3 Lessons I've Learned from 30 Years of Running a Workroom Business
My mom taught me how to sew at an early age, and I learned a variety of techniques. I preferred my mom's methods over my home economics teachers, and, as a result, I earned B's and C's in those high school classes.
Thirty years later, my divergence has paid off many times over. Here are three key takeaways I’ve learned from running a workroom business.
Lesson 1: Finding My Niche & Prioritizing Flexibility
For the first several years, my business was primarily focused on dressmaking and alterations. Once I started creating slipcovers and window coverings, I knew that was my niche. As it turns out, working with inanimate objects is far more streamlined. Case in point: Windows don't gain or lose weight, and chairs don't mind being poked with pins (haha!).
During this decade, I worked very few hours a week with a handful of clients. My sons were young, and my flexible schedule allowed me to volunteer at school and become a Cub Scout Leader. Ironically, several of my larger workroom jobs came to me because of the relationships I had built in these volunteer organizations.
Because of the flexibility my business afforded, I was able to get to know my sons' teachers and friends on a closer level, which gave me a better understanding of what was going on in my sons' lives. (Many years later, several young adults told me I had made a difference in their lives by how present I had been. Wow, an amazing compliment!)
Lesson 2: Businesses Must Adapt & Remembering My Why
As my kids grew, so did my business. In the second 10 years, I joined the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA), which continues to be highly beneficial for my workroom. As business began to pick up, my husband and I realized I needed more space. We built a pole barn studio behind our house and moved Sew Nice out of a small spare room. Finally!
When the recession of 2008 rocked the U.S. economy, I rested in the wisdom that my parents had often shared with me, "God provides for those who believe." This carried me through not only the recession but also the shutdowns and uncertainty of 2020.
I knew that no matter how challenging my business became, I was meant to run it. Certain highlights of my career that remind me of this truth include the reaction of a little girl after I delivered a slipcover for her room. She was speechless - as if I had just told her I was getting her a new puppy.
Another precious moment I'll never forget was when my client, who was dying of cancer, started crying after I installed her new bedding because she thought it was so beautiful. And later, there was a client who said she'd be happy to eat peanut butter sandwiches for the next month because my work was worth the cost.
These are the memories I hold dearly. They are why I do what I do!
Lesson 3: My Advice for Other Workroom Owners
The last 10 years have brought big changes personally and professionally. COVID hit, and my sons graduated from college, got married, and moved away. I became a grandmother. My business continued to grow. I served on the National board of directors for WCAA. I began teaching, creating patterns, and writing articles.
Bringing us to the present day, if I could impart any advice to home industry professionals, especially those who run their own workrooms, here is what I would tell them:
Don't underestimate the importance of volunteering and serving your community. It's a great way to meet the right referral partners and develop long-lasting relationships.
Lifting up others will lift you up as well. There is plenty of work for everyone, so support your colleagues rather than viewing them as competition.
Don't be afraid to toot your own horn. If you don't, who will? Instead of being afraid that others will think you are bragging or not experienced enough, consider it announcing your accomplishments - large or small.
Continued education is important. You are never too old or too experienced to learn something new.
Give back to those who have helped you and pay it forward.
Learn from your mistakes. Find out what went wrong and take steps to correct for next time.
Asking for help does not indicate weakness.
Taking care of yourself will allow you to take care of others.
Learn to say no. I'm a people-pleaser by nature, but I have learned that not everyone is my client and that some jobs are not for me.
I'm really looking forward to the next ten years!
If you're ready for some help bringing your dream home to life, reach out! I can't wait to work with you.
Until next time,
Laura