Today we’d like to introduce you to Franchon Doley.
Hi Franchon, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started sewing when my daughter was three years old. I would make her bow ties to wear with her outfits, along with smaller ones for her hair. What started as something I enjoyed making for my daughter eventually turned into making bow ties for other people by hand, until my fingers were tired!
For my birthday, I was gifted a sewing machine, and that opened up a whole new world for me. I began creating matching “Mommy and Me” pieces for my daughter and I. Before long, people started asking me to create garments for them as well. At the time, I was self-taught and still new to sewing, so I didn’t feel like I had all the tools or skills I needed to take on those requests.
In the spring of 2018, I birthed FranMade. As my confidence grew and my clients continued to challenge me creatively, I decided to take my craft more seriously. I began taking classes to strengthen my skills and build on what I had taught myself.
That journey has brought me to where I am today, creating one-of-a-kind, timeless, quality garments that are thoughtfully constructed. FranMade has grown so much from those first little bow ties, and the love, encouragement, and support I’ve received from my community have played a huge role in shaping it into what it is today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of my biggest struggles has been learning to believe in myself and my abilities. When I first started sewing, I was completely self-taught, and there were many times when I questioned whether I was skilled enough to take on certain projects or call myself a designer. Most garments I have completed to date, have been my first time trying.
There were also challenges that came with learning the business side of building a brand while simultaneously developing my craft. I had to learn how to push myself beyond what was comfortable, invest in my education, manage the demands of my clients, and continue growing even when things didn’t always go as planned.
There were moments when I felt overwhelmed or unsure of my direction, but each challenge pushed me to become better. Taking classes helped strengthen my technical skills, while my clients challenged me creatively and gave me opportunities to grow. Im forever thankful for those who trust in my skill set and challenge me with no hesitation.
Looking back, I’m grateful for those struggles because they taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of trusting my own journey.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
FranMade is a one-of-a-kind, made-to-order fashion brand focused on creating timeless, quality garments that are thoughtfully designed and constructed. I specialize in custom pieces that allow my clients to express their individuality while still creating something that feels classic and lasting. What I’m most known for is the attention to detail I put into each garment. I take pride in creating pieces that are not only beautiful, but are well-constructed and made with intention. Because I personally construct each piece, I’m able to give my clients a more personal experience and bring their ideas to life in a way that feels uniquely theirs. As far as my niche, Im beginning to be known as “the lady that makes the prom dresses.” I’m most proud of how far I’ve come as a self-taught designer. What started with making little bow ties for my daughter has grown into a business where I’m creating complete, one-of-a-kind garments for people in my community and beyond. Seeing that evolution is something I don’t take for granted.
I believe what sets FranMade apart is the heart behind the work. I’m not interested in simply making something to be worn. I want to create pieces that tell a story, make people feel confident, and can become a meaningful part of their wardrobe. Every garment is an opportunity for me to challenge myself creatively, continue learning, and give my clients something they won’t find anywhere else. That really makes my heart smile.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest piece of advice for anyone just starting out is to give yourself permission to be a beginner. You don’t have to know everything before you start. I was self-taught when I began, and there were so many things I didn’t know. I could have easily let that stop me, but instead, I allowed myself to learn along the way. I would also say, don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. Some of my biggest moments of growth came from clients asking me to create something I had never made before. Those experiences pushed me to learn new techniques, take classes, and become more confident in my abilities.
Something I wish I knew in the beginning is that growth takes time. You don’t have to have everything figured out right away, and you shouldn’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. Invest in yourself, keep learning, listen to your clients, your heart, and most importantly, trust your own journey. Start with what you have, make the most of it, and keep going. You may be surprised by where that first small step can lead you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shopfranmade.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fran__made
- Other: contactfranmade@gmail.com
