Sew Much More

  Karen Keech Swerling worked in Hollywood as a costume designer for three decades. She and her husband were looking for a change of pace in retirement, so eight years ago they traded their house in Malibu for an early 1900s Victorian in Richmond’s museum district. Keech Swerling converted the basement into a studio for her nonprofit, Richmond Really Sews!, and she offers free classes to anyone with a desire and a passion to sew. You can find Karen on IMDb Richmond Really Sews on FB and Instagram   Links and Resources; Metro Textiles -  Claire Schaffer Coture Sewing Techniques Shirtmaking - Developing Skills for Fine Sewing by David Page Coffin (Some of the links I provide, specifically to Amazon and a few others, require me to let you know that if you use those links and make a purchase, I will make some money.  I won't make a million dollars, but I might be able to get a cup of coffee, so thank you!)     The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;     Klimaka Studios   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread C

Links and Resources; https://www.weareteachers.com/womens-history-month-facts/ https://www.teachstarter.com/us/blog/womens-history-month-facts/ https://www.history.com/topics/womens-history/famous-firsts-in-womens-history https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/03/04/gender-pay-gap-in-us-has-narrowed-slightly-over-2-decades/#:~:text=The%20gender%20gap%20in%20pay,%2D%20and%20part%2Dtime%20workers.        

Michelle Moldowan of C'est Jolie Designs styles inspiring spaces, makes houses feel like homes, and owns and operates a custom drapery workroom in Castle Rock, CO. She delights in walking alongside homeowners as they plan and execute home projects from minor changes to whole house remodeling, as well as designing and fabricating bespoke window treatments across the country.   Using a design process carefully cultivated over 10 years in the industry, Michelle prides herself on listening carefully to homeowners to truly understand their lifestyle and design a space that not only meets theirs needs but tells their unique story. Michelle promises to have something on her Instagram account!   Links and Resources; A Well Designed Business Podcast Elki's Roman Shade class Ann Johnson ripple fold Profit First by Mike Michalowicz Bible Footprints of a Pilgrim: The Life and Loves of Ruth Bell Graham (Some of the links I provide, specifically to Amazon and a few others, require me to let you know that if you use those

Morris Mayer, Entrepreneur and Pastor. He is the CEO of Morris Mayer Services Group Inc., overseeing several small businesses and a charity. These include Plaza Park Interiors, a 12 year old custom drapery and upholstery workroom to the trade and contract accounts; Plaza Park Cleaning Services offering fine drapery and upholstery cleaning and stain shield fabric protector; Valley Interiors offering custom window treatments and upholstery in Northern New Jersey; the recently launched R2A Custom Furniture Frames offering Ready 2 Assemble high end custom furniture frames to smaller custom workrooms that may not have the space or carpenter on staff and has several new products and services to be released this year.   Morris has nearly four decades of experience in the design industry in every area from design to field installations. Morris is also a Lutheran pastor, a calling which  started at the same time he started his business, and recently celebrated his 10 year ordination anniversary in January. He co-found

Deb Barrett is an accomplished, prolific and highly regarded authority in the design industry with a varied background and experience. A fascination with what's around the corner and the constant search for inspiration has led to her current roles in the design industry. •     As an award-winning designer and Principal in Window Dressings, Deb Barrett has built a reputation for cutting edge couture treatments and soft furnishings •     As an educator, Deb is a recognized design authority and thought leader. She is a frequent speaker for a variety of industry events. She has championed design education and innovation throughout her career; developing and producing CEU accredited educational events under her brand.   •     As a consultant, Deb provides insights, intelligence and lateral inspiration across a broad range of products and services within the design. •     As a design guide, Deb has been hosting Décor Tours to international trade shows for design professionals for over a decade.     Speaker, Consul

Oksana Ambroz-Trychta is the founder of "It's Oksana," a Chicago-based textile design studio and workroom.    Born in Ukraine, Oksana's background in art and music led her to a career in ceramic and porcelain design. After showcasing her porcelain collection in New York in 1997, she transitioned to soft furnishings, reigniting her passion for textiles.    Building a strong reputation through word-of-mouth, she became a sought-after collaborator for interior designers. A course in laser cutting at Central St. Martin's in London further fueled her innovative approach.    "It's Oksana" is committed to sustainable, eco-friendly textiles, ensuring both client satisfaction and environmental responsibility.   Links and Resources; Quipa     The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;     Klimaka Studios   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library   Merril Y Landis, LTD   Angel's Distributing, LLC   National Upholstery Association   Workroom Tech  

Now is Found Chairloom operates at the intersection of art and sustainability, shifting the conversation around vintage furniture and design. On today's podcast I have the pleasure of interviewing Molly Burke and Tracy Jenkins of Chairloom.     The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;     Klimaka Studios   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library   Merril Y Landis, LTD   Angel's Distributing, LLC   National Upholstery Association   Workroom Tech    

In 1999 Jes and Wes were on a quest to work for themselves and have more control over their own time. That's when they created Crown Upholstery. After 25 years they have  definitely worked, but they have yet to gain much control over their time. Jesica is the 5th generation in her family to be enticed by the upholstery lifestyle. Growing up in her grandparents shop, in Glendale Arizona, she witnessed first hand the freedoms upholstery had to offer as well as the hard work one has to put in to be successful in this craft. Wes was raised in Maryland and had never known upholstery to be anything other than something you did to the interiors of cars.  The sirens of upholstery began to sing to him on a visit to Jesica's grandparents house. He saw their home based shop and the countless processes that go into this craft and quickly fell in love. Having a background in auto mechanics he was already primed for the problem solving journey that upholstery provides. He took a few classes taught by Jesica's grandfather,

  Addie Conte was offered a job on a whim by a local Maryland drapery workroom in 2012. That first experience sparked her love for making beautiful things that continues today.  Any spare time she had was spent attending workroom classes and window treatment conferences. She began planning her own workroom space in her unfinished basement.  Shortly after, a local seamstress was going out of business, and Addie was able to acquire all of their equipment and ta-da…Addie Designs, LLC was born.   Today, the Addie Designs team proudly operates from a dynamic studio in Deale, Maryland- a versatile space where our workroom seamlessly merges with our inspiring showroom.    Links and Resources; Quipa Scarlet Thread Consulting Airtable Metrique Solutions   The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;     Klimaka Studios   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library   Merril Y Landis, LTD   Angel's Distributing, LLC   National Upholstery Association   Wo

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;     Klimaka Studios   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library   Merril Y Landis, LTD   Angel's Distributing, LLC   National Upholstery Association   Workroom Tech    

Angie Seekamp is the owner of St. Hyacinth Custom Drapery in Celina, Texas. With a background in painting and studio arts, Angie transitioned from a career in luxury cosmetics and skin care to entrepreneurship. After helping her husband establish his boutique law practice, she became a full-time stay-at-home mom following the birth of their daughter. A lifelong lover of knitting, sewing, and crochet, Angie now channels her creativity into her drapery business which she opened in December of 2023. In her free time she enjoys entertaining, tablescaping, and spending time with friends and family. Angie is on Instagram Links and Resources; Scarlet Thread Consulting - Pricing Without Emotion Ann Johnson's Panel Class on the Workroom Channel Roger Magalhas Installation Courses

Victoria Hammond is the founder and owner of Master Soft Furnishers, established in 2001, specializing in soft furnishings and interior design. Her award-winning enterprise is internationally renowned for training over a thousand individuals in the professional making of soft furnishings, many of whom have gone on to establish and successfully run their own businesses.   Passionate about her craft, Victoria combines skills passed down through generations in her family with extensive industry experience. She is dedicated to preserving traditional sewing techniques while inspiring and supporting students at her Academy to achieve their creative and professional goals.   At the Academy, students can choose from a variety of in-person certified courses, ranging from a one-day Roman blinds (shades) workshop to a comprehensive 17-day Diploma in Professional Curtain Making & Soft Furnishings. All courses are delivered in a welcoming and inspiring training environment. Additionally, the Academy offers professiona

  Michele Williams, owner of Scarlet Thread Consulting, is a speaker, podcaster, author and strategic business coach serving the interior design industry. Her work helps business owners create strategic plans that are actionable, manage their business and finances properly, and develop a framework for decision making that allows for a laser focus. As a result of working with Michele, her clients increase their rates, reduce their workload, and increase their bottom line. Michele uses her signature program, AIM with Intent™, where she focuses on the 5 strategies that lead to wild success:  strategies of foundation, intention, people, process and profits. Michele is also certified in Profit First and Fix This Next methodologies. You can find out more by visiting www.scarletthreadconsulting.com   Links and Resources; Your Next Five Moves by Patick Bet-David She Thinks Big by Andrea Liebross The Recipie for Empowered Leadership by Doug Meyer-Cuno It's Ok to Be the Boss by Bruc Tulgan Blinkist Learn to Choose Win

In this Opportunity Thinking Series episode, I talk with Jeanelle Dech about utilizing personal strengths and the importance of timing in recognizing good-fit opportunities. Jeanelle shares a personal project that has brought more joy and meaning to her life and how my podcast example helped propel the project forward. We encourage everyone to go to www.ThoseBoysontheHill.com to learn more about the podcast and book of the same title. Once there, be sure to subscribe to and read the blog which features book excerpts and related content.     Mentioned links: Catching Up with Lea Tran Ron Howard on Smartless Those Boys on the Hill is available on Buzzsprout, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, and most podcasting platforms. Preview of Episode 3 – Iszel’s Smile  Episode 7 – Talking Trauma with Tracie  Episode 9- Black and Blackish with Cody (Jeanelle’s youngest brother)   

  Jess Kook-Whitley is the proud owner of Byrne Sewing, a cornerstone of the sewing community for over 45 years. Taking the helm three years ago, Jess has led the business with dedication and a passion for fostering creativity and customer care, exceeding industry standards and achievements. A graduate of Philadelphia University with a degree in Fashion Design, Jess’s journey came full circle when she returned to Byrne Sewing to combine her design expertise with her love of business and serving her sewing community. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jess is a devoted wife and mom to two sweet toddlers, who inspire her drive for success every day. Her family and deep-rooted love for sewing fuel her commitment to helping others bring their creative visions to life. Links and Resources; Byrne Sewing Connection   Byrne Sewing Connection is on Facebook and Instagram The Goal Digger Podcast   The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;     Klimaka Studios   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   T

Born and raised in Bulgaria, Nina Zhelev, founder of My Shade Kit, has spent the last 20 years in the United States, where she has built a successful career in the textile industry. With over 25 years of experience in various roles, she has honed her skills as a professional pattern maker, collaborating with renowned brands such as Hugo Boss, Strellson, Yoop!, La-Z-Boy, McCalls, Simplicity, just to name a few.   Nina is the proud owner of Noble Design, a home furnishings workroom that has been serving interior designers in the Raleigh area for over 15 years. In 2020, she launched My Shade Kit – part of the VAKO distribution, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to innovation.   Passionate about embracing new challenges, Nina balances her professional endeavors while raising two teenagers. She enjoys good food and traveling, always seeking inspiration from diverse cultures and experiences.   Links and Resources;   Nina's Shilly Shally Shade Class on the Workroom Channel You can see a preview of

Emily Marshall owns the custom workroom Emily Marshall Custom Sewing in Santa Rosa California. The one person workroom took shape in 2014 when her youngest went to preschool she offered sewing as a service on Craigslist. That started her off on a path she’d never imagined. Sewing mostly at night anything and everything from dog collars, zebra skin into rugs, sails for sailboats, a blackout lining for a circus tent, large production runs…. In 2017 she enrolled in fashions studies night classes at the local junior college to connect with other sewers and learn pattern making and draping skills she still uses when making slipcovers. Emily started offering after school hand sewing classes at her local elementary schools in 2019. Teaching kids from 4-14 years old has been the most rewarding part of her career yet. Over the years as her kids grew up she has grown her business. Emily has always loved sewing and being creative. She also loves the flexible schedule owning her own business has provided while raising he

Kate Winton has been an interior design professional for over 30 years.  She has held design and marketing positions with Macy’s, F. Schumacher & Co. and P/Kaufmann, Inc.  Kate has also independently done interior design for individuals and businesses.  During her career, she always admired the various seamstresses she worked with over the years.  Kate's mother was an avid sewer all her life, creating thousands of quilts, baby quilts, and various other fabric items including sewing Halloween costumes for her grandchildren.  Kate's Mom encouraged her to take sewing lessons and helped her over the years.  She is now deeply involved in sewing and fabricating drapes, window treatments, cushions, ensembles, etc.  She has been able to combine her newfound passion for sewing with her design work and looks forward to acquiring more skills.     Links and Resources; Workroom Tech Nicole Nomer - Raise Your Shades Rosemarie Garner Seamless Workroom Alabama Chanin   The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;     Klima

In a previous life, Julie Thome had a 20-year banking career as a foreign currency trader, which brought her to the United States in 1995. A lifelong passion for fabrics and sewing, however, inspired her to start her drapery workroom when her children were small. Since 2000, she has owned and operated Julie Thome Draperies Inc., a to-the-trade workroom in Bethel, Conn., specializing in high-end details and turnkey distance project management. Her business has grown, and now counts some of the biggest names in design — both in the U.S. and internationally — as regular clients. Project locations currently include New York, Washington, D.C., Idaho, Montana, Texas, Florida, Maine, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, New Hampshire, Alabama and Bermuda. Julie’s work has been published in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, UK House & Garden, Homes & Gardens, The New York Times, Home Beautiful Australia, Flower Magazine, and New England Home, as well as in books by clients James T. Farmer III, Heidi Caillier Design,

Elki Camacho is a Business Consultant specializing in Strategic Growth and Operational Excellence. By focusing on people, process, and technology, Elki aids businesses in transforming their business models, scaling intentionally, and transforming cultures to create more profitable businesses. As a consultant, Elki operates in various capacities to strengthen business acumen, hone operational execution, deliver training and development, act as an extended part of your business, and provide ongoing coaching to meet your business needs. As a champion of Women in Business and Diversity and Inclusion, Elki is an avid community mentor and provides coaching and professional development to women rising in their careers. She sits on the Leadership team of BNI Chapter 25, is on the Board of Women Entrepreneurs of Hudson County as well as Hudson County Chamber of Commerce, and is the founder of WeMentors. She is the Principal and CEO of Elki Consulting Group.   Links and Resources; (I sometimes use affiliate links and I