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

Hi Heather, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I honestly never thought I would enjoy my hobby as a career. I thought I would get bored or grow to hate it. The truth is, I hate the construct of corporate life. I really wasn’t allowed to be my own person anywhere I worked. I had to conform to whatever their idea of the perfect “whatever” was. Starting my own business allowed me to be who I wanted to be, take on the projects I wanted to take on and the only folks I had to answer to were my clients.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
It took me awhile to realize that I am a fabric artist. I participate in sections of peoples’ lives that require a little pixie dust … a wedding, a con, a theatre show, an encounter with Santa … I take those ideas and make them a reality. I touch peoples’ lives with the work that I do, the art that I create. It did evolve over time and I was definitely open to the evolution. It just felt right in my gut and my soul to be doing this work. When I came across and obstacle, I just found a way around it because staying the course was the most important thing. With my art, I finally felt like I was making an impact on the world around me in the most positive way possible.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
With Houston there are so many things to see and do. NASA would definitely top the list as well as a trip to the Strand in Galveston. I would definitely take them to Flipin Patties, a gem on the west side that has THE best burger in town, AKA Sushi in Upper Kirby (best sushi in town and their small bites list is to die for), and Hungry’s, a Houston family owned institution for 45 years. I’m not much of a bar hopper anymore, but Flying Saucer is always fun if you’re a beer person.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to acknowledge my artist family … all the thespians, photographers, musicians, visual artists etc who recognized my talents and encouraged me to pursue making my business of making magic a reality.

Website: www.singingseamstress.com

Instagram: thesingingseamstress

Facebook: The Singing Seamstress -Houston and The Singing Seamstress LOVES Santa

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX 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.