Ahig Grant Recipient Interview with Cortney, Founder of Lady Luxe Fashion Studio

We’re excited to announce the recipient of the latest Ahig Grant—Cortney, the founder of Lady Luxe Fashion Studio—who was awarded a generous $389,000 to continue growing her business. In a recent interview with Susan P. Jennings, a member of the Ahig Committee Advisory Board, Cortney shared insights into her journey as an entrepreneur, the challenges she’s faced, and how she balances running a business with prioritizing her well-being. Read on to hear her inspiring story.

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A Vision Rooted in Sustainability and Empowerment

Susan P. Jennings: Cortney, thank you so much for joining us today! Can you tell us a bit about Lady Luxe Fashion Studio and how it all started?

Cortney: First off, I’m incredibly grateful to the Ahig committee for awarding me this grant. It’s been a whirlwind since the funds came through, and I’m beyond excited for what’s ahead. Lady Luxe Fashion Studio was founded in Puerto Rico, back in 2018, during a time when the island was recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Maria. I wanted to create a space where people could not only learn the craft of sewing but also empower themselves through sustainable fashion. We teach everything from basic clothing creation to advanced mending skills. Whether it’s through in-person workshops, private lessons, or even online courses, we aim to make the art of sewing accessible to everyone.

Susan: That’s such a meaningful origin story. Empowering people through fashion and creativity is so important. What do you wish you knew when you first started your business?

Cortney: Oh, where do I begin? Being a business owner is a continuous learning process, but if there’s one thing I wish someone had told me from the start, it would be to prioritize self-care. As entrepreneurs, especially as women, we often feel like we need to give everything to our business to succeed. But if we neglect ourselves, it catches up with us. Over the years, I’ve learned to honor my body’s natural rhythm—especially my menstrual cycle—and use that as a tool for productivity rather than an obstacle. I read a book called Period Power, which helped me understand how to harness the energy of each phase of my cycle to my advantage. As a businesswoman, that was a game-changer. It gave me the power to feel more connected to myself and my work, and I’ve seen a huge impact on my energy levels and creativity.

Susan: That’s such an important lesson. It’s not something we talk about enough in business, but taking care of ourselves is essential. Thank you for sharing that. Now, let’s talk about how you measure success in your business. How do you track milestones and areas for improvement?

Cortney: In the beginning, I had no idea what I was doing—like most entrepreneurs, right? But one of the best things I’ve learned is to listen to my customers. Every time I finish a workshop, I hand out an evaluation form. It’s not just about collecting feedback, but really paying attention to the insights my customers give me. They often tell me what they loved, what could be better, and even what they want to learn next. Those insights help me shape the next steps for my business.

I also have an agenda that’s my absolute MVP tool. I keep everything organized by week, month, and year, and it’s something I physically write in. There’s something so satisfying about checking things off the list. It holds me accountable and helps me stay focused on both short-term goals and long-term plans.

Susan: That’s such a great way to stay on track and keep evolving. You really lean into feedback and data-driven decisions. I love that! Before we wrap up, how can our viewers find Lady Luxe Fashion Studio and learn more about your work?

Cortney: You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok—just look for Lady Luxe Fashion Studio. We post updates about our in-person workshops, private classes, and online courses. We’re also working on some exciting new projects, so keep an eye on our social media for updates!

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Key Takeaways from Cortney’s Journey

1. Self-Care is Key: As entrepreneurs, we often forget to take care of ourselves in the hustle. Cortney’s advice to prioritize self-care—especially syncing your work with your body’s natural rhythms—can help boost both well-being and productivity.

2. Listen to Your Customers: Business growth often happens through the feedback of your clients. Cortney uses customer evaluations after each workshop to gauge what works and what needs improvement. This allows her to keep evolving in alignment with her customers’ needs.

3. Stay Organized with an Agenda: Whether digital or physical, having a clear plan and regularly reviewing it is crucial. Cortney’s agenda helps her stay focused and accountable, ensuring that she meets both her short-term and long-term business goals.

Lady Luxe Fashion Studio is more than just a fashion school—it’s a space of creativity, empowerment, and self-growth. With the support of the Ahig Grant, Cortney is poised to continue inspiring and educating the next generation of makers, all while reminding us that self-care is not just a luxury, but a necessity in the world of entrepreneurship.