Judy Copley is the bespoke couturier and founder of Judy Copley Couture, located on our very own Sunshine Coast.
We took 5 minutes to chat with Judy about her creative process. Her desire to create as freely as possible and the importance of being adaptable to change.
Q. I Hi Judy, welcome to the Woman Of Series! Can you tell us what it is you create?
I create bespoke wedding and red-carpet gowns. All pieces are hand made by me in my studio on the beautiful Sunshine Coast QLD. I adore creating each and every gown from design idea, pattern making, cutting, sewing and embellishing The reward comes from the joy my hand crafted pieces bring to my clients
Q. Can you share with us a bit about your journey so far and where it all began?
Creating is in my DNA a passion for me since the very beginning.
I learnt to use a sewing machine early and made my first dress on a sewing machine at 8 years old.
I love all forms of creativity having tried many forms over the years, from interior design, ballet, jewellery making and clay work finally settling into creating custom couture gowns. I have created for many events ARIA'S LOGIE'S, BROWNLOWS, TV series and costumes for music videos.
Q. I What do you think it is that makes your work unique?
I design from the heart and follow my instincts designing as freely as possible within the guidelines of the brief. I also break rules and seem to have an endless supply of ideas.
Q. What has been the single most crucial tool or strategy you’ve used to grow your creative business?
Don't give up, persevere, expect to fail at some things, engage professional people who are the best at what they do, be realistic about the time it takes to know your market grow and thrive...understand how much effort and hard work it takes to be a success, prepare to be flexible as things and circumstances change constantly.
Q. What’s been the most challenging lesson learnt so far in your career?
My biggest challenge has been self belief, It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there with original ideas.
It has taken me many years and much success for me to acknowledge my talent and skill set of which now I am immensely proud.
Q. What’s been the best thing that’s happened to you since you started your career?
Since starting my career I have enjoyed much praise and demand for my work which gives me the greatest joy.
Q. Where do you go or what do you do to recharge your creativity?
I love the outdoors and spending time with my family. I recharge by enjoying all the coast has to offer with the gorgeous restaurants, beaches and glorious weather. My creativity comes when I am relaxed and I find inspiration all around me.
Q. How are you fulfilling your creative passions this year?
I am super busy with brides and am in the process of creating a new collection
Q. We’re all about women inspiring women. Who inspires you?
My two grown daughters inspire me and I admire them so much for their strength and commitment to family, their loyalty and self belief I also admire the late Franca Sozzani former editor in chief of Italian Vogue. I love her incredible unique style, her grace and poise... her courage to live outside the box raising her son alone while working and maintaining a career and for her creative vision that challenged the norm with her daring controversial magazine shoots.
Q. What advice would you impart on the next generation of women, and women in business?
My advise is to believe in yourself, nurture your ideas, network, learn from others, be humble we all have so much to learn from each other, avoid letting ego get the better of you.Be prepared to fail at something's, get up keep going keep sight of your goals and most of all enjoy the journey.
