Community Highlights: Meet Tricia Camacho of Creative Costume Academy

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Tricia Camacho.

Hi Tricia, I’m so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed with your story and how you got to where you are today.
Absolutely! My journey began with a love for sewing and theatre. I started volunteering at local theatres and then went to school to dive deeper into this fascinating world. It was there that I discovered pattern making, opening up endless possibilities. I became obsessed with learning all I could about it. 

I worked as a dresser and wardrobe supervisor for various shows, always honing my skills. A two-year tour with the Broadway show “Full Monty” eventually led me to Las Vegas, where I joined the acrobatic water show LeReve. With 1.1 million gallons of water, it was a whole new challenge for costume construction and maintenance! I worked as a technician, doing alterations and repairs, and even got to create patterns and participate in fittings. 

After five years at LeReve, I decided to take the leap and start my own business, The Patterned Seamstress. I created costumes for performers, nightclubs, touring shows, and even other Vegas Strip productions. My reputation as the “figure it out girl” grew, and so did my business. 

While at LeReve, many dressers asked how they could advance their skills and also learn patternmaking. To supplement my income, I organized some pattern classes, which were a hit! In 2016, I moved from Las Vegas to North Carolina, uncertain about my business’s future. Thankfully, I managed to keep my clients and even expanded, doing tour installations worldwide. 

People kept asking about my classes, so I put them online. Initially, they didn’t get much attention, but I dove into learning online marketing and social media. By 2020, when the costume business took a hit, my teaching efforts started to pay off. I connected with students globally, helping them master patternmaking. 

It took a year to reach 1,000 Instagram followers, but now I have 23K. My first program launch had 11 sign-ups, and my latest one left us with 325 excited members. When theatre returned in 2021, it was a juggling act between my online business and costume work, but I managed to delegate and grow. I also became a lead instructor for a major industry influencer’s Pattern Making community. 

Balancing everything has been challenging, but I’m passionate about showing up for my customers and providing work for others. My journey has been about learning, adapting, and helping others bring their creative visions to life. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have yet to meet an entrepreneur who had a smooth road the whole time, but hey, I guess it could be possible! My journey has definitely had its bumps and twists. 

My first year in business was rough. I transitioned from a full-time job with benefits to building my own reputation from scratch. To make ends meet, I also worked as a swing dresser for The Lion King while growing my clientele. It was a struggle, but I was smart about budgeting and believed that with consistent effort, things would work out. 

After that challenging first year, a friend invited me to be the assistant head of wardrobe for Jersey Boys. I jumped at the opportunity! This role allowed me to pay my bills while continuing to grow my business. Those were long days and stressful nights, but it eased the financial pressure and gave me room to breathe. 

Another major leap was moving to North Carolina. I wasn’t sure if I could keep my business running from afar, but by following up on leads and making frequent trips back to Vegas, I proved to my clients that I could still deliver top-notch service. 

One of the biggest challenges hit when live entertainment stopped due to COVID-19. For the first time, I had to rely on unemployment benefits. I used my savings from Jersey Boys to invest in a business coach, determined to give my all to this new path. It took a lot of trust in myself and a steep learning curve, but it was worth it. 

What has helped me the most is surrounding myself with supportive people, both paid and unpaid, who understand my goals. Having a network of like-minded individuals to offer advice and feedback has been invaluable. It makes a world of difference to connect with others striving to make an impact with their businesses. 

We’ve been impressed with Creative Costume Academy, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share about what you do and what sets you apart?
At Creative Costume Academy, our mission is to take the fear out of patternmaking and fitting adjustments, empowering everyone to create garments that fit flawlessly! Pattern-making often carries a stigma of being difficult and intimidating, but we’re here to change that perception. 

Traditionally, pattern-making classes start with drafting a sloper or block from measurements, which can be overwhelming for beginners. Many students give up before they truly experience the incredible benefits of patternmaking. I rarely draft from scratch in my daily work, so I wanted to develop a more accessible approach. 

Our teaching method dives right into understanding how patterns work and how these principles can be applied to any pattern. We provide our students with full sets of slopers/blocks to start with, focusing on fitting and making design adjustments. This way, we eliminate the daunting task of excessive math and start with practical, hands-on learning. 

What sets us apart is our commitment to making pattern-making approachable and fun. We’ve had numerous students tell us they felt encouraged and capable after being discouraged by other methods. Our goal is to demystify this powerful skill, showing how it can elevate any sewing project to a professional level. 

At Creative Costume Academy, we’re proud to make pattern-making accessible to everyone. We believe everyone should have this “superpower” and enjoy learning it! Join us to discover the joy and confidence that comes with mastering patternmaking. Let’s create something amazing together! 

How do you think about luck?
Luck is a tricky concept, and I’m not sure how much I believe in it, but I can certainly see how certain factors have played a significant role in my journey. I feel fortunate to have had prominent family members who proved that it’s possible to succeed as an entrepreneur in a creative field. Their successful businesses provided a blueprint and gave me the confidence to pursue my passion for art and costume construction. 

I’m also incredibly grateful that I had the foresight to move my teaching online before the pandemic hit. While many were scrambling to adapt to an online setting, I had already begun my research and set up my platform. When my costume business disappeared overnight, I had a new direction to focus on immediately. It felt like a stroke of luck to have that path ready, but it was also the result of preparation and a willingness to adapt. 

So, while I may not entirely attribute my success to luck, I recognize and appreciate the fortunate circumstances and opportunities that have come my way. These moments, combined with hard work and determination, have shaped my journey in meaningful ways. 

Contact Info:

• Website: creativecostumeacademy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creative.costume.academy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCA.patterns
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@creativecostumeacademy
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@creative.costume.academy?lang=en