Episode 144 - Dr. Cindie Husbands of the American Tailors and Sewing Association – Her Incredible Journey

Summary: Dr. Cindie Husbands has never followed a conventional path—and that's exactly what makes her story so compelling. From performing as a mime at SeaWorld Orlando to designing award-winning bridal veils, producing performances at Carnegie Hall, Broadway Theatre, and the Sydney Olympics, launching manufacturing businesses, and eventually founding the American Tailors and Sewing Association, her career has been defined by reinvention, creativity, and saying "yes" to opportunity.

In this inspiring episode of Sew & So, Cindie shares how sewing has been the common thread through every chapter of her remarkable life. She explains why the American tailoring industry is facing a critical workforce shortage, the lack of standards in alterations and tailoring, and how her association is working to professionalize the trade through certification, education, and workforce development. She also discusses her vision for Mobile Sew Labs that could help thousands of people build meaningful careers through sewing. Whether you're a hobby sewist, quilter, entrepreneur, or simply someone who believes it's never too late to reinvent yourself, Cindie's story is proof that sewing can change lives—and perhaps even your own.

Episode Notes: 

In this episode of Sew & So, we’re joined by Dr. Cindie Husbands, founder of the American Tailors and Sewing Association.

Few people can say they've been a professional mime at SeaWorld, designed award-winning bridal veils, produced performances at Carnegie Hall, Broadway Theatre, and the Sydney Olympics, built dance studios, manufactured casino uniforms in Las Vegas, launched a company that produced antimicrobial masks during the pandemic, and then founded a national organization to transform the future of tailoring in America. But Dr. Cindie Husbands can.

Every chapter of her extraordinary life has been connected by one constant—sewing. From learning to sew as a young girl to building businesses across the country, Cindie has embraced every opportunity that came her way. Today, as founder of the American Tailors and Sewing Association, she's on a mission to address the growing shortage of skilled sewists, establish professional standards for the tailoring industry, and create new pathways for people to build meaningful careers through sewing.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, reinvention, and why sewing isn't just a craft—it's a skill that can truly change lives.

(3:00) How did Cindie first learn to sew and who was her inspiration?

(4:40) What’s the first item she created and does she still have it?

(4:55) Cindie takes us on a ride with her through the journey to where she is today. Hear about the now famous people she still knows from high school and why she became a mime at Sea World. Buckle-up…this is amazing! Hear about Carnage Hall, the Sydney Olympics, Alaska, Las Vegas, Casino Uniforms, Kokomo, IN, the realization that she had gone to high school with her husband and more! And in all of this…she earned her Doctorate Degree!

(21:26) Hear about the performances she’s produced and which are her favorites.

(22:20) Cindie talks about why quilting in Alaska is so pervasive and why quilting became important to her

(25:46) Her daughter Amber owns Volcano View in Homer, AK.

(26:08) What sewing projects are the most meaningful to her?

(28:00) Cindie talks about the disconnect in the sewing industry and why she started the American Tailors and Sewing Association. And…the dearth of standards and sewists to work for fashion companies and tailoring.

(32:00) Why haven’t standards and pathways been addressed until now?

(34:00) There is a resurgence in the interest of tailoring…but not enough people in the workforce to do the work. She explains what can be done about it.

(36:08) Have the large stores been supportive of her efforts?

(37:56) What are the goals of the Association? And her vision for the future of the industry?

(39:20) Learn about her plans for Mobile Sew Labs created to help people reinvent themselves.

(41:00) Cindie has “sewing can be a business at almost any level”. What does she mean by this?

(43:00) Americantailor.org

(43:08) What’s next for Cindie?

(44:05) What’s her dream?

(44:50) Is there a question we didn’t ask?

(45:40) You can reach out to Cindie go to Americantailor.org. Tell her you met her on Sew & So!

Subscribe & Listen: Don’t miss future episodes! Follow Sew & So Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

If you know someone you think has an outstanding story – a story that should be shared on this podcast, please drop me a note to meg@sew&sewpodcast.com  or complete the form on our website.

Key Words: American Tailors and Sewing Association, Marcel Marceau, tailoring, alterations, sewing careers, sewing business, entrepreneurship, sewing industry, tailoring standards, certification, workforce development, Mobile Sew Labs, sewing education, fashion industry, bridal sewing, bridal alterations, quilting, Alaska quilting, costume design, Carnegie Hall, Sydney Olympics, sewing entrepreneur, BERNINA, Sew & So Podcast, garment construction, home sewing, sewing community, sewing inspiration, Cindie Husbands, sewing skills, apparel manufacturing, textile industry, fashion careers