Sew Much More

This Podcast is sponsored by The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library.     In past Opportunity Thinking episodes of the podcast, we have spoken about employees, growing and expanding our businesses.  Jeanelle Dech tells the story of how she made decisions about who to hire and how she met and hired Yazmin Guzman.  Yazmine tells her side of the story as well as the incredible journey that brought her to Adaptive Textiles.  www.adaptivetextiles.com www.theworkroomchannel.com www.workroommarketplace.com

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Having a sewing business had been Doshie Witcher's dream since her mother taught her to hold a needle and thread. While in elementary school, she was sewing clothing for herself and others. In 1990 she opened Doshie's Custom Sewing and began specializing in alterations, custom work, and bridal designs. After making her first window valance, she decided that making window treatments were her passion and she spent the next 15 years working with interior designers to create custom window treatments. This led her to want to create her own line of valances so she designed Hidden Pocket Rod valances, which allow intricate curtain designs to be hung using a basic continental curtain rod. With these designs, Doshie expanded into Etsy in 2012, and now sells her Hidden Pocket Rod valances on her Etsy shop nationwide and internationally under the business name Black Belt Home Decor. Doshie is a second-degree black be

The Podcast is sponsored by; The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Like many others in this business, Amanda Smith did not start out as a fabricator of window treatments. She attended college at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte earning a bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education. After teaching English and Social Studies for seven years, she attended graduate school earning a master’s degree in Library Science at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and worked as a high school media specialist for three years. In 1997 she co-authored “Developing Lifelong Readers: Using Literature Across the Middle Grades Curriculum” Staff Development Guide For Middle School Teachers, Macmillan/McGraw-Hill. She became a stay-at-home Mom in 1998 when her twin boys were born. When her boys turned three Amanda knew she wanted to work but did not want to return to teaching full time. While visiting a friend one afternoon, she noticed her friend had new window treatments in the fami

The podcast is sponsored by; The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Jo Braxton Thomas, owner of Braxton Drapery Design began fabricating window treatments in 1984 for McGraw's Showcase Fabrics which resulted from a love of sewing and a desire to have a career in which she could remain at home to raise her two sons, Nathan and Joel. She started her own drapery business in 1986, Braxton Drapery Design, which is now located in Mansfield, OH. While her passion for sewing and designing has somewhat waned over the years, her heart's desire is now focused on training women rescued from human trafficking to sew and create things with their hands, enabling them to provide for themselves through a respectable trade, boosting their self-esteem. Her other interests include tennis, playing the piano, crocheting, quilting, mentoring, hosting Bible studies and journaling, motorcycle riding, snowboarding, water skiing, reading, camping, learning and lastly but not least, loving her grandchildren. She r

The Opportunity Thinking Series is brought to you by; The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library Jennifer Assetto, owner of In The Fringe in Haverford, Pa and Christina Price, owner of Main Line Window Decor and Jeanelle Dech, owner of Adaptive Textiles, The Workroom Channel and The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library get together with me to talk about growth.  This seems to be a subject that we could talk about many, many more times and still not hit all of the questions. Or answers.  It appears they are not the same for all of us or the same for ourselves at different stages of our own lives. We also took this opportunity to have Jeanelle's son, Casey talk with Christina and Jen's girls about what it's like to have an entrepreneur mom.  Stay tuned for that bonus episode!!    

The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Jodi Stanford is the owner of Jodi’s Window Fashions, a custom drapery workroom founded in 1986 and located near Memphis, Tennessee.  Jodi started her business as a creative outlet that would bring in additional family income and allow her to stay at home with her children.  Jodi worked entirely alone and knew no other local workroom businesses until she discovered Cheryl Strickland’s drapery school and conference in 2000. By that time she had taught herself to make most styles by analyzing photographs and creating her own patterns.  In 2002 Jodi co-founded the West Tennessee Professional Drapery Association and served as president. In 2006 she led the organization to become the West Tennessee Chapter of WCAA and she again served as president. During these years she developed demos and presentations for local workroom events.  Jodi taught seminars at the 2005/2006 Custom Home Furnishings Conferences in Greenville, Valley Forge, and Phoenix. In 2006

This special 100th episode of the Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by Michele Williams of Scarlet Thread Consulting, who loves to work with creative business owners to help them understand all aspects of their business and to use their gifts and talents to make it profitable. She is a strategic profitability coach certified in the Profit First methodology and can be reached at ScarletThreadConsulting.com   Michele and I talk about the fact that we are not victims of what happens to us, but rather, we make choices! And we can respond instead of react.   If you want to purchase her Understanding Your Financials Course, enter SMM10 to get 10% off!  

Addie Conte is the owner of Addie's Custom Coverings and Design, LLC, a soft furnishing fabrication and design studio.  She has taken her love of textiles and created a business that offers her clients beautiful home solutions.  Specializing in understanding the unique needs of each homeowner, Addie and her team are committed to providing personal attention to each client.   You can find Addie on Facebook and Instagram.    On the podcast we mentioned these Facebook pages; WoMen of the Workroom  Professional Workrooms and Associates

  Kathy Geffen has been designing and creating window treatments for the home since 2002.  Prior to her start in the window treatment business, Kathy spent 16 years working as a business consultant.    Her client relationship skills blended perfectly with the problem-solving skills needed to create unique and functional window treatments.  The combination of client service and high-quality standards in her work aided in her being voted Best of Houzz 2018 and 2017 in customer service.  Kathy enjoys working with clients to make their spaces something enjoyable to come home to.           During the podcast, we talked about; The Transparency Initiative My Podcast with Elizabeth Gerddes Minutes Matter Profit First   Kathy is on Facebook and Instagram  

Jeanelle Dech, owner of The Workroom Channel, Adaptive Textiles and The Curtains & Soft Furnishings Resource Library, Christina Price, owner of Main Line Window Decor and Theda Hadden, owner of Springwood Upholstery and I talk about owning and running our businesses while being Moms and Wives.   We talk about the book Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg Here is a link to the Digital Digest   This was such an enlightening podcast to record, I hope you found it as interesting as I did! Please stop by the Sew Much More Podcast Facebook page and tell us what you thought!   We talked about Oprah's podcast with Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling

Madeleine MacRae is the creator of FastTrack Sales Systems and the CEO of MM MacRae Coaching & Consulting, an international learning, coaching and consulting firm out of Detroit Michigan.   Madeleine has more than 13 years of first-hand experience at the tables of some of the best businesses in the industry - from huge to tiny, corporate to family-run, manufacturers to a retail dealer. Not only does she know what it really takes to be at the top of your game, she teaches her clients exactly how to do it!   Proudly referred to as “the Fixer”, Madeleine is known for driving changes that really resolve issues and create massive growth momentum.   Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleine   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mmmacraecoaching Twitter: @MMMacRaeCoach, https://twitter.com/MMMacRaeCoach Primary Marketing and Sales Links Main website: www.mmmacrae.com  FastTrack Sales Systems sales page - www.fasttrackmembership.com  FastTrack Sales Challenge landing page - http://www.busi

Springwood Upholstery started when Theda Hadden went shopping for the perfect fabric for window treatments and pillows for her first house. Everyone who walked into her house asked “Where did you get your window treatments?” and were surprised to hear that she made them. The upholstery part came later, when on a whim she picked up a lovely wing chair from a used furniture store. The chair sat in her house for a few years until she started dating her (now) husband and told him how she wanted to recover the chair herself. His reply was “I have all of the tools if you need them. My grandmother used to reupholster furniture.” After finishing her first chair, which sits in her living room today, she was hooked. Theda started making custom window treatments and reupholstering furniture for friends and family. Today, she owns a to-the-trade and retail upholsterer and soft furnishings workroom.   You can find Theda on Facebook and Instagram.   

The podcast is sponsored by; The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Kristin Nicholas is an all-around creative artist who works with paint, yarn thread, fabric, clay and more.  Throughout her work, her love of color and pattern is the cohesive element that gives the definitive style to her interior decoration, paintings, ceramics and needlework.  Kristin is an avid gardner and her love of flowers and nature inspires much of her work.  She lives on Leyden Glen Farm, a working sheep farm in Western Massachusetts with her husband Mark and daughter Julia.   Kristin was the creative director of a yarn company for sixteen years.  She has appeared on PBS's Knit and Crochet Now! for many seasons and has appeared on Martha Stewart TV and many DIY television shows.  She teaches various subjects online on the Creativebug and Craftsy platforms.  She is the author of numerous books. Links Kristin Nicholas Designs   Kristin Nicholas Designs Facebook  Instagram Paint Magic by Jacosta Innes Apartment T

Tracie N. Bresnahan The owner of Custom Creations   Tracie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Engineering and a Master’s degree in Quality Assurance Technology from Southern Polytechnic State University. She worked in the apparel and the consumer products industries for 12 years. Tracie opened Custom Creations in 1996, fabricating custom window treatments and accessories. With her engineering background, she has built a business specializing in one of a kind and challenging design solutions for clients; such as custom cornice boards, headboards, ottomans, draperies, valances, bedding, pillows, etc. Tracie’s work has been seen in publications such as Southern Living, Jezebel, Better Homes and Gardens and Kid’s Rooms. Collaborating with her on some of her projects is her husband Brian, who has a degree in Architectural Engineering. He is a huge asset in designing and building custom projects with her for clients. Member – Window Coverings Assoc. of America (WCAA) 10+ years Atlanta Chapter Publicity Chairpers

This episode of the Opportunity Thinking Series is recorded live with members of PUAM - The Professional Upholsterers Association of Minnesotapuam.  Moderated by Jeanelle Dech at The Funky Little Chair in St. Paul, Minnesota, we discuss the loss of education, the need for more and hope for the future upholsterers!   We mentioned; Steve's Book - Singer Upholstery Basics Plus

The Podcast is sponsored by; The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Peggy Morgans is the owner of Parkway Window Works, a custom drapery workroom serving the interior design trade in Upstate New York. She has a chemical engineering degree and an MBA. Peggy brings her analytical and problem-solving skills to the drapery world and is known for tackling complex and technically difficult projects.  In 2008, Peggy shared an award for best workmanship and execution in DW&C magazine’s Designer & Workroom contest. In 2011, Peggy won an award for ingenuity and workmanship in Vision Window Fashion’s workroom competition. She is an active member of the Western NY chapter of WCAA and served on the WCAA national board in 2016/2017. Peggy has taught nationally at the 2007 D&WC conference, 2009 and 2011 Custom Sewing Institute’s Creative Camp, and the 2011 and 2012 WCAA Inspire conferences. You can find Peggy on Facebook.    On the Podcast we talked about; LuAnn Nigar's Podcast - A Well De

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Melissa Hammann is the owner of Riviera Décor a high-end retail and wholesale custom workroom that also specializes in outdoor décor. She resides in Corpus Christi, Texas a resort coastal town located off the gulf coast of south Texas where she lives with her husband and four children Melissa is the recent recipient of the 2018 IWCA/Visions Award for first place in Curtains and Draperies Workroom competition. Her work has been published numerous times in local media and trade magazines. She holds a Master of Science degree and Bachelor of Business Degree, from Texas A&M along with design training at the New York Institute of Art and Design and twelve certificates from the Custom Home Furnishings Academy located in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is a member of the Window Coverings Association of America- Virtual Chapter, wherein she serves on the executive board as Vice President of the Window Coverings

The Podcast is sponsored by;   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Today's podcast is a solo podcast, and I share some of the lessons I have learned while learning to podcast.   I hope you will reach out to me on my Facebook page and tell me something that you have learned from listening to the Podcast.     I mentioned Carol Dweck's book The Growth Mindset

  Episode 3 of the Opportunity Thinking Series is an interview with Kitty Stein, author of Price Your Work With Confidence.  Ann K. Johnson is now the publisher of the book and she joins us in an entertaining conversation with Kitty.  It is a little bit difficult for me to comprehend not thinking about window treatments or our industry on a daily basis, but that is what retirement looks like for Kitty now! Encompassing a career of 30 years in the Window Covering Industry, Kitty became a highly respected personality who wore many hats as an entrepreneur: Soft covering designer and fabricator, some of which appeared in national magazines and local designer show houses; sole proprietor workroom to the trade; partnership owning a retail decorating business and wholesale workroom; employer of decorators and workroom fabricators; monthly columnist for two prominent magazines to the trade, wrote well over 200 articles spanning 13 years; seminar presenter; teacher and development assistant to the original window co

The Podcast is Sponsored by;   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Sharon Gizzi is the owner of Styles by Sharon, a custom drapery workroom located in Richmond, Virginia.  She has been creating exquisitely crafted window treatments and bedding, with a conscious attention to detail and outstanding customer service, since 1999.  She learned to sew from her mom, who was a custom dressmaker, at age 5.  Sharon graduated from Virginia Tech with a bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising and a Master's degree in Clothing and Textiles.  She pursued a career in retail sales, management, and buying, from Blacksburg, Virginia, to Richmond, to Washington, DC.     Sharon started attending industry conferences in 1999, her first one being Cheryl Strickland's Sew What Conference and has attended many since then.  She has been published in the Sew What newsletter and Richmond House Trends magazine.  She joined WCAA in 2001 and has served as president, vice president, and treasurer of the local R