Today, we’re thrilled to welcome the incredible Carla Ten Eyck. If you know Carla, you know she’s a force of nature in the photography world and an ambassador of community and connection. We explore Carla’s evolving photography career, her journey into branding work, her passion for creating inclusive and welcoming spaces, and how she beautifully balances the various communities she’s a part of. Whether she’s behind a camera or on the golf course, Carla’s joy and energy are undeniable. Let’s dive in!

https://carlateneyck.com/

https://www.instagram.com/c10ike/

https://newenglandeventpros.com/

Key Topics:

• The Journey to Becoming Carla Ten Eyck Photography: Carla shares how she found her passion for photography and how her career has evolved over the years, from photographing ultra-luxury weddings to her current focus on branding and connecting with people through visual storytelling.
• The Importance of Community and Connection: We discuss the many layers of community Carla cherishes—from her family and local Hartford connections to the broader networks she builds through work. She reflects on how her involvement in diverse groups like the Hartford Public Library and the West Hartford Chamber has enriched her life.
• Bringing Joy and Purpose into Work: Carla speaks about how her experiences outside the wedding industry, like her branding collaborations and creative partnerships, keep her work feeling fresh. She emphasizes the importance of being an inclusive connector, inviting others into the unique world she’s built.
• Empowering Young Creatives: Carla and Melissa discuss the challenges and opportunities for younger professionals in underappreciated trades, such as sewing and tailoring. The conversation touches on the evolving landscape of traditional craftsmanship and the importance of empowering the next generation.
• Balancing Life and Business: Carla shares her approach to keeping her life diverse and dynamic, from traveling with her kids to finding joy in unexpected places like the golf course. She also talks about involving her children in her work, creating meaningful experiences, and embracing balance.

Takeaways:

• Creating Connection: Carla’s mission is to use her talents to connect people in authentic and uplifting ways. We learn that even the simplest tools, like a camera or sewing needle, can be transformative when used with passion and purpose.
• The Power of Inclusivity: Carla’s dedication to making everyone feel seen and welcomed is a powerful reminder of the impact of intentional community building.
• Finding Balance: Life isn’t just about one thing. Carla inspires us to integrate different experiences to keep our creative energy flowing.
• Inspiring the Next Generation: Whether through photography, sewing, or trades, there’s a better way to live and thrive in these crafts. Carla and Melissa both encourage us to uplift and mentor future creatives.

Melissa @ deMelis Atelier https://demelisatelier.com/

Matt @ Bards https://www.bardsclothing.com/our-story

Today we’re thrilled to chat with Enzo Valentino of Valentino Tailors. Enzo is a tailor whose love for his craft goes beyond the fabric and threads. In this episode, we dive into Enzo’s journey—from his beginnings to his vision of passing the torch to his kids, the creative solutions he brings to his shop every day, and why building a community-focused business means everything to him. His story is all about loving what you do and finding purpose in every stitch, every project, and every challenge that comes his way.

https://valentinotailors.com/services

https://www.instagram.com/valentinotailors/

Audio-only: https://rss.com/podcasts/thefabricofamerica/?listen-on=true

Key Topics:

1. Sewing with Purpose: Enzo’s dedication to the craft of tailoring and his hopes for involving his children in the business.
2. The Everyday Fix: How Enzo's love for problem-solving and creating solutions brings a unique vibe to his shop.
3. Supporting Local: The importance Enzo places on supporting local businesses and nurturing his community.
4. Finding His Voice: Enzo’s journey in sharing his knowledge and story on social media, with the support of his wife, Alicia.
5. Building a Legacy: How Enzo envisions his business growing as a legacy for his family and community.

Takeaways:

• Passion isn’t just in the work; it’s in who you do it for. Enzo’s love for his family, team, and clients shines in every story.
• Local businesses are the heartbeat of communities, and supporting them makes all the difference.
• When you truly love what you do, even the hardest days don’t take away from your purpose.

Enzo, thank you so much for sharing your inspiring journey with us!

Melissa @ deMelis Atelier https://demelisatelier.com/

Matt @ Bards https://www.bardsclothing.com/our-story

In this heartfelt episode of The Fabric of America, we (Melissa and Matt) sit down with Kristiann Vargas, an inspiring chef and the mind behind Distinctive Ideas at Auerfarm. Together, we explore the power of food to bring communities together, support local farms, and create lasting memories. Kristiann shares her journey as a business owner and caterer, her challenges, and the importance of grounding herself in community connections, both personal and professional. This episode dives deep into what it means to nourish not only ourselves but also the very fabric of our local community.

https://www.distinctive-ideas.com/about

https://auerfarm.salsalabs.org/farmtotable/index.html

Key Topics:

• Creating Meaningful Experiences: Kristiann describes her unique dining events, from intimate date nights to large gatherings, where people can unwind, enjoy farm-fresh meals, and connect. With goats grazing and the sunset painting the skies, each meal is more than food—it’s an experience.
• The Roller Coaster of Entrepreneurship: Kristiann opens up about the challenges of running her own business and the emotional highs and lows that come with it. Both Matt and Kristiann share their stories of nearly quitting their ventures, only to be pulled back by supportive friends, family, and even surprising clients.
• Sourcing Local and Giving Back: We talk about the devastating effects of unpredictable weather on local farmers and why supporting them through buying local is more essential than ever. Kristiann highlights how each local purchase directly impacts families and communities.
• Overcoming 'Too Much' Emotions: We share a few laughs and tears over the emotional challenges of being in high-stress roles, especially when society can make us feel "too emotional" or "too passionate." Kristiann, Matt, and I all reflect on embracing our emotional sides and finding strength in our vulnerabilities.
• Shout-outs to Our Rock: We each give a warm shout-out to the grounding people in our lives who make our work possible. Kristiann talks about her husband, Rob, who’s her "steady rock" through everything, while we nod along, knowing exactly what she means.

Takeaways:

• Support Local, Change Lives: By simply buying from a farm stand or choosing local vendors, you’re not just getting fresh food—you’re directly impacting lives in your community.
• Community is Built Around the Table: Taking time to connect over a meal has the power to strengthen relationships, build understanding, and support local economies.
• Resilience in Business: The road of entrepreneurship is rarely smooth. Even on days when you feel like giving up, the right support system can make all the difference.
• Embrace Your Emotions: Being emotional isn't a flaw; it’s a strength. It brings us closer to our work, to others, and helps us lead with empathy.

Melissa @ deMelis Atelier https://demelisatelier.com/

Matt @ Bards https://www.bardsclothing.com/our-story