THE AMBER WEITZER PODCAST | SILHOUETTES OF SUCCESS | CINDY WILLIAMS | EPISODE 126 | SHOW NOTES
FEATURED GUEST
Our V.I.P. Featured Guest Cindy Williams is a creative entrepreneur living her dream in the Florida Keys with her partner of twenty years and their two amusing pups. She is the Owner and President of Cindy’s Custom Linens and Upholstery in Cudjoe Key, Florida.
Cindy’s creative journey began at a young age, designing and sewing unique clothing for herself and her barbies since she was just 5 years old. With her mom’s guidance at the dining room table in Colorado, she developed her sewing skills. In high school, she realized her passion for fashion design and pursued it by earning a degree at Colorado State University.
After her studies, she ventured to New York City, where she gained invaluable experience at J.Crew, a renowned catalog retailer. Although not a designer, Cindy played a crucial role in the production side, working closely with factories overseas.
Eventually, after three years in the bustling city, she decided to take a break and relocated to Florida, not far from Key West. There, she found her true calling working for a prominent Interior Design and Architectural Firm. She began offering custom bed linens, pillows, and window treatments as a side gig, sparking the birth of Cindy’s Custom Linens. She also delved into upholstery, learning this new craft from a master upholsterer and honing her skills for the past two decades.
Cindy now owns a small workroom and studio located 21 miles from Key West. Her business specializes in interior design, upholstery, window treatments, and custom bed linens, serving a wide range of clients, from residential to commercial hospitality. She takes pride in offering these custom services and employs a talented team to assist in all aspects of the work. Cindy’s experience as a master seamstress spans 45 years, starting from her early years of sewing at the age of 5.
Beyond her thriving business, Cindy and her partner, Alecheia, have a zest for life, embracing the “Work Hard / Play Hard” mentality. They enjoy traveling, savoring good food, and cherishing moments with friends and family. Their two beloved pups, Roscoe and Sugar, play a central role in their lives, with plans to expand their furry family in the near future. The memory of past pets, including Marti, Isaac, Detroit, Jose, Cletis, and Lucy, remains dear to their hearts.
Cindy’s story is a testament to following one’s passion and continuously evolving in the pursuit of creative endeavors.
CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS
Starlet: Cindy has over forty-five years’ experience as a hand on, all in seamstress and designer. She shares with us the early shaping of her Silhouette of Success journey going back to the kitchen table learning from her Mother at the age of five years old. Cindy takes us on the most magical and almost cinematic style storytelling of her journey in the conversation from the kitchen table scene to NYC, broke living in a fashion designers dream to taking a leap of faith and moving to Florida (enter in the Miami Vice theme song) then jetting off to Hawaii with a Master Upholster to learn and study the entire ins and outs of the business with a guru…then in 2011 she leaped and went into business for herself! A true starlet! You must tune in!
Tenacious: Force to be reckoned with, she has an innate courage, headstrong and pushes through when she is stuck or in the midst of a challenge. She is an early riser, naturally and enjoys the mornings as she sorts out her day. Ah, best practice observation from Cindy; she doesn’t’ take her laptop computer into the workshop to stay focused! Another note…she is a list maker! Cindy’s days are a mixture of pulling up her hair in a ponytail getting dirty pulling staples, cutting fabric or having a full working day meeting with clients-always creating. She has great tips and suggestions on what works for her, what she has learned along the way as an Entrepreneur including accountability. Cindy finds joy and zest in traveling, good food, supporting fundraisers and volunteering.
Making Magic: She is referral base only, her work can be view on the “Main Street” of Duval Street In Key West, Florida. Let’s continue in our Silhouettes of Success movie with Cindy…Putting on the Ritz…Cindy puts on a nice outfit and hits the bricks. There is something about old school cold calling and meeting the people where they are-tune in! She is currently excited about her work at a boutique hotel Orchid Key Inn and shares Antonia’s...and so much more! You have invited me into your home and I have created it. Cindy shares the intimacy of her craft, energy and efforts that are gratifying. Support systems, her friends. Cindy shares that her field is a very lonely role, as not many do what she does…but she finds commonalities as a business owner and entrepreneur to collaborate on best practices. She talks to us about her newfound happiness with Instagram, the inspiration of the other women around the world doing what she does and then Cindy gives big love and respect to our friend and mentor Wendy-Chair Whimsy-Conklin! Whoop! Whoop!
INTENTIONAL INSPIRATION
Let your inspiration build your confidence.
Be intentional with scheduling your personal time.
RESOURCES
CINDY WILLIAMS
Instagram: @cindyscustomlinens
Facebook: Cindys Custom Linens
Favorites:
Chosen Chair
Artful Chair
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