We had the good fortune of connecting with Jade Tyler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jade, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve always dreamed of somehow turning my passion for all things DIY into a business. I’ve been sewing since I was 12, and over the years I’ve sewn countless patterns from various brands. One day, it just clicked for me – why not start my own line? So, the progression to releasing my own line of digital sewing patterns seemed like the natural next step!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
For a very long time, it was rare to find DIY tutorials and sewing patterns that were fashion forward and something that I actually wanted to wear. So, my desire to create tutorials was born out of that.

The hardest part of starting my own pattern line was opening myself up to a new level of criticism. That thought scared me for quite awhile!

If something doesn’t fit well, or a step needs to be fixed, that is valuable information that I need. Posting a free tutorial is so much different than releasing a product that people buy with their hard earned money. I just have to remind myself that the feedback is what is going to help me achieve that perfected product. And it’s such a rewarding experience when someone sends me a finished product photo using my patterns. So, it’s all worth it in the end!

Over the last 20 years, the space has grown so much and there are a ton of talented designers out there creating digital PDF sewing patterns. I’m very proud to be part of the community creating patterns that are not only stylish but also to offer an inclusive size range for many different body shapes. It was very important to me that I was able to bring my sewing patterns to the digital market place that everyone could use. It hasn’t always been that way in the indie sewing pattern space!

I just want to teach everyone that they want to learn to sew, it’s 100% possible. People often say to me, “oh I wish I could do that”… and I always say, you can! I’ll even teach you!

I love the satisfying feeling of finishing a project and I just want others to experience that. The research is out there, we know that creating with your hands and having a hobby is important to our wellbeing as humans. Teaching people to sew and making them happier? What more could I ask for?

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d probably start the morning off with a coffee and a walk at either Mission Bay (Super Bloom to the Mission Bay Resort) or the Waterfront (Portside Pier to Seaport Village). No better way to start the day with movement and a beautiful view!

A tour of Little Italy is always on the itinerary because it’s just too easy to restaurant hop depending on your mood. My friends and I often hit up Crack Shack for something casual (I’m almost always craving a chicken sandwich). After lunch I’d take them to catch the ferry to Coronado to ride bikes, and then catch the sunset on the beach.

I love that San Diego has so many different pockets of nature tucked into our metro areas, so for someone who hasn’t been here before, Balboa Park and a visit to the Japanese Friendship Garden is mandatory.

I’d also take them to the Lafayette to see a friend of mine who spins records there occasionally, and then hit up The Gutter for some bowling and basketball.

As for another nightly activity, I love a bonfire near the Mission Bay Resort for two reasons. One, you have an actual pit. Two, you are near the hotel for drinks, snacks, and a bathroom should you need it!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There’s so many people along the way who encouraged me to keep sharing my sewing experiences (thanks mom & friends)! But really, I have say it was my fiancé who gave me the extra push to work for myself. She’s a big believer of being in control of your own destiny and really gave me the confidence to make that leap.

Website: https://shop.these-days.com/

Instagram: @jaderselise

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JadeElise

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jaderselise

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.