There are women who sew, and there are women who live by sewing. Inna Kopica is one of those whose story inspires not only at the sewing machine but also in life in general. Her journey from childhood dolls to sewing masterclasses for thousands of women is heartfelt, courageous, and very human. In this conversation, Inna shares how sewing became not only her daily routine but also a purpose in life, a business, and a source of inspiration for others.
How did your journey in the world of sewing begin?
Do you remember your first sewing project? What inspired it?
Actually, I don't really remember a specific beginning, because I feel like I've been sewing my whole life, for as long as I can remember. The first things were probably dolls that needed outfits.
And then, when I was about 15 years old, my mom bought a sewing machine and since then I couldn't imagine myself without it. At the same time, the first Burda magazines appeared, which were like something from another reality, with incredibly beautiful and unseen clothing models. And so I started sewing, I sewed everything that was in those magazines, I sewed for myself, I sewed for my friends, and I sewed together with my friends.
What motivated you to turn sewing into your profession and lifestyle?
Was it a gradual step or a big decision in one day?
I never considered sewing as a profession because it was always somehow regarded as an unserious job, one that couldn’t really be a way to make a living. I always sewed only after work in my free time – in the evenings, at night, on weekends. I won’t hide that during the toughest times of crisis, sewing literally saved me from hunger.
And then, after the age of 40, the moment came when I realized that I no longer wanted to work like that, I realized that I wanted something of my own, that I wanted to do what I like the most, and despite the fact that practically no one really believed that I would succeed, I left my salaried job and became an entrepreneur.
You lead popular workshops – how did the idea for the “Sewing Sect” and online sewing courses come about?
Masterclasses and the Sewing Sect - it is such a special and dear story! That phase in my life is especially significant and beautiful.
It all started quite unexpectedly and accidentally—with COVID and the lockdown. Suddenly, in an instant, no client needed outfits anymore, everything stopped, and so did my work—half-finished orders remained on hangers, no longer needed by anyone, and I was left without any means of livelihood. After the shock and despair phase, I realized that I had to change, that I had to do something new, something I had been thinking about for a while but kept postponing due to lack of time and also disbelief that I could even do it—I understood that I had to try to create bag sewing masterclasses. It was a big challenge because I had absolutely no knowledge in this field—I knew nothing about platforms where they could be hosted, nothing about video, editing, basically nothing at all. And I must say a huge thank you to my very dear people who helped me at the very beginning and still help me now.
And so during the lockdown, I got down to the very basics – a makeup bag masterclass. That was probably the hardest masterclass because I was learning everything completely from scratch.
And then the moment came when I had to start promoting its launch on social media – I stayed up all night, waiting for the morning and to see if anyone would sign up for my masterclass. And in the morning, I was truly shocked and happy when I saw how many had signed up for my masterclass! I couldn't believe that so many really wanted to learn to sew with me.
And so gradually we are approaching the beginning of the Sewing Sect.
When the masterclass started, it had its own chat where you could ask questions, talk to other participants, and find your sewn projects. Gradually, new masterclasses were added, the number of participants in the chat grew, and our company was so creative, inspiring, and friendly that the girls didn’t want the chat to be closed after the masterclasses ended, and one of the participants even came up with the name “Sewing Sect”!
And so our beloved sect was born, which now has an incredibly large number of members! And we sew, seek help, advice, talk about everything related to sewing and more!
And I am very glad that this group helped us when we needed it the most.
Where do you draw inspiration for new courses and projects – fashion, materials, customer needs, or a feeling "from within"?
I feel like inspiration is everywhere – on social media, in movies, street fashion. My favorite and most inspiring platform is Instagram, where I often draw inspiration. Very often, ideas for workshops come from our little club and the workshop participants. Sometimes, an idea just suddenly pops up, and that's it – I feel like such a workshop is needed!
Which of your masterclasses is your absolute favorite and why?
It is hard for me to say which masterclass is my favorite, because each has its own story, each gave me something new, and in every masterclass there were many special stories from the participants that made me smile broadly with happiness, as well as cry tears of joy and emotion.
What are the most common challenges your course participants face – and how do you help them overcome them?
Probably the biggest challenge faced by the workshop participants is the lack of time! And I feel like I make everything even more challenging when I create new workshops :)! We have such fantastic, creative ladies who are passionate not only about sewing but also about other hobbies, who have families, wonderfully beautiful gardens, who prepare fantastic meals, exercise, travel, and I sincerely admire that they manage to find time for my workshops and sew such admirably beautiful works!
But seriously, if there is any problem or question in the masterclass, all my masterclasses have chats where I try to help immediately with any issue at any time, and I usually succeed.
What would you like to inspire in other women who dream of starting to sew but have not yet dared?
It's all simple here - simply start! If you want to learn to sew, just take a sewing machine, beautiful fabric, and good scissors and begin! For safety, you can purchase one of my masterclasses and join the chat, where you can ask any question and I will answer. If you're afraid, just imagine what the worst thing that could happen if it doesn't work out the first time? Usually, that answer helps because there really won't be anything terrible, but if you try, something beautiful can come out! It's just that simple!
Inna's story proves that it is never too late to follow your passion. With warmth, simplicity, and unwavering faith in herself, she has created a place where women feel safe, encouraged, and inspired. If you have ever thought that "sewing is not for me," this story might be just the push you need. Because, as Inna says – "You just have to start. It's really that simple."
