Nadine Bozeman is known as the singing seamstress. She works as both a full-time music teacher at Jefferson Middle School and runs the Sweet Francis Sewing Company. Chatting with her reveals a graceful combination of confidence and humility. While she has spent years bettering her skills as a musician and crafter, she also acknowledges that the inspiration and encouragement of others is what helped her blossom into the creative person she is today.
In particular, Bozeman credits her mother. “My Mom taught me how to crochet when I was eight. Then the next year she taught me how to knit. And the year after that she taught me how to use the sewing machine. I loved it. I was a really hyper kid, so I always wanted to be social, or with people, or doing something. I think my Mom was trying to help find things to keep me occupied that weren’t always social.”
Nadine held onto the skills her mom taught her, and, when she was 15, she took a sewing class. “I was the one who totally went over the top. I couldn’t wait to go to Jo-Ann Fabrics. Jo-Ann’s actually ended up being my first job, too.”
Once Bozeman began middle school, her mom suggested she audition for the Olympia Youth Chorus. “Before that I never sang. I played the piano, but I didn’t think singing was a thing for me. But joining the chorus is what made me fall in love with music. I had so much fun at rehearsals. And the director, Cindy Dinsmore, was the person who told me, ‘You can actually sing.’ I’d never been told that before. Well, other than by my Mom. But it’s always nice to hear things from someone in addition your parent.”
Bozeman ended up going to college for music, earning a Bachelor of Science in Music Education Vocal Proficiency. “I had in mind that I would do one-on-one vocal instruction. Then, during my final semester, I had to do an internship which involved teaching at a school. I didn’t anticipate enjoying classroom teaching as much as I did. When I graduated I got a job almost right away at Jefferson Middle School.”
At the same time Cindy informed her about a piano accompanist position with the Olympia Youth Chorus. The following year she also began conducting for them.
Even while working at Jefferson and for the chorus, Bozeman kept her sewing skills sharp. “I bought so much fabric and yarn, I thought picking up some more work could help offset the cost of my fabric stashes. I love music and working with kids, but I also wanted something totally different, something outside of music.”
Though she had a passion to work with textiles, Nadine said that initially, “I felt like my own craft wasn’t cool because it was mine. And, at first the idea of cutting up people’s clothing was really scary. My mother-in-law is a seamstress and has done custom clothing and alterations for over 30 years. She was the one who told me I had the chaps and that I could do this.”
Ultimately it was through the encouragement of family and friends that she realized “maybe I could make money doing something I already loved. Knowing this community is a really good support system for crafty people, gave me the confidence to start.”
Bozeman began her Sweet Francis Sewing Company in January, 2016, but notes she didn’t give it serious attention until June or July.
Recently she has also focused more on her Etsy shop. “It’s cool that crafters have resources like Etsy, Instagram, and Facebook. There are so many ways to get your art and business out there.”
When asked if she had any advice, the teacher in her immediately shared, “I think every person needs a creative outlet. It doesn’t mean everyone has to make a living from it, but I think it’s really good for the soul. It could be music, art, crafting, whatever, but it’s important to find something. Even if someone thinks their first projects look lame, it’s important not to put pressure on yourself. Just do it. I think that’s how this whole thing got started. I wanted to do it for my own good. Then I took a leap of faith to see where it would take me. And sometimes that is what gives a person the boost to keep going and get better.”
