In 2021, Heather started Notions Bouquet with a dream. She wanted to create custom clothing that made people comfortable and confidant. This dream had taken years to realize, but really it had always been there…
Learning the Basics
Heather started learning how to sew when she was three, the motions of sticking a needle through fabric practiced with cardboard cutouts and shoelaces. When she was six she learned how to make a small fabric decoration, called a yoyo, from her grandmother. At eight she got her first sewing kit from a craft store, and from there the passion of a lifetime blossomed.
Formal Education
Heather took the fashion electives offered by her school. She even participated in the school’s fashion show her sophomore year.
Heather participated in the Precollege Program at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. There she excelled in all of her classes.
Heather also designed and made her own dresses for Junior and Senior Prom
Heather has taken several part-time and continuing education credits at the Fashion Institute of Technology, including the following:
- Textile Principles for Fashion Designers
- Macroeconomics
- Business Ethics
- Sustainability in Fashion
- Strategies of Selling
- Introduction to Entrepreneurship
She also has a certificate through the FIT Continuing Ed program for Costume Design and Wardrobe.
non-business Work
Heather’s first job was a tailor’s apprentice near her home town. She volunteered there for two years before briefly becoming a paid employee just before she went off to collage.
Heather’s next job was working in the New York Renaissance Faire’s Costume Department. She worked at NYRF for 4 years while slowly realizing her dream to create a custom clothing business.
Heather has also worked as a mending instructor since 2024, teaching classes at Rockland BOCES, workshops at local libraries, and even doing one-on-one lessons.
The Evolution of Notions Bouquet
When Notions Bouquet was founded in 2021, the idea was to get Heather’s name out so they could do custom clothing commissions. So she started an Etsy store selling accessories made of donated scrap fabric.
In 2022, Heather added onto her business by designing patterned fabric for sites like Spoonflower. This meant she could sell others her designs while also allowing herself to make accessories out of her own fabrics! The designs were also available on stationary through Redbubble, and as digital design files on Etsy.
in 2023, Heather pivoted hard into bridal wear and special occasion outfits. She went to bridal shows, did consultations, and even made and altered some items! But after a year they decided it wasn’t the niche for her.
Notions Bouquet has taken a bit of a backseat in Heather’s life for the last few years, but its still her passion. There may be less active hours going into it, but its still alive, kicking, and trying to make a difference. To learn more about our goals and ethics, see Our Mission.
