but they all like hand paint their fabrics. first the designs and then they get them digitally printed. So there's a whole range. But I love talking to them and finding out what their inspiration is and just really getting to know them as a person as well as a designer and then their process as well and how they bring the fabrics to life. I think that's lovely.

I think especially for people who are buying your fabrics, that there's such a story behind it. And I think that's really lovely to know. And when you get to see the process like what you post on Instagram and everything that you're seeing the actual people who are making it. And it just really brings it to life. Sorry, you go. Yeah.

No, just like you were saying before, like sewing is a great way to kind of not be held to the trends that are in the shops and just kind of be able to express who you are. So I think I really love bringing that kind of unique product to a market as well. Because when you're sewing something, you don't want to be wearing whatever else is. So you don't necessarily want to use the same. fabric that everyone else is using as well. So it's nice to bring something that you can't find anywhere else. Yeah. And I, for me, I think that's something that I'm really learning. So when I'm shopping for clients or I'm doing something for the color collective, which is my membership,

is that especially in Australia, because our fashion industry really, relatively in comparison to the world, is pretty small. And so you have some of the really big brands. And then yet I'm such a big supporter of smaller brands, but sometimes it can then be quite hard to find them. Like, unless you hear about it from someone else, they obviously don't have the budget necessarily to do the marketing or to stock it in so many different places. And so, you know, I've been talking to a lot of my clients to do with their color palates and that, but it's, it's not in store. And then you find, you know, your country roads, your witcheries, your traineries, they all

start to do the same color ways and potentially they do the same colors that, you know, pantone do their thing of the color for the year. and then obviously every season at London Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week, they predict or they tell you what the colours are going to be that are coming. And whilst that can be really handy, there are going to be people out there who are like, and I know that because I'm about to do this. I'm about to do a whole podcast on it.

For some colour palettes, that is just not them. So then you're like, well, then what do I do and where do I shop? And I think my members might even say, yeah, I get on my soapbox a little bit about it, that you're like, well, you're kind of stuck. Like, that's what Country Road have decided. And don't get me wrong, I shop there and I love it. But that's the colours that are in and that's the styles that are in. And that's it.

And like for someone like my mom who she's only, she's five foot nothing and, you know, she finds that things that fit on her hips don't fit on her waist and vice and vice versa. And so when you are finding it hard to find things that you like, you know, she'll put on a linen dress and it looks like a sack on her, because it's just overshaped nothing. And I think that's where knowing how to sew is so I'm learning to love it. The one thing I'm finding hard, so I think this would be great to talk about,

is patterns because I'm going to be honest, I look at some of those pattern books when I'm in spotlight, and I'm like, they look like from the 1980s, how am I going to make that pretty? Like I just, I'm pretty good at being able to put a vision and something together and I can see it. Yeah. So for someone who's wanting to start out,

with sewing like a newbie like me, where do you start? Yeah, it's such a good question actually, because that's your, that's most people's go to. They go to their local fabric store and they look at the patterns that are available there. But unfortunately, those patterns are usually by what we call the big four, you know, your simplicity, your vogue and those kind of McCall's patterns. And they're not known for being beginner friendly. Even if they say they're beginner, they're usually, their instructions are quite. so they don't hold your hand through the process. And it's, there's not a lot of guidance in terms of this is actually going to be quite complicated. You know, you should start with something else. So

the great thing though is that there is now this whole indie sewing world. So there's a lot of different pattern designers that they are all about catering to beginners. So you can learn as you sew their patterns. And so they, they detail everything out and you can just work through step by step basically there is no such thing as an advanced or beginner patent because as long as you're told exactly what your next steps are, you can break it down and work your way through. But if you're not told, you know, you've got no back. You look at it and you're like, well, where do I, where do I begin? And it's like, so I, as, you know, I'm a complete beginner. So for everyone listening, I am doing some sewing lessons, which I know we had one a while ago. So I need to get, we need to get back into it.

But we actually did one. And it was a really good exercise for me because I, assumed as a beginner going to spotlight that I picked up one and I'm like, oh, well, I'll be either the size six or the size eight. And for me, it didn't really think to enter my mind to really look at the measurements on it because I just assumed that it would be uniform, which really, I should know that because, you know, you go into seed or you go into target and the sizing can be completely different. Even between the ranges, like the other day, I was in Target and between the two ranges of preview and their. say Lily loves, it's totally different sizing, even if it says the size 12.

So that's something that I've learned. So you would definitely recommend for a beginner to measure your body and to then tap it out. Yeah, that's one of the most common beginner mistakes, I would say, is just because that's the habit that we're kind of trained into with the shops, because that's the framework that we purchase with. We find out what our general size is. you know, maybe we're a six or maybe we're an eight, but you figure you're going to be close to one of those.

But when it comes to sewing, you know, you've got this superpower to be able to customize the clothes to your body. So there's nothing wrong with your body. It's just that the pattern is designed a certain way and you have the ability to customize it. So the best way to find your size and to have success with a sewing pattern is to measure your body first. And most sewing patterns will have the body measurements

that fit within their sizes and also what the finish goes. garment will measure. So you've got lots of data points that you can reference and find the size that works for you. And often it won't be just one size. Like you might be one size at the bust, another at the waist and another at the hips. But you can draw some simple lines and you can make basically tailor-made clothes. Which I think is amazing. So that's what we had to do with this dress that I'm doing, which now that my daughter has finished her textiles project, I can, you know, have a look now at something to sew for me. We looked at it.

I remember my bust was one, one size, my hips were another size, my back was another size. And so then we did. You were like, cut here, draw a line there, make sure this adds up. And so, yeah, it's really in depth. And I think something I think I've also learned watching my daughter do her quilt that she just did for textiles was the amount of precision. and the preparation that you have to do. It's like I've really learned, it's like anything. It's like when you mix the ingredients to bake a cake,

it's like when you build a house, getting all those measurements correct and making sure you've got the foundations correct because it will make the end, putting the end product together so much easier. Yes, it's so true. And I posted something a while ago, it was like sewing is actually a lot of cutting,

a lot of measuring, you know, a lot of ironing, surprisingly. and then a tiny bit of actual sewing. Yeah, and I think that's what I've learned. Like anything, when you're not, when you're new to it or you've never done it before, that there are so many, you know, misconceptions that you would have about it. And yeah, there was me.

I was picturing myself being at the sewing machine and everything. And, you know, my daughter sees me at her machine. She's like, why are you going so slow? And I'm like, because I'm making sure that it's straight. If I go into a high speed, like, that's just going to go off into its own little world. Yeah. So, like, I keep thinking, you know, the tortoise and the hair slow and steady wins the race so do you because this is something that we talked

about so you have a membership which i'm in so that's your um indib indie indie society which the women in there are phenomenal you've got women from all over the world and i'm lucky enough to to know quite a few of them now myself and yeah it's just the advice that you get i'll be honest sometimes i don't understand a word of what is going on in the chat because i'm so new but that's you start to pick up little bits and pieces here and there and they're so supportive. So how did you end up becoming deciding, I guess, to do a membership? So how did you evolve from having a fabric store to then, yeah, having a membership? It just felt like a really natural progression because for me, it really always comes back to connection.

And the sewing community on Instagram is really wonderful. That's a great place to find those indie pattern designers. But it's huge. you can kind of get lost in it. And I would find, you know, people coming to me in my DMs and we're chatting about sewing and they're asking questions and that kind of thing. And it just felt like there needed to be a place where everyone could come and they could just be completely themselves.

They didn't have to be photo ready to post things on Instagram. You can just share your makes. You can share your mistakes as well and ask for advice and have a whole range of people, like you said, from around the world, but also different abilities. So some people have been sewing for like 50 years or plus. And then others are brand new. You haven't got a sewing machine yet. So there's always going to be someone at your level or has gone before you to help you.

And it just felt like there was a need for it. I just love it. I love bringing these women together and seeing their creativity take off and supporting each other. It's just the best. Yeah, it is. It's such an amazing community. So you do, you have master classes within it. you then have sew alongs as well so people can come and actually sew live together,

which I didn't manage to make this month, but I'm definitely planning on coming to the next one that you do. Because I think it helps to, when you have those calls that your members can join, and obviously you have them all different times of the day and some for all the different time zones, and some people can join and others obviously watch the replay. But I think it also, for me, it's like, no, you know what,

I can take that hour of my day and do something. think for me. It doesn't have to be about the kids or work. It's just an hour out of my day or an hour out of my week where I'm dedicating to know I'm going to learn about seams this week or I'm going to hop on when it's just the general chat and ask some questions. And I think like anything, having somewhere where you can ask questions is so important because if you're wanting to learn a new skill, it can be really hard to then know, well, I don't know how to how to do this. So what do I do? And I've done that a few times where I've popped in a question and people have answered.

And it makes it so much easier, I think, when you have a community. And that's what you're building. You're building that amazing community. Yeah, it's so true. Because if that self-doubt or the frustration, you know, comes in and you hit that stumbling block and you've got nowhere to turn to, you can just stall, you know, and then it can be a long time before you get back to that project. So I think you're right. It's so important to have that just to keep the momentum up and keep your spirits up as well, you know, as you go through at all. But I also,

I just love having, we have guest speakers come every month and you came in and did a master class for my ladies as well on seasonal colour analysis. And it's just great. Like there's so many different aspects that are within sewing, but also sewing adjacent to that there's so much to dive into. Yeah. It's just a great place to do that. Yeah, no, it's amazing. I do, I love it. And yes, I've had quite a few people come through and do color consults and I've got some in the color collective.

And they're just amazing. And yeah, how all interweaves across sometimes because we're in different groups together, it's amazing. But speaking of color, you've made a new outfit, I think, at the end of last week on the weekend. It's looking lovely. I have to say, those people look amazing on you. So for those are listening, if you want to check it out,

I do have it on my Instagram where I did a live reveal of the color palette that Ames is. So she is a warm spring. And she was a little surprised because I think you thought you were going to be like we chatted. You thought you're going to be a bright, which you can absolutely borrow from brights and you and you, I think, and so many of your members use your sister palettes a lot. And I think that's where I talk about it quite a bit with clients and just in general. it's not just about the 30 colors that I give you. It's about going and you've got your color swatch and going, okay, well, that's within those colors there.

I'm going to use that. Or I'm going to borrow for my sister palette. So like the pink that you've got on, that would be, it's a softer piece. So that's more like a warm autumn pink that you've got. And then you've got the highlight of, yeah, of a beautiful bright as your detail. So how do you feel about color and how do you use it

within your wardrobe because I know it's something that you do talk about quite a bit as well. Yeah, I love it. It's so funny looking back at those, like I was talking about those phases where I wasn't sewing and I was just buying what I could from the shops. And I think, like, you're right. You find those times when there's just not the colors you love. And so what do you do? You kind of stuck. And so I look back at photos of myself from those times. And I don't feel I even really look like myself, you know, and just like a plain white button up and like beige pants. And I can't even imagine you in a plain white shirt and beige pants. I don't think I've even seen you in beige. Yeah, I'm not sure I have it in my wardrobe at the moment. But yeah, so I love colour. And I think

when I really came back to sewing when I had my kids, that's when I started to explore my style more, like really think about it and be kind of, pay more attention to what I really loved, what made me feel good when I was out and about and how I really wanted to feel throughout my day. because I feel like I dress for how I'm feeling, but also for how I want to feel. Absolutely. Yeah, and colour just makes such a difference for me if I put on a happy colour that's uplifting,

you know, it just has a whole different energy. Absolutely. And I think that's where, you know, I'm all for the classics of like, I love wearing, you know, a white tea in jeans. I do. But the difference and sometimes, you know, I might have days where that's all I fancy wearing

for whatever reason. I just feel like being a little. little bit softer and a bit more mused, but then there are other days where it's like, no, okay, what color combos can I do today? Or I put on one of my, you know, I give all my clients their top five best colors. And if there's something, or if I'm feeling a bit flat, I know I can put one of those colors on and instantly it'll give me a lift, whether I'm feeling it or not. And then when you see it reflected back to you in the mirror, and that generally, you know, most of the time is with little to no makeup. And when you're

wearing your best colors you can do that. I think it does. It changes your confidence levels. And I just, I think you would feel this as well. Sometimes I just wish that people would embrace color a little, a little bit more. It's not about covering yourself from head to toe in color because not everyone can pull that off either. It really depends on your style and your personality and what you can, and what you can personally

feel that you can wear. but just little injections. It's amazing how a necklace or a handbag or even just a lipstick, you can wear that white tea and the jeans, but just the lipstick or a handbag or a pair of shoes. And I think it's also about the personalities that love to wear bolder colors. You know, you're not afraid to even if other people be like, well, that clashes.

I would never wear that. Well, that's fine for you, but they love it. It's very. Do you know what I think? Yeah. Absolutely. Yeah, I 100% agree. Like I've had people before joining my membership ask, you know, I'm not into color like you are.

Like I love my neutral. Like, can I still join. I'm like, of course you can. Yeah. Like, you know, it's just about, I just want you to be you. Yeah. So whatever makes you feel good and lights you up, you don't have to be crazy in on the color like I am. But, you know, but if you want to be, because I did a series of classes,

a little while ago now on adding more color and more print into your wardrobe. And I had so many people that took that class say that they love color and they love pattern, but they're scared to actually wear it because they're worried what people are going to say or think about them or they don't know how to mix them or what actually suits them. And it just was so disappointing, you know, if you love it, I just feel like just embrace it. And I think that when I said before about wanting people, I wish they would embrace them. I think you've hit the nail on the head and that's what I was thinking is that a lot of people are scared by it. And I think one of the reasons they're scared by it is they don't necessarily

know what colours suit them and therefore they're buying things that potentially either wash them out or opposite can make you take on like that sally, sickly kind of look. And so when that happens, that will knock your confidence. And so then you'll think those colors don't suit me or, you know, I'm just, I'm better to stick with black. Like so many people stick with. black because it is safe. And I think is there are definitely, when people think about neutrals, it's not just your white, grey, blacks and navies, which are actually all cool colours. So they're great for someone like me who's cool, but not great for someone like you who's warm. So for someone who's warm, it's looking at your tans and your caramels and your browns and your chocolates and your

creams and your car keys. There are so many different neutrals that you can play with. And I think that's also where the shops can just sort of polarise people into thinking that that's just what they are and that's what you can wear. And like the colour grey, for instance, you put that on a warm person, warm tone person, that will do nothing for them apart from make them look grey. It just won't do much for them at all. So I think there's a lot to do with education around colour and bold. And I also know for someone who, like, you love wearing bright colours and you rock them,

you look amazing. For me, I can't wear overly bright. But there are some people who, if they're going into like a corporate job, they might feel a bit intimidated to wear something really bright because they're feeling that maybe it's drawing attention to them. So it's, I get that. I even had a comment from someone, which I think you'd understand this and have maybe similar like, well, can bright colors in an office environment make me look almost like cheaper that I'm trying to draw attention to myself with the words that she used. And it's like, no, it's just about how you use it. And if you can pull it off and wear it, then you'll look like the bees and

people will be looking at you and thinking, wow, she looks amazing. That colour is amazing on her rather than thinking, gosh, why does she, she think she can wear that to work? So, yeah, do you ever have conversations with members or people like that about to do with color. Yes, definitely. And I feel like it's exactly what you said. If it makes you feel good, it's going to boost your confidence and also make you feel more empowered, you know, and don't you want that when you're showing up to that kind of environment? Yeah. So I think it's just, and also like, it was definitely a comment that I got a lot that you're thinking that people are

going to think that I'm trying to be the center of attention, look at me kind of vibes. But really, if you see someone else that feels like they're really only only, you know, that looks like they're really owning who they are and that they're wearing, you know, beautiful colour that's different to everyone else around them, most of the time, you're probably going to be thinking something really positive about that person. You might not so often tell them, but probably if people are looking at you, they're probably thinking something lovely. So you may as well just assume it's something nice rather than negative. Completely agree. And I have done it. People are going to think I'm probably a bit crazy. But if I'm in bullies or I've been in other places and I'm standing

next someone. I think we were standing next to the mangoes. It was earlier this year. And she had a coral dress on and she looked phenomenal. It was just one of her best colors without a doubt. And so I told her, not like that, but I said that color really looks beautiful on you. And actually her reaction was, do you know what? I fancied a pop of color because I normally wear white and black. And so, and she was. She was covered from head to toe in this linen dress and she looked phenomenal in it. And I think sometimes it never hurts to say to someone, geez, you look really nice today. And obviously I know there's the whole PC, especially if you're in a work environment.

But it doesn't, even with, you know, with your friends or with someone like, you know, how we were chatting before, like that color looks amazing on you. And it does. And so, you know, saying to someone, you look really lovely today. It just makes such a difference. So, yeah, obviously, you don't want to go up to someone and say, that color looks terrible on you like you really sharing it. I'm not encouraging that.

Even though my poor family, like we watch TV shows and they look at me sometimes. I like, I know what you're thinking. That is not their color. And I'm like, yes. Even my mom texted me and said we saw Tom Cruise. And he was promoting. This is when Top Gun came out and he was promoting it. And they were watching.

And they were like, geez, Tom, that's not your color. Like, you shouldn't be wearing that. But you can't. you do start to see it. I think when you work in the fashion industry like you and I or style industry like you and I are in, you do obviously start to see things a bit more than others. So yeah, but no, I do. I love colour. So what's next for you? I know that just recently, which you and I haven't actually even really chatted about, because we haven't caught up, but you have branched now into doing some coaching, which is amazing. Yeah. Yeah. It's just another one of those kind of natural

evolutions of the business because I've had people coming to me in the DMs asking questions, you know, about how I've grown my business and how I've grown my audience as well. Because like I said, it's always about that connection piece for me. So building my community, whether it's on Instagram or inside my membership, that's a big focus. And so I've had people coming to me asking about it. And it's been a range of different people from fabric store owners to sewing course developers and even marketers, so outside of the selling industry. But yeah, it's just felt like I've had people, like I said,

it's something I'm really passionate about because I think, especially in today's world, we're seeing so many small businesses closed down and it's so heartbreaking to see. And I love supporting other small businesses, especially women-owned businesses. So, yeah, if I can help these women, then I definitely want to do it.

So at the moment, I've got five clients that are, I just opened up five spots. and just wanted to start with that so I can give them my full attention. And it's just been so wonderful. I've had someone just last week say to me that like they would have given up already if it hadn't been for our calls. And another client was saying this is exactly the feedback I've been looking for. I've been in masterminds.

I've done courses and she hasn't been able to get any traction. But now we're actually making progress and it feels so wonderful to see. I think on both sides for you as a coach then to see them making inroads. And especially for someone who thought they would have. have given up. Like, you know, we talked before we even hit record, we talked about how times are tough, especially with the economy the way that it is. And so many, so many small businesses are closing their doors.

And it is so sad to see. And they don't, you know, you're literally going from either, a lot of them probably aren't even drawing a wage out of their businesses that they're making. And they're just trying to keep the business actually ticking along and running. And that's hard. and I think sometimes it can be very lonely in business when you don't have someone else to bounce ideas off. And also having someone that has either been there before you and done it,

but also is in your world in terms of being a female entrepreneur, like a mum entrepreneur, and doing what you're doing, you can ask other people advice. But when it's someone actually who's literally in the trenches with you, I think that makes all the difference in the world. Yeah, yeah, absolutely. Someone who understands and gets it.

And it's the same with the sewing. It's just someone who's ahead of you who can just give you that shortcut, you know. And so you're skipping all the trial and error and the headaches and the frustration. It's not necessarily going to be easy, but it makes it easier. Yes, that's really exciting. So you're going from strength to strength. So that's amazing. So have you got, with your fabrics at the moment, have you got any new designs coming or anything?

or first spring. I do actually. Yeah, I have some that I haven't even given sneak peeks of yet. They're just sitting in a box beside me here. Yeah. I do a collaboration once a year with this designer because they are a husband and wife team. They're based in this little island down the south of Japan

and their hotelier is connected to their home. They're by the beach. And she does all the designs and he handprints every single fabric that they produce. And so they can only do. a small amount every time. So we can't do an ongoing setup because there'd be too many orders for them to keep up with. So it's just once a year. And I open a pre-order and then they handprint everyone's fabrics.

So they've just arrived and they're so beautiful. I can't wait to see them. No doubt you'll show them on Instagram. So I like to ask my guests a few questions at the end. All right. Yeah. What is a color that you don't wear? I know we've talked about color a bit, but what's a color that you wouldn't gravitate to us that you think isn't really you? Probably beige like we were talking about before. Yeah, I can understand that. Literally, it's that thing, isn't it? You know,

what's the word, the stereotype about, you know, being, being beige, too much beige and like we talked, I couldn't see you. Like browns, browns are probably not really my thing. I probably could find ones that I love, but it's not what I go to first. Yeah, my answer. So what about your favourites? What are your favourite colours? I love a combo of like a hot pink and a red. I love that kind of flashy or even an orange and a pink together.

My absolute favourite colour is like a minty aqua kind of colour, but it's not necessarily one that I wear, but it's just a colour I love. Yeah, I can understand that. Yeah. You can use it like even as accents, I guess. Yeah. Yeah. And colourful.

So how come you don't wear it as much? Is it one that you don't feel suits you as much? Or is it more of a, it's like hard colour to find? Probably a bit of both. Yeah, my husband bought me a beautiful dress a few, many Christmases ago now that was in like the perfect like minty aqua colour that I like. And other than that, I just, yeah, I haven't really seen a lot of it around. It's usually probably more of a watered down version than the colour that I like

that's in the shops and that. And it's not necessarily a fabric colour. Yeah. But yeah, I would wear it, I think. I do have a fabric in my stash that is in that color. But it's like a silky kind of fabric. So, yeah, I'll have to work out what I want to make. Yeah, it'd have to be.

Yeah. Last question for you is I actually heard this on another podcast. She was just talking. And it was about what is something that you do, that you love, that you wouldn't necessarily want to give up. but just is something that you do for yourself because you love it. So for me, for example, I love getting my nails done. It's just one of those things that helps me feel more polished, more put together.

And I just, it's one of those things I just love. So for some people, it could be like a lippy, it could be having a hair done, it could be jewelry. What's one thing that you would love, that you wouldn't, would be your like thing? In terms of like things that I wear and that kind of thing. Could be to do with wearing or, yeah. I do love a colourful shoe that is one thing that I haven't made yet.

I do have a shoe kit in my cupboard as well, a yellow shoe that I want to make. Wow, that would be amazing. But I love a colourful shoe. I think it just kind of adds another bit of pizzazz to an outfit. Yeah, but in terms of other things, I guess, that I wouldn't want to give up in general life. For me, it's like moving my body.

Since I first went to Japan as a 15-year-old, I started karate and I've done it ever since. And if I don't go, I don't feel like me. So that's definitely something. Yeah. That's really lovely. Yeah, I think it's really important. Movement is so important anyway,

but it's amazing how it can affect your mood as well when you have that if you don't do it. So, yeah. Thank you so much for joining me today. I have absolutely loved our conversation. So for those that are listening, Ames, where can they find you? You can find me Instagram. is where I'm most active.

So you'll find me at Indy B-B-B-D-D-Y-Fabrics, which is I-N-D-Y, B-I-N-D-Y, and then Fabrics. And my website is Indybindy.com.com. But, actually, I just have to say, though, that I did a colour consult with you, like we said, I'm in the warm spring, and it actually has been really good because... Thank you.

Yeah, I wasn't sure, because I don't necessarily like being told what I have to do. I remember that. I think your consult is probably one of the only ones I've been a bit nervous for. I was like, oh, and also because you, are so confident in your colours anyway. So yeah.

That's amazing it yesterday. I had to buy some fabric that's, so my fabrics are mainly cottons and linens and I needed some special occasion fabric. And so I was shopping online and I was tossing up between three different fabrics. And I thought, oh, you know what? I'm going to compare it to my best colours

and let that be a deciding factor for me. So yeah, it's been really useful. I'm so pleased. So what colour did you go for? A beautiful pink that was in my warm. warm spring colors. Yeah. Perfect.

I can't wait to say. I'm so thrilled that you loved having your color consult. I think, and that's a thing. It's helpful for anyone. I've had clients from as young as early teens right the way up to 78. So it just shows you that anywhere in your life, a color consult can help you.

But also for someone who knows nothing about potentially style, fashion and color, but also someone like yourself who does know a lot about style, fashion, it can just sometimes, like you said, point you in the right direction when you're needing it, especially for a special occasion or something like that. Highly recommend. Oh, thank you so much. So yes, if you're wanting to have a colour consult with me,

then head over to Lovingcolor.com.com. A.U.A.A.M., thank you so, so much. It has been a pleasure talking to you today. And I really have enjoyed our chat on my new podcast. life in color. So thank you so much. Thank you for having me. Thanks. Bye.