Sew Much More

The Opportunity Thinking Podcasts are sponsored by;       On Today’s podcast, Vita Vygovska, Jeanelle Dech, and Sue Fresconi talk about business growth. we talk about the decision to grow or not and how many factors and decisions are involved.  There is a lot to take in today Vita shares her growth risk analysis where she lists and ranks the pros and cons of the adding employees as a path for expanding her business. If you haven’t listened to Vita’s first podcast with me, number 63 be sure to listen to that as well.  We refer to a spreadsheet that Vita put together and if you go to http://www.curtainsandsoftfurnishingspro.org/ you can get a copy of the spreadsheet for free.    Jeanelle Dech is President and Co-Founder of Adaptive Textiles, an innovative textile printing company in West Chester, PA. She is a friendly and engaging speaker, known for her Fit-Like-a-Glove slipcovers, SPEED sewing method, and workroom profitability training. She is the creative inspiration behind The Workroom Channel's METHOD SHARE and REAL WORKROOM series (www.TheWorkroomChannel.com), and the new Curtains & Soft Furnishings Resource Library (www.curtainsandsoftfurnishingspro.org), which hosts the industry's largest collection of educational resources for Home Décor Professionals.  I interviewed Jeanelle in podcast episode number 9.   Vitalia (Vita) Vygovska is the award-winning author, speaker, business coach, and window treatment specialist.  Her company, Vitalia, Inc.- Fine Window Treatments & Interiors, is an all-encompassing fabrication, measurement, and installation service, servicing exclusively interior designers and architects.  In business for almost 12 years, Vita and her team are proud to be experts in their niche field, providing their clients with superb quality product and excellent communication.  I interviewed Vita in podcast episode 63.   Sue Fresconi is the Librarian for the Curtains & Soft Furnishings Resource Library, and a Project Manager at Adaptive Textiles.  Sue has had an extensive corporate career in Human Resources, Training and Development, and Project Management.  She operated a home-based workroom on a part-time basis for several years.  Sue was selected to participate in the CHF Academy Alumni Showcase twice; creating her designs for exhibition at IWCE.  She holds a BS in Textiles from the University of Delaware, the PMP (Project Management Professional) designation from the Project Management Institute, and the CSM (Certified Scrum Master) designation from Scrum Alliance.   Please check out the Transparency Initiative!!  And please take the survey.   Here are links to some of the things we talked about;   Vita's Book  Michael Hyatt’s book Living Forward  If you would like to reach out to Vita, you can email her at  Vita@vitaliainc.com   

Vitalia (Vita) Vygovska is the award-winning author, speaker, business coach, and window treatment specialist.  Her company, Vitalia, Inc.- Fine Window Treatments & Interiors, is an all-encompassing fabrication, measurement, and installation service, servicing exclusively interior designers and architects.  In business for almost 12 years, Vita and her team are proud to be experts in their niche field, providing their clients with superb quality product and excellent communication. You can find Vita on Facebook.

Elizabeth Gerdes is the owner of Stitch Above The Rest, LLC, a full-service retail drapery fabrication studio, in Woodstock, GA, established in 2003. Elizabeth specializes in helping clients create their vision by offering high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail in every area, from design to fabrication, to installation. Her work has been noticed and published in numerous trade and local magazines. Elizabeth has won eight VISION awards, including Workroom of the Year 2017, multiple trade competitions, and several local “Best of” votes.  Elizabeth loves a good drapery challenge and doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff. You can also find Elizabeth on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Houzz

Founder of Harmon Enterprises, Stacey is a productivity coach and top Evernote Certified Consultant who specializes in helping disorganized and unproductive people get their lives in order with Evernote.   Through her membership, guides and training programs, she shows busy people how to take back control of their digital lives to give them the freedom, space, and time they crave. Thanks to her Evernote-based GTD® practice she enjoys a paperless laptop-lifestyle which often takes her far beyond her home base of Austin, Texas.  Discounted Evernote Link Stacey's Newsletter

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;   It's always a pleasure for me to talk with Ralph Angel!  He's one of the first people I met in this industry and he was so helpful.  Today you'll hear about what and who! is new at Angel's!     Angel's Distributing, LLC   You can find Angel's on LinekdIn, Facebook and Instagram        

Links and Resources;  Circle Time Webinare with Michele Williams for PRO Plus members of the Curtains & Soft Furnishings Resource Library.   The Mel Robbins Podcast with Dr. Pooja Lakshmin   Podcast with Susan Woodcock   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        

Suzy Daruwala is the owner of Sew Bella Home, a full-service drapery and fabrication studio servicing homeowners, builders, and designers alike.  Clients say they enjoy working with Suzy because she has the ability to really listen and interpret their needs and desires and helps to translate their vision into a well-executed design and fabrication plan. She delivers exceptional quality and is very detail-oriented.  She founded her company in November of 2007 in Branchburg, NJ, relocated to Lexington, MA in 2010, and finally landed in Del Mar, CA in 2015.  In 2001 she started taking sewing classes, first in clothing construction, then upholstery and finally Window treatments, slipcovers, and bedding.  After attending a CHF conference in 2007 she decided to open her own business.  Suzy started her career as a nurse and holds a bachelor's degree in Nursing from the University of KY and a master's degree in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric nursing from the University of Cincinnati.      Suzy is on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram   Links; Michele Williams Scarlet Thread Consulting The Secret by Rhonda Byrne     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    

Denise Canney Custom Sewing was established in 1998 as a one-person workroom operated out of her home in Livingston, NJ  then later moving to Doylestown, PA in 2006. Denise serves both designers and retail clients fabricating various types of window treatments as well as other soft home furnishings.    She is also proud to offer various fabric and trim lines from Stout, Schumacher, Samuel and Sons, and Fabricut.   Denise has recently expanded her product line to also sell shades and shutters by Comfortex, Norman, and Walden Select.   Denise prides herself in providing her clients with excellent customer service and quality custom products.   Denise says; I can honestly say that it doesn't feel like work if you love what you are doing…...and I DO love what I do!   Facebook   Denise Canney Custom Sewing Instagram  E-Mail   dcanney@verizon.net     Links and Resources; Denise's invention in the Drapery & Design Digital Digest The Bean Countery Riverbank Creative   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    

Katie is the sole owner and seamstress of Mississippi Stitches. Mississippi Stitches specializes in handcrafted, custom pillow covers and bolsters available to anyone looking for customizable options and designer textiles to finish his or her space with lasting style. Katie resides in central Mississippi along with her vizsla, Ruth, who serves as the mascot for the whole operation. When not sewing, you can find Katie in her vegetable and flower garden or enjoying finding birds with Ruth.   Katie is on Facebook and Instagram.   Links and Resources; Workroom Tech All The Places to Go by John Ortberg (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 Consulting   The WCAA   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library   Merril Y Landis, LTD   Angel's Distributing, LLC   National Upholstery Association   Workroom Tech    

Links and Resources;   The Custom Workroom Conference Podcast with Susan Woodcock  on Asking for Help   Megan Coulter Agency   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    

Marianne Henderson is the owner of Sandhill Designs and Upholstery.  She is a dedicated wife and loving mother of three wonderful children, including girl/boy twins in their late thirties and a youngest son who is soon to turn 30. From an early age, she had a passion for sewing, starting with making her own Barbie clothes and later progressing to designing her own outfits. She saved her allowance to buy fabric and patterns and, after taking a single sewing class in junior high, continued to teach herself the craft. Although she was accepted into the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco, a life-changing event altered her path just before she was set to attend. She spent nearly 30 years working in accounting, but it never fulfilled her passion. While working part-time as a bookkeeper and creating custom soft furnishings for a local furniture store, she had the opportunity to reupholster a child’s chair. This sparked a love for the craft and a realization that upholstery was her true calling. Over the last 12 years, she has immersed herself in the world of upholstery, learning through YouTube videos, books, and online courses, including those offered by Kim Chagnon of Kim's Upholstery. Recently, she has expanded her skills to include window coverings. She is an active member of the National Upholstery Association and the Window Coverings Association of America.   Sandhill Custom Designs and Upholstery is on Facebook and Instagram Kim's Upholstery Funky Little Chair courses are on the Workroom Channel The Workoom Channel Remarkable 2 Change Your Paradigm, Change Your Life by Rob Proctor

Celeste Breen is the owner of Sew Much Fun and Creations by Celeste.  She started teaching sewing 20 years ago after working as a nurse for 20 years.  To date, she has had over 200 different students.  About 10 years she started Creations by Celeste and formalized the sewing of custom home décor.  She lives with her husband, John in Grayslake, a suburb of Chicago.  They have been married for almost 44 years and have three children, all married, and four of the most adorable grandchildren. Celeste is on Facebook for both her teaching business as well as her workroom business. Pinterest LinkdIn Instagram Twitter @celestesews   Links and Resources; Kids Can Sew Avery Lane Michele Williams - Pricing Without Emotion   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    

Ella Hall is the founder of Stitchroom, a Brooklyn-based upholstery shop that specializes in creating custom pillows, cushions, curtains, and other upholstery products. With a degree in fashion design from Parsons and a background in interior design, Ella quickly recognized the pain points that designers often faced in the traditional upholstery industry. Driven by her entrepreneurial spirit, she saw an opportunity to revolutionize a field that had remained stagnant for decades.   Ella’s approach has been to infuse technology into the upholstery process. She developed a custom platform that makes ordering and tracking easier for interior designers and the trade than ever before. This platform enables a seamless experience for designers and customers alike. Ella's innovative approach has not only modernized Stitchroom but has also set a new standard for the upholstery industry, making her a true pioneer in blending craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.   Stitchroom is on Facebook and Instagram   Links and Resources:   Clickup

Mary Phillips is the owner of Phillips Window Workroom, a custom drapery and soft home furnishings workroom in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. Mary has been in the industry for over 40 years, first starting with upholstery with her Sister-In-Law, creating relationships with clients and vendors and then going off on her own out of the house. In 2003, Mary found a location in Chadds Ford and moved out of the house and the rest has been history! Mary has three children with her husband, Mike, a sweet dog Ruby and a huge loving family that loves spending time together and going on vacations to the beach or hanging by the pool.    Callye is 26 years old and is Mary’s daughter. She grew up in and out of the workroom. When Callye was 6, Mary moved out of the house. Through the years, Callye always appreciated that her Mom was able to come to all her sporting events, and could be there when she needed her since her Mom was her own boss. After going to West Chester University, and finishing right in the pandemic in May 2020, Callye didn’t quite have a game plan. She spent a year and a half nannying before deciding to join the PWW team, and just celebrated three years with them. Callye enjoys the creative process, working with customers and designers and seeing their beautiful custom work come to life. Outside of the workroom, Callye coaches volleyball and still plays, (has a boyfriend), and loves spending time with family & friends and her three beautiful nephews! (Soon to be 4).    You can find Phillips Workroom on Instagram and Facebook.   Links and Resources;    

Shree is the owner of Folds & Drapes, located in Carmel, Indiana. In 2022, she took a significant stride by establishing her own workroom, Folds & Drapes LLC, where she specializes in crafting custom window treatments and soft furnishings, offering a wide range of services and products. Originally from India, Shree's sewing journey began at the age of 10, under the guidance of her father. When it came time to choose a career, she knew that textile was her calling. She holds a master's degree in textile science and apparel design. Over the course of six years, she immersed herself in the home textile industry, gaining valuable insights into the manufacturing and design processes of high-quality fabrics and specialty home textiles. Her journey is a source of immense pride, and her passion for the craft is evident in every project she undertakes. In 2014, Shree transitioned to the United States with her husband, navigating a spectrum of challenges and opportunities. While adapting to a new culture and lifestyle, she continued to pursue her professional interests. She explored her artistic inclinations by participating in the Indiana State Fair Art Divisions, where she secured several ribbons for her creative endeavors across various categories. Additionally, she undertook small sewing projects, provided alterations for neighbors, and offered sewing lessons, further honing her skills. Working with diverse fabrics and styles, she derived joy from creating bespoke solutions. Looking ahead, Shree plans to continue leveraging her expertise and creativity to transform spaces for her clients, embarking on a journey together to bring their imaginations to life. She is a proud member of the WCAA National and Indiana Chapter and the Workroom Accountability and Mentoring Group 2024. In her free time, Shree volunteers as a teacher, where she teaches children her native language, Marathi. She also enjoys home improvement projects, gardening, and outdoor activities with her family.   You can find Shree at Folds and Drapes, Instagram, and Facebook Links and Resources; Workroom Tech The Custom Workroom Conference 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    

To learn more about Michele's courses and Pricing Without Emotion, visit her website - Scarlett Thread Consulting   Price Your Work with Confidence by Kitty Stein   

    Links and Resources;   Carol Dweck - Mindset: The New Psychology of Success   Psychology Today    MM LaFluer Blog    (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 Consulting   The WCAA   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library   Merril Y Landis, LTD   Angel's Distributing, LLC   National Upholstery Association   Workroom Tech    

Cheryl Sedaker, the owner of SeaCheryl Designs, has gone from being the Julia Childs of Aluminum Foil to the author of a Cookbook, to expert window treatment fabricator! Cheryl has used her experience as a rep for Reynolds and her passion for networking to grow her business which is centered in both Massachusetts and Exuma!   Cheryl is on Facebook.   Links and Resources; (Some of these links are referral links and I make some money if you purchase something using them. I appreciate it if you do!)   BNI Pricing Without Emotion by Michele Williams Profit First by Mike Michalowicz Nicole Nomer - Coulisse Shades   (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 Consulting   The WCAA   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library   Merril Y Landis, LTD   Angel's Distributing, LLC   National Upholstery Association   Workroom Tech    

If you are a member of the Curtains & Soft Furnishings Resource Library, please join the conversation here.        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