Today we’d like to introduce you to Carol Craig.
Hi Carol, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Sewing has always been part of my DNA. Back in the day, my childhood family lived in a three generational household in Buffalo, NY. In the evenings my grandmother would sit and crochet, my mother would knit, and I would work on hand embroidery projects with the stitches they taught me. As I got older, I first learned machine sewing on Grandma’s treadle and then on my mom’s Singer. Those lessons stuck with me as a Coast Guard wife, mother, and elementary teacher. Friends during that period followed the births and growth of 4 granddaughters as I made everything from smocked and embroidered christening dresses to toddler and then First Communion dresses. Once I finally retired, I was excited to find an outlet and return to my sewing roots. For the past 19 years, Carol Craig Stitchery has been the fulfillment of my creative dream. It is my pleasure to bring smiles to faces as people enjoy the fruits of my labor. I produce useful items with an eye to fabric designs and colors. Being a product of two ladies who lived through the Depression, I keep a watchful eye on pricing for the consumers’ benefit. Being an elementary teacher at heart has further moved me to include items like fidget pillows for all ages of those with disabilities and adult bibs which I modify for youngsters with disabilities also. In summation, I am a product of my history, and it is reflected in my sewing and business principles.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We lived in Fenton. MO, a suburb of St. Louis and our last duty station, for 26 years. When we decided to retire, our sons and their families were in Austin and Houston, TX so we headed south and relocated in Military City, USA, aka San Antonio. Starting a small business in a new city and state was interesting. I knew churches, schools,and non-profits held “arts and crafts” shows, but where to start? Slowly I began the hunt and learned so much from other vendors. I lucked into connecting with the Texas Market Guide family who organizes and produces markets across Central Texas. It has been a mutually productive relationship to this day. It gave me the outlet for my sewing and gave my husband and me the opportunity to meet and greet people in cities all over Central Texas. As time went on, I acquired a customer base, many of whom have become friends. And the vendors we have worked with are now part of the extended Craig family.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My machine sewn goods form a diverse collection that fills the needs of multiple age groups. I listen to customers tell me what they need and consider if it should be a special order for them personally or an addition to my inventory. The burpees are my most popular item. I have girls, boys, and gender neutral covered with designs that bring smiles. Often customers come specifically to choose a theme, color or design for a personalized gift. The other aspect of my inventory that is extremely popular is the seat belt pad collection. With a design, team, or military related theme, the appeal is there in a safety related necessity. I tend to choose making items others do not offer like quillows, smocks, egg aprons, hidden pocket hangers, crochet hook caddies, and adult bibs, among many more. Memory aprons are my personal choice in lifestyle importance. They are made from shirts of those who have passed on or are deployed for the most part. To wear something another has left behind brings comfort as few other things can. These are by special order and can be tailored for men or women with personal considerations.
I love what I do and treasure the help I can give others. Since I work from home with no store front, interested individuals can follow me on Facebook at Carol Craig Stitchery where they will see what is new and potentially get new ideas from special orders which show a thinking out-of-the-box mentality. For instance, recently I posted that a customer realized the personal tissue dispensers I make would work perfectly as Bunko gifts. She contacted me, and I sent her photos of designs from which she chose 12 favorites that made their way to her. Facebook is also where I will publish my fall schedule of markets for in person experiences to bring those smiles alive on customers’ faces!
Contact me through Facebook, Messenger, or email at mystitchery@sbcglobal.net.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
There are several aspects to a small business like mine.
The artistic part is a no brainer. You know your art and can produce quality work. However, what appeals to the artist in design, color and functionality is not always what the customer base is looking for. I learned early on to produce items that were in totally different colors or fabric designs for the diversity that appeals to the general population, not just me. And sometimes, much to my amazement, that unique item sold first!
The business part can be a challenge to an artistic mind. Find a friend, family member, or mentor who can get you on the right business path. For instance, my tax attorney son strongly suggested at the start, “Mom, do it this way, it’s cleaner,” as in showing the tax paid separate from the price of the goods rather than including it all as the price. So 19 years later, I’m still following that advice.
Personally, I love the interaction with customers, but for some this is a challenge. It’s important to sell yourself and your work. I’m not an in-your-face sales person, but after giving quiet time to browse, I engage visitors with a question and ascertain their interest before proceeding.
Make friends with other vendors. They have the experience to answer questions, and most are willing to pass along helpful suggestions. Every conversation whether helpful or not, gives you food for thought.
Don’t be afraid to try something new. It may not work, but then you know that and move on. Change is your friend. When I look back over 19 years, only the quality and drive are consistent. My items have come and gone generally; only the seat belt pads are still in continuing production since the beginning! People still come to find them as gifts or personal need. But my setups, for instance, change according to local customer preferences and inventory I choose to bring. Markets are very different. Try new markets. If they work, keep them, if not, drop them. Simple as that.
I wish anyone starting out the best of luck and much success. The personal growth is worth all the time, effort, and hard work.
Pricing:
- My prices reflect time and materials plus tax.
- Special orders are the same as on site purchases unless changes or specialty fabrics require price increases.
- Special orders will incur postage charges if applicable..
Image Credits
For my personal photo: Abigail Carrillo
