“Be brave and be YOU!” — Cindy Graham-Schmidt

Tell me a bit about yourself, Joanne. What do you do?

I am a passionate and established International Couture Fashion Designer; with more than 10 years experience in the Bridal Industry and 15 years designing lingerie and swimwear prior to that.
I was born in NZ, lived in WA as a child, then moved to Zimbabwe (where my mother’s family was and is still), where I grew up and did most of my schooling, apart from a year in Durban, South Africa, and a year in Seattle, USA as a Rotary Exchange student. After school I did a year’s working holiday in London and then again for 18 months before moving to Perth 3 years ago!

I am a Romantic Boho at heart with a creative soul. I have a meticulous work ethic and the most amazing customer care with a 5-star rating with all of my clients!

Creative Design Sessions are offered in my home studio, or via a Zoom Video Call, which developed during COVID. My creations are designed using my client’s inspirations and tailored to their body shape, colouring & inner vibe! The journey is a fun, uplifting experience that really enhances the run up to your Wedding or Event.

I love to design for the bride that wants to create their vision. I believe we are all beautifully unique and so should our wedding dresses be!

What caused your soul searching to find your dream career?

Previous to my Bridal business I ran a small lingerie and swimwear business for 15 years, whilst my 2 children were growing up. I followed my dreams and passion in design when I moved to the Gold Coast and graduated as a Fashion Designer in 2009. I continued with both my swimwear and bridal designs until I arrived in Perth 3 years ago and decided to only focus on Bridal & Couture. As a creative person I find designing custom gowns for my clients, brings me as much joy as it does them!

What do you like most about your work?

I believe that I have a gift for understanding what the client is dreaming of! I have a knack of tuning in to their frequency and then tailoring it to their body shape, vibe and colouring. This is so rewarding, watching their vision come to life and the joy and excitement at that final fitting!

Can you share one tip to help others figure out their dream career?

If you have a gift or talent that you can tailor into helping solve someone’s problems and make their journey an easier one, then I say you have the basis for a great business!