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From: MaryW
Date: 10-07-2004, 02:27 PM (1 of 7)
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I read this somewhere the other day and it really stuck with me. For those in business for themselves or contemplating entering the business side of things. One of the biggest decisions you will make is whether to focus your business on what you want to make or what you think the customer wants to buy. This is something to really think about. Any comments? MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Linda in Colorado
Date: 10-07-2004, 03:19 PM (2 of 7)
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Oh, Mary, you have presented us with quite a conundrum! I think most of us go into business wanting to make or do what pleases us. But if no one will buy your product or service, then you aren't really in business. So you have to factor in what will sell, so to speak. For example, if you are producing high-end prom gowns, but no one wants them or cannot afford them, you are out a lot of time and money. But if you are wanting to make custom prom gowns, maybe in your area they will be a go. I think what I'm trying to say is you have to know your passion then find a way to make money from it. (I think Oprah said that.) But during that journey you have to do a lot of research, too! |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
From: MaryW
Date: 10-07-2004, 03:36 PM (3 of 7)
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Find something you love to do, then find out how to market it. I don't know who said it either. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: HHH
Date: 10-07-2004, 08:54 PM (4 of 7)
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I guess I'm lucky, because I love almost any kind of sewing, therefore I can be enthuisastic about what ever projects come my way. I prefer home dec., and sort of specialize in finishing needlework projects, turning needlepoint, cross-stitch & such into pillows and other decorator stuff, but have done alterations, mending, skating costumes, prom dresses, outdoor equipment and race boat covers. I love mending; that's got to be some kind of character flaw, no? All that being said, given the choice between building a dress and building a boat cover I'll take the boat cover any day! Those critters will hold really still while you're fitting them  .
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User: HHH
Member since: 02-10-2004 Total posts: 87 |
From: MaryW
Date: 10-08-2004, 10:02 AM (5 of 7)
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HHH, I can second that one. But those snaps can be a real humdinger. I used to love making little kids clothes, you can really embellish and use wild colours. Changing the pattern lines is not a big deal and usually they turned out really cute. If the clothes are made well and the kids will wear them, most moms are more than happy to buy them even if the prices are higher than Wal Mart. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: MaryW
Date: 10-08-2004, 10:05 AM (6 of 7)
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Linda, did you research before you went into business? I didn't, it kind of fell in my lap. People saw what I made and would order one for themselves. It just kind of grew from there. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Linda in Colorado
Date: 10-08-2004, 04:34 PM (7 of 7)
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You know, I didn't do any "real" research when I started business almost 15 years ago. I simply knew it was something that was needed, knew that I could do it, and off I went. I also had a regular job at the time, just in case my business failed. I started partly because I still had kids in school and needed to be able to take care of whatever came down the pike concerning them. Sometimes it's next to impossible to reason with a boss as to why you need to be gone from work! These days I have grandkids in school, and have the same concerns, so this business is super for me! I have learned LOT over the past almost 15 years. I didn't used to be nearly as good an alterationist as I am now -- trial and error and practice, practice, practice did the trick. I'm also a much better custom dressmaker than I used to be -- again trial and error and practice, practice, pratice. Five years ago when we formed our local association for sewing professionals, we had no idea we'd all learn so much from each other! But we have, we have! And visiting sites like this one have been so helpful in growing both my business skills and sewing skills. I feel truly blessed to be able to earn money from doing something I so love! (Off my soapbox for now!) |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
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