“YES.”
I’m back again for Tutu Tea Tuesday. On Thursday. Ready to spill?
Let’s talk about the word “YES.” One of the loveliest responses a young, eager wannabe seamstress could hope to hear…
So let’s go back to the beginning. Before this first dance studio gig mentioned in my previous post, I had been stalking the New York City Ballet website regarding an open position for a stitcher. This was in 2012. The only sewing experience I had was from my high school fashion class, and some basic alterations I fumbled through for local military members when I lived near Travis AFB in California. So, I mean, let’s be honest, no fine-tuned skills.
I sweated through 3-hour long sewing interviews at David’s Bridal, Fontana Bridal Salon, and…are you ready…the famous Kleinfeld’s in NYC (think “Say Yes to the Dress”). These sewing skill tests were not supposed to last 3 hours. But that’s how long it took me…to change out a zipper. I really had some pair of nuts (excuse my French). No fear. Just drive. I attacked my goal full force: I wanted to sew for a living.
How was my NYCB sewing interview in 2012? Non-existent. I got one of those polite “we don’t think you have enough experience” emails. They were totally right.
But I kept going, even after the constant stream of “NO’s.”
After leaving my first dance studio gig (see previous post) and moving on to greener pastures, I had enough confidence (real or imagined, I’m not sure) to cold-email EVERY SINGLE dance studio within a 50 mile radius. OMG do you want to read my very first cold email? YES? Here it is:
Dear (Director’s Name),
I am a local tutu maker, located in Westchester County, New York. If your company or your students are ever in need of tutus for performances or competitions, I hope you will keep me in mind.
I have attached a few photos of my work and have included my website in my signature line.
Please do not hesitate to contact me---I would love to answer any questions.
Respectfully,
Nicole Roque
That was it. Short and sweet. With 4 of my best photos attached. And a link to my current website, which may have been just one page. (I believe it was a WordPress blog that I had made to look like a legitimate website. I had heard from somewhere that a website legitimizes your business.)
I think I sent out 30 emails from my brand spanking new Gmail address that was completely empty except for the “Welcome to Gmail” email.
And then I got it. My first real “YES.” From one of the better known studios in my area. I walked in there like I knew exactly what I was doing. I must have put on a good show because I walked out with a few alteration jobs, and then the rest is history. I still work with this studio today, and just built a new Snow Corps for them this past season.
And want to know something else? I reapplied to New York City Ballet (Hi Jarod!) in 2022. I actually got a chance to take a sewing test in the costume shop, which was like walking into the Yankee Stadium locker room. I mean, I died right there. And after that interview I got my most favorite “YES” of my career.
Will I disappoint you in saying I didn’t take the NYCB job? Well, I didn’t take it. I wasn’t going to be able to juggle the commute and be a good mom at the same time, so I declined the offer. And Jarod asked me, “....ARE YOU SURE?”
And I said, “YES.”
