Meet Isabel Gransaull | Custom Clothier & Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Isabel Gransaull and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Isabel, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have been sewing for quite a few years now and I had been making most of my own clothes. Once I had my first child, I had my hands full and lost the desire to sew. I thought I would easily purchase RTW (ready to wear). However, I kept running into problems find garments with the right proportions for my body. I was wondering if I was the only one with this issue. Over time I had many conversations with other women about the topic and found that many of them had similar problems when it came to finding clothing that fit their bodies well, without having to pay extra for alterations. As much as I fought resuming sewing, I knew that I had to address this issue by starting my custom made clothing business. I thought to myself, I already knew how to draft patterns, construct garments and, there is a need for customized clothing.
Then doubt kicked in. Why? Coming from the Caribbean, most garments back then were custom made but in the US, most people bought RTW garments. I wondered if people would really want to purchase a custom made garment that was not made by me rather than just purchase a brand name garment. Fortunately, I got out of my own head and went ahead and got started with my business. I now also teach others how to sew and also how to create patterns.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
All of my garments are done by making the patterns for the design from my customers’ personal body measurements. Having a custom garment means that you get to choose exactly what you want as far as color, sleeves or not, length and the list goes on. A person can send several photos of different garments having different features that they want into one garment or even a sketch or photo of what they want and I bring their vision to life. Of course, if I think a particular choice won’t be suitable for one reason or another, I will certainly voice that. One of the aspects of my profession that makes me excited, is the sheer joy a customer emits once they see and fit their custom garment. It never gets old watching them stare at their garment with a huge grin on their face and I’ve had some literally dance in my studio.
I was formally trained in fashion design and garment construction along with pattern making just over 30 years ago. I was taught at college level by a master tutor in The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. However, I believe that you never stop learning, so I am constantly seeking to improve my skills. I gain knowledge from various avenues because there are so many ways to do one thing. Besides skills get better with experience.
I do my best to accommodate my customers and I go the extra mile especially for my repeat customers.
It is highly competitive now, since so many people are making custom made clothing. I supplement my sewing with instructing in pattern making and also sewing. I am currently working on a series of new classes.
Lessons learned along the way –
Sometimes, saying no to a project is okay. Everyone is not my customer and I am fine with that. Draw up a contract for your customers so that they understand your process. One last lesson I’ll share, NEVER go out buying fabric with your money for any project before payment has been made. People change their minds all too often.
Beau Je Designs offers elegantly casual garments and bridal and evening wear. I mainly sew for young ladies and women. However, from time to time I do sew shirts for some male customers.
You can also learn the art of pattern making with me or just learn to sew using commercial patterns if you so choose.
I am really passionate about what I do and want others to experience wearing custom clothing by Beau Je Designs.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Let me just say first, that I am relatively new to GA and still learning about the spots in the city. With that said, I would definitely take my visitors to the Aquarium early on in their visit since it involves a bit of walking and could get that done before they get too tired,. Lol.! We need to do the Porsche Experience (got this as a gift and yet to use it) Since it is still warm weather, we will certainly do Sky View Atlanta at night, the view is spectacular on the Ferris wheel. Don’t think I forgot about eating. They have to have the Ponce City Market experience for 3 spots in particular- Ton Ton Ramen & Yakitori- Their Tonkutsu ramen noodle soup is really delicious. We also love sea food, so WH Stiles Fish Camp is a must. Five Daughters bakery has their cronuts (croissant doughnuts) and the fillings are changed monthly. Delish!
The Optimist and Chops are two that we’ve enjoyed and would take our friends there when they visit. We will end their visit with a home cooked dinner and wine and chill on the deck before bed.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Most definitely, my very supportive husband, Gideon Gransaull. He is my biggest fan and my support system. He is the one that sees the stresses and the grind and continues to have my back and continues to encourage me. Without the support of my husband, this journey would have been twice as hard to say the least. Although he has a very stressful, full time job, he has never failed to jump right in with any aspect of caring for our family when I am trying to meet a deadline for a project. He is one of the most selfless persons I know. I am forever grateful for him.

Instagram: @beaujedesignssewing

Facebook: Beau Je Designs

Email: beaujedesigns01@gmail.com