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From: simplykimm
Date: 07-17-2003, 04:53 PM (1 of 10)
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I want to know what motivated you guys to have your own business? I've been sewing to about 2 1/2 years. My husband tells me I should start a business sewing for people. Although I sew very well, I'm afraid that because I don't have any formal training, it's going bite me in the rear later. In my mind, I feel I can do it because I have sewn for people before, but to take that initial step is so scary. So maybe reading how you all did it will trigger something in me.
from to the one who shines.......
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User: simplykimm
Member since: 07-17-2003 Total posts: 13 
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From: Paul
Date: 07-17-2003, 08:24 PM (2 of 10)
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Well, I was self employed for most of my life. I ran an Upholstery shop for a bit over 25 years. Before that I worked for my Dad. Then the business kind of changed gears so i took a real job working for someone else. I have missed the self employment since and have tried getting back into it. There is nothing to be afraid of. It either works or it doesn't. The most you can loose is a little money. The best you can hope for is enjoying what you do to make a living and having control over what you do. Pleasing people with a craft is always a pleasure for the artist. Listen to your husband and try it, you'll like it. Paul
http://www.sassyzone.com http://www.shoppersfair.com http://www.embroiderzone.com Make it personal! |
User: Paul
Member since: 06-29-2003 Total posts: 17 |
From: MaryW
Date: 07-18-2003, 06:24 AM (3 of 10)
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I agree. Try it. I think it is kind of a natural thing that happens. Either you are content to do what someone else says or you just instinctively know what has to happen next and make it happen. I could never work for someone else after I have been on my own for the last 10+ yrs. I am too old, cantankerous and just plain stubborn. If you feel like you can do this, for heaven sakes, do it!!! We are all here to help when you need it. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: MaryW
Date: 07-18-2003, 10:27 AM (4 of 10)
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What motivated me was the love of sewing. I did a lot of prom dresses and casual wear. A weird combination I know, but that's what people around me needed. I loved to sew with new and different fabrics and this gave me the opportunity. One spring I think I sewed a million yards of taffeta! I also love to learn new techniques and further my own knowledge. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Aimee S
Date: 07-18-2003, 02:14 PM (5 of 10)
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What motivates me is my addiction to fabric and sewing notions and toys. Plain and simple I want it all. My habit for fabric and the like was draing the family budget. and we were getting stocked up with crafts around the house. Hubby told me that in no uncertain terms that I needed to make my own money and leave the family budget alone. My bug guy who is also a exotic dancer asked if I could repair a costume.. First paying job. then he gave out my name and number to other guys he worked with. then the gals started coming. I then started to sell off craft items my great aunt left me on ebay along with a couple of costumes that the people did not pick up and it started to grow. Two months later hubby was surprised that I had not taken any money out of the budget and offered me 100 dollars to transfer into my account that is linked with the family account. My balance was over 1000.00 I was so pround he did not think I would make anything. ONe thing to remeber is that once you start sewing as a business you loose your hobby. I like mine as a hobby business. I can always turn down jobs and I make a point that I will get it done but my family does come first and if they need me then they need me. I have only missed on dead line due to illnesss. I got the Idea from kathleen spikes book. The more you disaprove, the more fun I am having!
http://photos.yahoo.com/aimeehs29 |
User: Aimee S
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 488 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 07-18-2003, 05:36 PM (6 of 10)
It is soooooo strange, but the very same reasons a lot of you give for starting your own sewing business are the exact ones I have for staying as far away as possible from the same thing.. To me having to kowtow to customers and do what they want is Misery even to think about..I know we are all different, but for me, that would take all the creativity out of sewing.. And if the creativity is gone, the joy is gone.. Every time I ever made my Dear Mom a garment or a sewn item of any sort, she would say, "As good as you sew, you should do it for the public." I would tell her that to me that sounded like torture and thank goodness I had other talents that I could get paid for so that I didn't crush my love for sewing with having to do it to survive and therefore could afford to feed my craving to be creative and let my imagination run wild and free. That is what I love the most about sewing..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: MaryW
Date: 07-22-2003, 10:46 AM (7 of 10)
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Can any of you tell me who inspires you? Who encourages you to go further and learn more about your business?
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: threads_40
Date: 07-26-2003, 05:57 PM (8 of 10)
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For me Mary, my reasoning is to fold in a few different ways. I was actually inspired from having people tell me I could not make a living just sewing. I laugh at that now. I would have to say my husband is the one who encourages and even finances me to go further in my business. threads_40 
"Your goal is greater than your struggle"
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User: threads_40
Member since: 03-26-2001 Total posts: 28
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From: MaryW
Date: 08-05-2003, 06:58 PM (9 of 10)
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There is new content I just put up here. Let me know what you think of it. http://sew-whats-new.com/sewingasbusiness4.shtml MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: simplykimm
Date: 09-08-2003, 12:30 AM (10 of 10)
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Thank you leap frog for your post. I have decided not to start a business sewing for people. I love to sewing too much as a hobby not a job. If I did it as a job, it would take the fun out of it. I don't deadlines attached to my projects, but while I was seeking whether I shouldstart the biz or not, I came up with another business venture. So thanks again for the post.
from to the one who shines.......
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User: simplykimm
Member since: 07-17-2003 Total posts: 13
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