Website:  www.sublimestitching.com
Astrological Sign:  High aiming, straight-shootin’ Sagittarius!
Trade:  Embroidery Artist, Entrepreneur/Designer and Author
Year your business was founded:  2001
Other DIY affiliations:  Austin Craft Mafia, Supernaturale.com, Craftster.org, FreetoStitchFreetoBitch.org, GetCrafty.com, Renegade Craft, Babes In Business
Myspace URL:  http://www.myspace.com/sublimestitching
Favorite song to take you back to high school:  This Charming Man by The Smiths
Favorite Vintage Pin Up Girl:  Candy Barr or Bettie Page

How did you get started?
I took up embroidery in the summer of 2000 when my mother was recuperating from breast cancer. I'd wanted for years to try my hand at embroidery, but thought I never had the time. So, while staying at my parents' house, I realized it was the perfect time: my mother could teach me, all the materials were on hand, and I needed something to relax. I became immediately hooked on it.

Before I started the business aspect of it, I read a lot of 'how-to' books, (Small Time Operator by Bernard Kamoroff was my bible) asked the advice of others who worked for themselves, examined businesses that I liked, introduced myself to some local business women (who are now good friends of mine and successful colleagues). Most importantly, I worked on something every day and took my business education upon myself.

Biggest hurdle you encountered?
Dispelling the notion that embroidery is difficult and grannyish. People glaze over when I tell them I work in embroidery. Also, people are not very optimistic when you say you're going to start a business, so it can be difficult to keep your own optimism up at the start. You have to know the difference between naysayers and experienced voices. Naysayers abound, but you have to seek out the advice of experienced folks for yourself.

Lessons learned the hard way?
That copyright infringement does happen, by companies large and small. Manufacturers will pluck your work and reproduce it without a second thought. Fortunately, I’ve always been very protective of my work, and successfully sued a major manufacturer for copyright infringement.

The other hard lesson I learned was how important contracts are. I am very careful about what I sign so that I can maintain my freedom and independence as a designer. You have to take a stand and place a reasonable value on your work and creativity.

Most bizarre encounter with a customer?
Fortunately my customers are entirely sane and reasonable (embroiderers tend to be rather placid and lovable). Although I’ve had a few girls get misty when they’ve met me at markets or appearances, which catches me off guard. It’s very sweet and touching, but a little strange!

Do you find it difficult to distinguish between your life as an artist and your life as a crafty business owner?
Sometimes. But, that’s precisely the role I decided to take on: presenting embroidery in two new ways, both as a fine artist and as a designer for hobbyists. I think the notion that an artist has to shy away from the commercial market or lose credibility has changed. The fact that I can present all my work directly to the public via the Internet means not having to change my vision.

Future Projects?
Just trying to keep on top of the demand for all things Sublime Stitching! It seems to have endless possibilities and my plans are to see it become everything that it can be. I’d like to hand over more of the responsibilities of running the company so that I can get back to embroidering as much as I once did.

Favorite Indie Business(es)?
Repro Depot Fabrics, Busy Beaver Buttons, Punk Planet, Posie: Rosy Little Things (there are too many to list!)

Sage Advice?
Get to it and do it. Learn who to listen to, and who to ignore. Go with your guts, ask for help and you'll be steered the right way. Don't take perceived failures too hard, learn to live with multiple rejections, and learn from them. You'll apply what you know from the experience in the future to make the right decisions. Be persistent, tenacious and you'll get what you're going for.

Best thing about:
Running your own business: putting your ideas forward as you envision them
Having an addiction to 50s kitsch: colorful, stylish surroundings for cheap!
Living in Austin: The gorgeous weather and creative people who popluate the city

Worst thing about:
Running your own business: It all depends on YOU.
Having a Volvo painted like a ton ‘o bricks: NOTHING! Every day is a parade, and strangers wave and smile at me.
Living in Austin: The constant temptation to shop, eat out and party, party party. The margaritas never stop flowin’.

 
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