Can you briefly walk us through your story. How you started? How you got to where you are today?
How it all started? I had a dream job for the largest theme park in the world where I called a mouse, boss.
At one point that company was going through a few growing pains and offered a voluntary separation package.
As I stated, I had a fantastic job as a buyer and a creative role in entertainment costuming. I had no intention of leaving my career.
Until one of my colleagues called to inquire if I completed my early retirement/separation package offered to management. She preceded to bullet point all the reasons to sign and take it, and how I should consider it as an opportunity.
Boom – the next morning I went for it and signed on the line.
Prior to accepting the deal, I had conversations with a photo/ video producer regarding a wardrobe styling career in the Orlando, Florida area. Now seemed the time to make that my occupation. A wardrobe stylist was fashioned in 2004.
My former career, and its on the job training & education, laid the foundation for the company that far outweighed my college art degree. I worked photo and video productions, both day plus night, and for several years. That dedication paid off with needing more than just me behind my company name. The production opportunities increased, more assistants were needed to fulfill the demands, and a team was born. Loftis Production Service now has multiple fashion stylist, seamstresses, stylist assistants and wardrobe PA support. We work with bridal, photo/video as well as live show productions.
Was it a smooth road getting there? What were the struggle and success points?
Smooth road? When is it ever a smooth road? There is bureaucracy, financial concerns, incompetence, and indifference to name a few. Besides the obvious cost of opening an office door, you must jump through many legal hoops when starting a business. Federal, state, and local government regulations are constantly changing, which can make it difficult to maintain compliance.
There are insurances for the individual and business, tools of the trade that are always in need of expanding with the size of the job, along with finding amazing people that are like minded supporting your company name.
However, with all the challenges and tireless projects, I LOVE it. The work put in is worth every moment of achievement. Yes, as we’ve heard, owning a business requires great sacrifice, but it can also come with great reward. For me the benefits include flexibility, financial stability, the opportunity to create, and a chance to work and learn from the best in a creative industry.
Tell us more about your Employee/Professional - Artist/Creative team
I must say, I have the most wonderful, supportive, creative, and talented team of people that make up Loftis Production Services, Inc. These amazing women and men are diverse in their cultures as well as their skills. I am very blessed!
Collectively we represent, Colombia, Dominican Republic, France, Puerto Rico, United States, and Venezuela. The combined skills range from designing, patterning, sewing, painting, preparing photo shoots, commercials, to supporting live shows. The core team is made up of 9 ladies working on a regular basis, but when needed for events like Superbowl Halftime Show LV, we expand to a wardrobe styling and sewing crew of almost 40 women and men.
Their talents have inspired me creatively as well.
During the pandemic I have started working with hydro painting and creating purses. It is a process that contributed to a healthy work/personal relationship within me. I get lost in the process and check out for a time to a colorful and mindful place.
On December 10 of 2021 a devastating sequence of tornados ravaged middle America, and my home state in Western Kentucky. So now I am contributing all of the profits from the sale of the hydro art purses to the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fun.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I believe the most important characteristics that lends to the success of Loftis Production Services are an indomitable work ethic, truthfulness, fortitude, intelligence and above all, honesty. The only thing we can guarantee is our word.
When we give anyone our word, then it is as good as a contract. Actually, it is a verbal contract, personal and in business. Those are staples of how I have been able to be successful and gain trust from clients. I put a high value on morals, ethics, and integrity and try to lead my team by example. It too is another hard line in this business, but your head and your heart should be agreement with something greater than you and not make pleasing others your goal. When your motives are in the right place, the former will achieve the latter.
