Newsletter 22 | October 2015 Feature
Some people come into the world and from day one are in it for themselves. When the time comes where successes are had they scream at the top of their lungs that they did it on their own and to a point believe it. Then there are people like Nicole (and Angie) who come into the world and quickly zero in on how they can contribute to a greater cause and do it together, proudly claiming one another in their journey. Amazingly enough, these 2 women empower women through a channel that is overlooked, but regularly seen!
Meet Nicole
Biography of Nicole
Nicole Kronenburger started designing clothing in 2004 when she was 16 years old. She then turned her passion into profit by making prom and homecoming dresses. Her love of fashion only continued to grow through her classes at Michigan State University and Illinois State University. She graduated Illinois State University with a degree in Accounting and combined her love of business and fashion to form Seamingly Sisters with her close friend, Angie. We look to empower women and girls of all ages to look and feel good so they can focus on their passions and living life to it’s fullest.
Q&A Session With Nicole
Q: What led you to your profession?
I started off in photography. I loved taking pictures, especially pictures of people. I loved making people feel beautiful. I would go to thrift stores to pick out pretty dresses and dress people up to take pictures. I started wanting specific dresses for certain shots and I could not find them anywhere. I decided to start making them and I decided that this is what I always wanted to do. I love creating and making something from just a scrap of fabric.
Q: What struggles have you faced within in it?
An endless amount of struggles. I had a baby boy pretty young but did not want to give up on my dream. I went to school full time, held two jobs, and still found time to pursue my passion. It was hard, especially while everyone is telling you that “your crazy” and “you don’t need to do this to yourself”.
Q: Has your background influenced your work?
My mom always had the best self esteem. She never cared what she looked like, she always just did her thing. I think I learned from that. I realized quickly I’m one of the few women out there who feels comfortable in their own skin. I wanted to change that. If you can’t feel comfortable in your own skin, hopefully I could make something to help. I feel inspired anytime anyone tells me how beautiful they feel in my designs. This is why I make everything completely customizable. I was friends with a lot of different races and ethnicities. Some girls had to have sleeves, some didn’t feel comfortable in low cut, etc. I made it so they could design what THEY wanted, what made THEM comfortable, just using my designs! I think the worst way to go through life is to not be comfortable with yourself and I want to help change that.
Q: What is a typical day for you?
I have two kids. One goes off to school while the youngest and I start are day at the gym. Then I take a nap (my husband calls it a second sleep). Then I get ready for my job as a hotel manager at night. After work, when the house is quite, I sew in my home office downstairs.
Q: What would you suggest to fellow fashion designers?
Never give up, no matter what people say. Always be open for criticism, it only makes you stronger but don’t let anyone stand in the way of your dreams.
Q: What are your future career goals?
I would really like to expand my company and help other designers from the Midwest/Chicago area realize their dreams as well.
Q: What do you do in your downtime?
What’s downtime? Just kidding but when I do find down time, I love playing with my kids and friends, being outside, playing guitar.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 2025?
I see myself expanding our business and really getting our message out and heard. I hope to some day help other women and girl realize their dreams as well.
Q: Do you have inspiring words you live by?
Live each day like it’s your last. Always keep going, as long as you are able, to achieve your goals.
Seamingly Sisters’ Mini-Gallery
Be sure to congratulate Nicole on her recent feature with Milwaukee Fashion Week. Thank you all for reading, and thank you Nicole for sharing your creativity with the world.
Love Always,
Veronica ✌❤
