Today we’d like to introduce you to Patricia Bruno Rivero.
Patricia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have always had a passion for vintage. My Mom left me boxes of vintage jewelry and sewing notions. I began adding to that collection in the late 80’s. As the years passed, my collection grew.
Three years ago, I stumbled across a local warehouse full of vintage clothing. I bought 2 pieces of denim and began to blend my vintage sewing supplies and brooches. These 2 jackets turned into 12 and my new business took off!! I began selling embellished denim and camo pieces at Oxygene in Bal Harbour. The demand grew quickly to the point that I resigned from my day job and a 30 year career in retail to sew and create full time.
I love what I do and grateful for every minute of it.
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?
The business grew rapidly. Because I am focused on outerwear; I find that my biggest challenge is in the warmer months (June and July). Although I wholesale to stores throughput the US and Canada, the stores are geared to “wear now” lines. Buyers are not ready to see me until August. There is a fine balance to keep business consistent all year long.
Please tell us about Josie Brno Vintage LLC.
My business is named after my Mom who was a seamstress. She taught me how to sew at a very young age. Our Saturdays were spent in mills and fabric stores in the Boston area.
Although I have only had one sewing class, I have a natural feel for the process. The foundation of every garment that I make is vintage. I recycle, restyle, repurpose and recreate the garment. I specialize in pattern and unusual fabric combinations. I think my signature would be the use of my embellishment on each jacket.
I continue to collect and curate vintage jewelry and use these pieces to complete each jacket. Each garment is a one of a kind piece and unique to each client.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
That’s easy, sitting on the floor dressing my Barbie with hand sewn dresses as my Mom worked on her sewing machine.
Contact Info:
- Website: Josiebruno459.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Josiebruno459
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