Sew Much More

Once again, Michele Williams and I are wrapping up the year and sharing how we analyze the year that is ending and plan for the year ahead.  Talking with Michele is always a pleasure for me, I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Links and Resources; Who's In Your Room 212 The Extra Degree SWOT Analysis is discussed in the January 2018 Circle Time on The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library Jennifer Dawn's Best Journal Ever   The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Helser Brothers, Inc   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library    

Nicole Nomer is the owner of Fabrication Studio, a drapery workroom that has been servicing the interior design industry since 1985. I interviewed Nicole in Episode 148 of the Podcast.  Today we are talking about how she became a Coulisse Distributor. Links and Resources; Nicole's Youtube Channel Nicole's Facebook Page You can reach Nicole by email - fabricationstudio@gmail.com The OPPORTUNITY THINKING Series of the Podcast is sponsored by; The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library

Cheryl Meiklejohn, was born in a rural community, she fell in love with sewing at the age of 8, when she began sewing with her grandmother.   Always one to seize an opportunity, she set up and managed her own custom drapery business, where she became an expert in selling, sewing and installing window treatments.  Five years later she went to work for a much larger specialty textile manufacturing company, Rainbow Draperies, which she owns today.  Many of Western Canada’s high-end designers and architects will trust no one else with their custom textile needs. Over the last 23 years, Cheryl has consulted with countless interior designers/decorators on the best styles, fabrics, and linings for their specific projects.  She loves sharing her expertise and has been teaching seminars exclusively for designers on the foundations of window treatments since 2007.  Using her life experiences and sense of humor, Cheryl brings insight into what to do and more importantly, what not to do when selling window treatments.  C

I had the pleasure of talking with some of the previous winners of the Jill Robson Scholarship and why they applied and what it did for them. Apply for the Jill Robson Scholarship    Custom Workroom Conference Jill's Webinars can be found on the Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library for PRO Plus and PRO Access members. The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Helser Brothers, Inc   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library

Betsey Reigle has worked in the interior design field for her entire professional career. Her training includes a bachelor’s degree in interior design from Mercyhurst College. If you combine her experience in the interior design field with the skill of sewing she learned from her mother at a very young age and, always having a love of fabric, you can see why she loves her job. Betsey is the owner of Seamless Designs, a retail workroom. She enjoys creating beautiful handcrafted products for her clients’ home interiors. Betsey lives with her family near the Rochester NY area, just south of Ontario Lake.   Links and Resources; The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey Minutes Matter Wolfe Industries - Kai scissors        The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Helser Brothers, Inc   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library

In this episode of the podcast, I welcome Mark and Jay Helser of Helser Brothers, Inc. Mark Helser is the CFO and Co-Founder of Helser Brothers, Inc. His entrepreneurial spirit and interest in metal fabrication started early in his life, having a paper route at age 8 and acquiring his first welder at age 11. Mark and his brother Jay founded Helser Brothers, Inc in 1994. Mark is a strong believer in solid work ethics and going above and beyond to be the key to his accomplishments. Besides running a successful company, Mark also believes in giving back to the community by providing assistance to charitable causes worldwide. Mark and his wife are the proud parents of four boys.   Jay Helser is a Managing Partner at Helser Brothers, Inc. He has been a member of the custom window treatment industry for over 30 years starting as a window treatment installation trainee, then as a professional independent drapery installer and now as a drapery hardware manufacturer. Jay's experience in the window treatment industry w

  Roger Magalhaes started in the window coverings industry in 2006 as a part-time installer for a national chain. After only two months, he was asked to leave for “standing out.” Clients continuously requested him over the other installers, and this didn’t sit well with his colleagues. He knew he was on to something! Following this experience, Roger traveled to many parts of the country acquiring formal training and receiving certifications from respected vendors such as Somfy, Hunter Douglas, Norman Shutters, and Lutron. He also attended the Custom Home Furnishings Academy for formal installation training focusing on drapery and other soft treatments. Roger is the owner of Shades In Place, Inc, located in the Boston area. He has done installations in seven states as well as Cape Cod and the Islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. He is the founder of the Facebook group Free Speech Window Covering Pros, a regular columnist for Window Fashion Vision magazine, a presenter at the International Window Coverin

Kathy Patterson is the owner of Draperies by Kathy  She started sewing for a designer 15 years ago and her daughter, Michelle has joined her in her business.     Links and Resources; Michelle's Etsy Shop - This White Rabbit Co. The Custom Workroom Conference Kim Chagnon - Kim's Upholstery Ann K. Johnson's Workroom Skills Class Quiet - The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking Workroom Tech     The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Helser Brothers, Inc   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library  

Ronica is from a small town in Western NY and moved to Raleigh 27 years ago via San Diego. She and her husband of 28 years have 2 kids and a dog. Ronica's Custom Creations is an award-winning full-service window treatment design and fabrication studio. Ronica works with both the homeowners and design clients, using her specialized industry skills to make ideas and plans become reality to transform your house into a home. Ronica is dedicated to providing quality products with outstanding details. To reach that end, she spends time keeping up with current colors, home furnishing styles, and fabrication techniques. Memberships in several home furnishings networks, including the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA), where she has held several board positions, provide educational opportunities and important contacts and resources. Ronica strives to achieve the highest levels of proficiency in drapery fabrication. She searches out new knowledge in the field by attending educational seminars and conference

Who doesn't have a few extra feet from Sloan Machinery!?? I must confess, I really didn't realize how extensive Sam Sloan's business was until I had this opportunity to talk with him and Jill.  They have been collaborating for years in an effort to customize feet for our industry.  I was thrilled to hear Sam's story and learn more about what he does - hint - it isn't just feet!!! Jill Plummer Stanbro Hughes was a guest on Episode 138.   The OPPORTUNITY THINKING Series of the Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library  

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Helser Brothers, Inc Tracie N. Bresnahan 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 clients. Member – Wi

Sophia Lawrie has been the owner of a to the trade drapery workroom since 1988, servicing Metro Atlanta and designers out of state.  She has a degree in Economics and worked in the corporate world in Human Resources and later at an advertising agency.  When her youngest son was an infant, he developed a concerning medical condition and she knew that she could not return to the corporate world and needed to find a career that would allow her to stay home.  She has sewed her entire life and was fortunate to have a mother with great tailoring skills. Going into Home Décor was a logical choice and she has been fortunate to have a career she loves, which has helped support her family. As a perpetual learner, she has attended many classes and seminars and is a member of the Atlanta WCAA Chapter.   The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA    Helser Brothers, Inc     Resources and Links; Dritz Hem Guide Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Donna Cash  

Bianca Henry is the owner of Impressions Drapery Designs, Inc in Durham, NC, which opened up in 2002.  She is a member of the local WCAA Chapter where currently serves as president.  In her spare time, she loves  to bake and spend time with her children, Caleb and Jamesa.  Bianca’s passion for draperies has given her a happiness that makes her career enjoyable, even during the stressful times; she wouldn’t trade it for anything else. Bianca is on Facebook and Instagram.   The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Helser Brothers, Inc

 Since 1994, Laura Nelson has been the owner of Sew Nice, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, specializing in soft and hard window treatments, slipcovers and other soft home furnishings.  Sew Nice is a Woman-Owned Business Entity (WBE) with the State of Indiana; Laura is a WFCP Workroom Specialist and active member of WCAA, currently the program chair for the Indiana Chapter and Secretary for the Board of Directors.   A graduate of Purdue University in Restaurant Management, Laura worked in university foodservice management (Notre Dame, Valparaiso, and Purdue), mostly in catering, before changing career paths to start a workroom.    Laura mentioned the event for WCAA Indiana  Deb Barret will be presenting.    Register here for - Where The Window Is Headed Fri, October 25, 2019 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM EDT   Laura is on Facebook and Instagram   Links and Resources; Ann Johnson’s Workroom Skills class Scarlet Thread Consulting - Pricing Without Emotion 3 strikes article by Ann Johnson can be found on The Curtains

I had such a great time at CWC this year, my first time as an exhibitor!  I've been there every year so now I have been an attendee, an instructor and now an exhibitor!  I wanted to share some of my thoughts and experiences with everyone.   Resources and Links; Custom Workroom Conference  Michele Williams - Scarlet Thread Consulting This series of the Podcast is brought to you by; The Curtains & Soft Furnishings Resource Library which hosts the industry’s largest curated collection of educational resources for Custom Home Décor professionals. Membership to the library gives you access to a wealth of downloadable reference materials, videos, live events, and a community of support to help you develop your design and fabrication skills, and start or grow a business.  Along with The Workroom Channel, the Library publishes the Drapery & Design Digital Digest. The Library is the central hub of communication between DIY crafters, professionals, educators, and suppliers.   Visit CURTAINSANDSOFTFURNISHINGSPRO

Leisha Schutt is the owner of LHS Designs, a to-the-trade workroom working with Interior Designers in the greater Richmond, VA area.  Leisha’s love for textiles led her to pursue a degree in Textile Design.  This degree has served her well through different phases of her life.  Leisha spent several years working in the Apparel Industry before shifting her focus to the Window Treatment Industry and in 2009 when she opened LHS Designs.  In addition to running the business, Leisha is a member of the WCAA Virtual Chapter and also the local Richmond Chapter of the WCAA where she has served as Secretary and also Co-president. LHS Designs has been recognized in R.Home Magazine as "Window Treatment Fabricator of the Year” category, in 2016 as first place and 2017 and 2018 as runner up. Leisha is on Instagram Resources and Links; Sloan Machinery Profit Is A Choice Podcast Thanks to my Corporate Sponsors; The Window Covering Association of America Scarlet Thread Consulting The Workroom Channel The Curtains and Soft Fur

  Kristen Stevenson is the daughter of Joan & Dave Stevenson, owners of Stevenson Vestal, a custom drapery workroom in Burlington, NC. After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill with a Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art and a minor in Music, Kristen followed her passion for creative work, learning to make Roman Shades at Stevenson Vestal. Enamored by the intricacies of custom soft goods, she began promoting her workroom photography online. Since then, Kristen has rebranded the company through logo redesign, website renovation, and videography. She enjoys networking with members in the industry and meeting with designers to inspire ideas and confidence for selling custom window treatments. In her spare time, she is an avid runner and yogi. She is also a music enthusiast, loves seeing concerts, and is the bassist and singer in her band “Fifth Species” residing in Greensboro, NC. Kristen is constantly inspired by the enthusiasm, creativity, and passion to preserve the traditions of old-world craftsmanship in the ind

Originally from Wisconsin, Cathy Stitch, owner of Cathy's Curtains and Accessories is the 3rd oldest of eight children & learned to sew at age 8.  Cathy believes she has this right brain/left brain dichotomy – loving sports (especially the Packers), Math, science, art & crafts.  Two years of college were focused on Art & Design & 2 were spent in business & accounting.  In its 27 years, her business has been located in 5 different cities.  Cathy has been married to her husband, Jim for 38 years & they have 4 children & 8 grandchildren.  Her goal is to pass on her love of sewing to my grands!   You can find Cathy on Facebook and Instagram   Thanks to my Corporate Sponsors; The Window Covering Association of America Scarlet Thread Consulting The Workroom Channel The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library  

Hope Arbery, the founder of QUIPA, is on a mission to help custom drapery workrooms work better!  QUIPA is an online tool designed specifically for workrooms to save them massive amounts of time and to dramatically increase their profits.  Imagine… yardage calculations, pricing, and work orders done instantly!  Imagine… no more costly calculation errors or having to duplicate information.  Imagine… everything organized in one place and customized for how you run YOUR workroom.  This is QUIPA. As an interior designer and workroom owner, Hope is using her experience and passion to build world-class technology for workrooms. QUIPA is on Instagram   Resources; QUIPA Custom Workroom Conference The OPPORTUNITY THINKING SERIES  of the Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by the Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library.    

In 1995 Susan Kostelecky began SK Designs, an award-winning custom window treatment design and fabricating company serving the greater Houston area.  Susan has designed and fabricated hundreds of window treatments, including many featured in Houston area home tours.  Susan has served as President of the Houston Area Custom Drapery Association, is a WFCP-Expert and often presents seminars to other workroom and design groups.    In 2006 Susan founded The Custom Sewing Institute, which produced weekend seminars for medium to advanced level workrooms with a focus on hands-on classes, small group networking, all-inclusive registration fees (meals, lodging and class supplies) and industry leaders and talented instructors.  For six years this event drew attendees and speakers from across the US, Canada, and England. Since the closing of her CSI adventure, Susan has focused on growing SK Designs and focusing on her increasing clientele, many of whom have found her via her A-rated Angie’s List membership and on Houzz,