Life and Work with Danielle McCloud

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle McCloud.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started sewing by watching my Mother DeIvery Moore sew while growing up. My mother was a full-time seamstress. Growing up, I had no idea I will be a designer today. While watching my mother, I had no interest in sewing and designing clothes. It all started my freshmen year in college when I was used to taking a piece of clothing to my mother to alter for me while growing up. Now, I’m in school seven hours away, my mother was not convenient for her to fix my clothes. For instance, I will take something home to get altered one school break and will not be able to get it back until the next break so pretty much I will have to wait months to get my clothes back. I got tired of waiting and decided to purchase my own sewing machine. With that, I was altering my own clothes. About one month later, I made my first outfit which took me all day to make. I will never forget, it was a pink and orange two-piece. That night I received some many compliments on my outfit that people wanted me to make their clothing. I honestly started with making swimsuits for other people and my business went from there. But what really took my business to the next level is when I got fired from Pandora Jewelry in Tallahassee, Florida. I went from having no time to get orders done to making at least 6-10 outfits a week. I was able to work for myself a whole year surviving paying bills on time and most definitely having extra money left in my pocket to spend on the things that I want.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it has not been a smooth road. Especially after graduating from college and relocating to a bigger city when all my clients are in Tallassee, Fl. My main struggle was getting my clientele back up. I’ve been in ATL for two years now and I can say my clientele has just now been steady with ATL customers. It’s like I had to start all over again with promoting and getting possible customers attention. My goal is to go from shipping due to all my customers being in Florida to local pick up. Shipping can be a struggle because clients are not able to have a fitting so with sending things off it will be a 50-50 chance that the outfit may or may not fit. If someone is a distance away it makes it harder for me to fix a mistake so now customers are looking at as if I’m unprofessional and lack customer service when that is not the case.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Distinctive Stitch – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am the boss of Distinctive Stitch, I make custom clothing for women between the ages of 17-50. I specialize in bathing suits, dresses, two-piece outfits, prom gowns, etc. I am known for teaching elementary kids and making clothes. I am most proud of where I am at and how my brand brought me as well as the opportunities that come my way each day. I am proud that people trust me with making them custom clothing and I am more proud when my clients fall in love with the finished product, and the confident my clothes give them.

Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
The biggest barriers today to female leadership is that some people hate to see other people doing better than them. With social media, people are so quick to bash other people hard work which can be discouraging to some people.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 7542730695
• Email: Distinctivestitch@gmail.com
• Instagram: Personal: @itsdanni_
  Business IG: @Distinctive_stitch

Image Credit:
Tiffany Minter

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.