Hosts: Melissa Lynn Oddo (deMelis Atelier & Stitched Collective) Matthew Banever (Bards Clothing)

Summary:

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of Melissa Oddo, who not only excels in her craft, but also builds a thriving community around the dying art of sewing. We explore her early life experiences, the challenges she faced, and how she organically transitioned from being a lone rebel to fostering a community of seamstresses. We also discuss the importance of embracing the long game in life and business, and how passion, persistence, and community have shaped her path.

Outfits:

Melissa – 

• Jumpsuit – Pistola Denim
• Bralette – Aerie

Matt – 

• Button down sheep shirt – Stantt
• Pinstripe drago wool pants – Bards
• Shoes – Magnanni

Key Takeaways:

Building Community: Sometimes the need for a community arises organically, especially in niche fields. For this seamstress, the creation of the Stitch Collective was a natural progression to preserve the dying art of sewing.
Long-Term Vision: Life is long, and it’s essential to think beyond immediate goals. Planning for the future and viewing life in phases allows for more growth and adaptability.
Personal Growth: No matter where you start, it’s okay to reinvent yourself along the way. Be open to failing, learning, and continuing forward.
Finding Balance: Reflecting yearly on personal and professional life can help strike a balance between work and personal fulfillment.

Links:

• Pistola Denim – Premium denim, designed in LA. Discover elevated everyday essentials with street-smart sensibility.
• Aerie – Aerie Is Here To Help Inspire Confidence – Inside & Out. Being REAL Starts From Within. Inspiring & Uplifting The REAL You Is Our Mantra.
• Stantt – Try on your perfect fit and browse our exclusive collections and custom garments.
• Jenna Lyons – Former director of JCrew – Style inspo 
• Imogene and Willie – made with love / made to last — forever on the quest to make the perfect jeans. designed in Nashville and made in the USA.
• Magnanni – Explore Magnanni’s handcrafted leather shoe designs and experience generations of passion and artisanal luxury.
• Park Road Shoe Repair – Our Family-Owned business has serviced Manhattan for over 20 years and now we are expanding our services to Hartford, Connecticut. Park Road Shoe Repair was established in 2019 with one mission: to bring a reliable, high quality Shoe Repair Shop to the West Hartford area. 
• Fazio’s Shoe Repair – 216 Market Sq. Newington, CT
• Lastrina Girls Bridal: We are a bridal boutique showcasing designer wedding gowns, special-occasion dresses and accessories. At Lastrina Girls our main goal is that each customer feels their most beautiful and has a very special experience. Middletown, CT.
• Fashion Institute of Technology – FIT, a part of the State University of New York, has been an internationally recognized leader in career education in design, fashion, business, mass communication, and technology connected to the fashion industry.
• Work Train Fight – Boxing Gym Downtown New York City. Work Train Fight specializes in Boxing Classes, Strength Training, Youth Boxing Classes and Personal Training.
• Alden Shoes – The Alden Shoe Company has merged traditional style and materials with modern tastes and trends to create a wide variety of shoes that appeal to all men. 
• The White Dress by the Shore – The White Dress by the Shore is a bridal boutique in Connecticut specializing in exquisite wedding gowns, bridesmaids dresses, and accessories. 
• The White Dress Society – The White Dress Society’s mission is to EMPOWER, EDUCATE and INSPIRE independent bridal store owners.
• Stitched Collective – We want to bring those already in the sewing industry together and help them run successful bridal seamstress businesses.