Conversations with Sarah Jameson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Jameson. 

Hi Sarah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I got my start in this industry from my grandfather who owned a manufacturing business, Tennessee Hills Industries, in the early ’70s. He worked on Lee jeans, cocktail waitress outfits for Opry Land Hotels, and many other jobs. He later began embroidery on jean pockets, leading to a full-on embroidery business. My mom began working for him and taking over later on. ⁠ ⁠ 

Then, there was me. ⁠ 

I grew up around this industry with a family of entrepreneurs to show me the ropes. After graduating college in 2015 studying fashion design, I worked in a corporate bridal business doing alterations, stuck with it for one year, and realized the corporate world wasn’t for me.⁠ 

During this time, I noticed a need for unique bridal creations and wanted to take on a new approach to custom wedding gowns – from this idea, RUDY LOU was born. I also was offering Rowdy Lou as *custom bachelorette party apparel* 

After 2 very fulfilling years of RudyLou, I was wanting to try something outside the box, (which just so happened to be around the time of the pandemic and weddings were all being postponed). 

I began designing ROWDY. merchandise out of thrifted pieces I would collect. And having my mom embroider (One my grandfather’s original machines) Rowdy on them! When I saw the initial reaction to these pieces (selling out as soon as I dropped them) and how much joy doing *FUN* projects like this was for me I decided to RE-BRAND my once bachelorette line, Rowdy Lou, into a full-blown Streetwear Brand! We officially launched Rowdy Streetwear Feb. 3, 2021. 

Since then, I have been successfully juggling 2 very opposite brands. I believe this allows me to have my hand in all sides of the fashion industry and is always keeping me on my toes! Both brands continue to grow and bring me some wonderful opportunities while allowing me to meet some amazing people along the way! 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
If the road leading me to where I currently am had been smooth, I don’t think I would be nearly as successful as I am today. I am a very hands-on learner and most of my knowledge comes from trial and error. the one thing I think that sets me apart from others in positions such as this is that I do not fear failure. I would rather try 25 times and fail every single time than not have tried at all. I strongly believe that my creative process is made up of all the times something did not go *Right* and I was able to pivot and figure it out in my own way. There are new struggles every week in my life. I just never really refer to them as a *struggle* more so something I get to figure out. 

The biggest obstacle I have faced in my journey this far has been running these brands by myself. Finding good help can be a long process and something I will continue to work toward in the next few months. 

However, in the beginning, I would say my biggest *struggle* was- 

I started this business out of my basement bedroom in a home I rented in Nashville along with 4 of my closest friends. having clients come to our home to fit their wedding gowns. I knew I wouldn’t be able to continue this from the basement but after 2 years of hard and consistent work I was able to move my business into a studio of its own! 

being a business owner at my age I believe I had to make a lot of sacrifices money, relationships, time management and at the beginning I saw this as a challenge but now I know it is part of the process and I respect myself for making the necessary sacrifices to allow my dreams to come to life. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Rudy Lou- I create custom wedding gowns and wedding accessories (bridesmaid gowns, capes, veils, robes, jackets, lingerie, you name it I’ll make it!) 

I redesign older wedding gowns to be worn again. Mainly Mothers wedding dresses for their daughter, I recreate the gown to give it a new aged look while still having the bones of the original gown. (This unique services is what Rudy Lou is most known for!) I truly enjoy this service because it is a very sentimental way of incorporating family heirlooms while still allowing it to be *yours*! 

I have a bachelorette party line that is made to be reworn- most of my pieces do not use the word “bridesmaid” rather we use the word “party” so that your girls can get more uses out of these pieces! 

This year I created my first GROOMS jacket and believe I will be doing much more of this in the future! 

Rowdy Lou- One-of-a-kind streetwear – I offer a lot of 1 of 1 pieces which I think is very important in this age of fashion no one wants to wear the exact same piece as someone else! 

I also do custom streetwear pieces like reworking old Jerseys into bomber jackets – etc. 

I have had the chance to work closely with NFL players this year through my sports agency EMG Sports. lining me up with NFL and Collegiate Athletes that Rowdy Sponsors for a season! 

Custom Designs- I was contracted to make a jacket that would be gifted to Sir Elton John- this was an amazing opportunity that allowed me complete creative freedom and the ability to try new things! 

I was also contracted to make a custom suit that would be gifted to Harry Styles – this was my very first menswear suit (no pressure) I was given a theme and then allowed creative control on this as well. Both of these projects were huge milestones in my career that gave me the confidence to say yes to the endless opportunities they opened up for me! 

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck is a very tricky word for creatives so before answering I would like to give the definition I believe as *Luck* “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” – Seneca 

I believe that with the years of hard word and dedication to my dreams I would like to think I have set myself up for success and abundant opportunities. I feel very blessed to have the amazing support system of family friends and fellow creatives. I feel SO grateful to have the world’s best clients who support me in all my different ventures. 

However, when it comes to my success, I believe in the power of DOING and mindset. What we do/say/think about ourselves and our work will reign true. I believe that Luck is all about perspective. I feel very fortunate to be blessed with the life I have been given and the confidence my parents instilled in me as a child. I do not attribute my success or talents to luck. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: RudyLou.com
• Instagram: @Rudy__Lou @RowdyLou @SarahJamesonn
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/rudy__lou/

Image Credits
Edgar Evan Moore
Brooke Boyd
Marcella Laine