Today Susannah comes face to face with a sewing pattern cutter, entrepreneur, book lover, accomplished dancer, former research analyst in finance as well as acquisitions and developmental book editor, and now fashion designer, Liesl Gibson.

What was it like growing up in Wisconsin with 4 sisters?

I was really lucky to grow up in university housing until I was about 10 years old as my father was a professor. Being the oldest with a father who traveled a lot, I had a lot of responsibility and chores to do. It´s no coincidence that as an adult I´ve always lived in an apartment without grass to cut or a driveway to shovel!

Liesl with partner and children

At 22 you moved to New York from the Midwest, was it easy to fit in?

The wonderful thing about making a big move like that when you are young and have no money is that you also have no expectations and you are open to new experiences. It took a while to feel at home, but now it’s my first love and I’ll always think of it as home. Maybe someday I’ll return, but right now I’m really enjoying Madrid!

Why did you leave the world of publishing and later, finance, for fashion design?

Despite coming from a family of scientists I´ve always been attracted to creativity and fashion. It took me a while to pursue my true passion and take a professional quantum leap. However, I´m glad for my previous careers. They helped to prepare me to start my own business!

What was it like to work for such well-known brands like Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger?

By the time I entered the world of fashion I was quite burned out on corporate culture.  So it was so refreshing to have fun whilst working on both those labels.  Being surrounded by such high-level talent really helped me to refine my own eye and taste. It gave me much more confidence when I started my own business.

Who or what inspired you to embark on your own creative business?

My grandmother was a fashion designer and after my daughter was born I wanted to find a creative, more flexible role as my (now ex) husband was traveling so much. Also, I’m far too impulsive and self-directed to work for someone else!

Once I started, opportunities just kept knocking, so it’s been an exciting and challenging experience since the start!

Liesl shows off her stylish design

What is your secret Madrid?

I live in barrio La Latina and love to explore. I’m constantly finding new places! Right now I’m slightly obsessed with Slow Cafe, on Calle Mediodia Grande, because it’s in my neighborhood and so cozy.

Who buys your sewing patterns and what trends do you see emerging?

We have clients all over the world! Our customers are mostly professional women who want to make something with their hands after a full day of work and parenting. I write our sewing patterns to make the process easier. I´m a great fan of adding your own creative touch to classic styles to contemporize and personalize them.

Right now I’m really loving wide-legged trousers and button-down shirts and all the ways they can be styled.

Taking inspiration n her studio

You are an avid tango dancer, what is it about the dance that you particularly love?

Tango is extremely formal, with a lot of rules and traditions, and it takes a lot of time to learn. For me it’s my Zen: it allows me to forget everything else and focus only on the connection and the movement. I’ve always danced, and I wanted to be a professional ballet dancer as a child. I love tango because you need to be very focused on your partner but also relaxed and fluid, which isn’t so easy to learn.

Which lesson has been the hardest to learn?

Maybe the biggest lesson that I’ve learned is to not look back and regret choices or decisions in my past, but instead to look forward to the future and the opportunities and adventures that lie in store. I think it’s a lesson I’m still learning, but I’m starting to trust myself and lean less on the opinions and advice of the people around me.

Three generations of creative women

You are the only foreigner in a Spanish book club, what book do you most recommend to others?

I love my book club because everyone really values good literature, and I’m discovering some writers I hadn’t read before. A few of my favorites have been Graham Swift’s El Domingo de Las Madres and J.M. Coetzee’s El Polaco.

What would be the name the of autobiography you haven’t written yet?

Oh, I couldn’t be so presumptuous to think someone would want to read a book about me. I’ve written two sewing books, but my personal journey is still just getting started! Ask me again in 30 years, maybe?

Liesl at work

If you could wave a magic wand what would you do next in your life?

Well, a Spanish driver’s license might be nice! And I have another business idea I’d like to pursue when there is time, but first I need to find the right business partner, so if you know someone with interest and experience in careers and education please send them my way!

Contact for sewing patterns and tips: https://www.lieslandco.com/