Meet Trailblazer Chris Bradshaw

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Bradshaw.

Chris, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have had a passion for sewing and fashion design since the seventh grade. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Textiles & Clothing and began working in the industry as a patternmaker fresh out of college. I spent the first five years after college working in the skiwear and western wear industries in town. I also freelanced on the side working one-on-one with clients out of my home.

I made a huge career change in the mid-’80s and only freelanced during that time. Since retiring from corporate America, I began my own business with a studio in my home and am happier than ever doing exactly what I love to do!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I actually got out of the industry after five years since I was very unhappy. I was wanting to do more design work, but there wasn’t a whole lot of opportunity in Denver. Many of the designers made it clear they weren’t interested in ideas from a “patternmaker”, there was competitiveness, distrust, criticism. It wasn’t a healthy environment, especially being so young.

I believe this industry has become a whole lot more welcoming over the past 30 years, so my advice is to chase your dreams. Work with people who are willing to share their expertise, help you learn and offer encouragement. Move on if that’s not the environment you are currently working in… before you know it, you’ll be the one sharing your expertise and encouragement with a version of your “younger self.”

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about SheaMarie Designs – what should we know?
I’m a fashion designer, patternmaker, and seamstress. I specialize in weddings, but I do everything. My absolute favorite work is creating wedding gowns. I’ve made many originals over the years and there is nothing more rewarding than taking a bride’s vision and bringing it to life for that very important day in her life. Being able to create a true “one-of-a-kind” is exciting. Having my own studio allows me to invite my clients into my home from the very beginning of the process to the day they actually take their gown home.

Being able to execute all aspects of the process is what makes me unique. Meaning, having the training in pattern drafting, and draping, along with my years of experience as a seamstress allows me to take the project from the design phase all the way through to the final fittings. I’m a stickler for workmanship and a perfectionist on top of it. So, you can expect nothing less than exceptional quality.

Lastly, I’m affordable. I understand how everything and anything wedding related seems to have a premium price tag associated with it. My goal is to create unique designs that my clients will treasure without breaking the bank.

Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I spent a lot of years in management during the years that I worked in corporate America and participated in some excellent training over the years. I use the skills I developed in time management, conflict management, customer service and communications in my business on a daily basis.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sheamariedesigns.com and www.etsy.com/shop/sheamariedesignsltd
• Email: chris@sheamariedesigns.com
• Instagram: #sheamariedesigns
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/sheamariedesigns

Image Credit:
Erin Blackwell (headshot), KB DigitalDesigns, Kelly Hornberger Photography

Getting in touch: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.