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

  Devin Ryan is the heart and hands behind Redeemed Relic Upholstery, where she transforms well-loved furniture into beautiful, meaningful pieces with new life. After earning a degree in communication and a master's in education, Devin spent years teaching — a career she loved — until multiple sclerosis forced her to step away from the classroom. What began as a creative outlet during that transition turned into a passion and a purpose, leading her to build Redeemed Relic into the heart-driven small business it is today. Through her work, Devin brings stories, craftsmanship, and second chances together — and she loves inspiring others to see the beauty in what's already there.   Devin is on Facebook and Instagram Audrey Campbell's podcast Emily Marshall's podcast Yardsticks by Chip Wood A Framework for Understanding Poverty by Ruby K. Payne Organization is a Learnable Skill by Lisa Woodruff (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!)   Devin mentioned; Lisa Woodruff's website Organize 365 Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)      

  KerryLynn and her husband Waldemar started their business One Space at a Time Ltd in October of 2001 just 2 weeks before their wedding…   They live just outside of Calgary Alberta Canada (for now) with their son Daniel, their 2 dogs, 3 cats and a turtle – named Myrtle!   As life has a tendency to do, things with life and business have changed over the years and in May of 2024 KerryLynn decided it would be a good idea to open a "to the trade" drapery workroom. Waldemar has been a HUGE supporter and has built her tables, renovated her space twice already and has even learned how to use some of the machines to help out when needed.   Right now they both excited for a "next chapter" move and looking forward to what the future has in store!   Links and Resources;   Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (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   National Upholstery Association   Workroom Tech    

Mandy Szigethy discovered upholstery while completing her Theater Technology degree at Indiana University and decided to forsake the stage in favor of the workshop.  She has had the unique opportunity to work in both furniture manufacturing at Beachley Furniture and now custom upholstery as the owner of Rose City Upholstery in Portland.  She has received training in both modern materials and traditional methods through Upholstery Education and is now able to apply time tested techniques to all of her projects.  Her love of learning lead to her to co-ownership of Upholstery Education in 2025 where she hopes to foster the same enthusiasm in others.   Her passion for revitalizing and repurposing home furnishings has led to an in depth--if unintentional--study of older and newer furniture, and the potential of any antique store or curbside find.   Marta Powers is the owner of MartaPOW LLC, a custom workroom in Richmond, Virginia, offering upholstery and soft goods services nationally To The Trade.  Her past career as a project manager for architecture and design firms has informed her business processes and broadened her network of professionals across the hospitality and interior design sectors.  Marta's early training in tailoring, pattern drafting, clothing design, and fabrication skills led to her creation of a business serving designers, helping them to achieve their and their clients' vision.     A co-owner of Upholstery Education LLC, Marta and her partners bring educators from the UK and France to the U.S., offering courses in traditional upholstery methods, materials, and related interior furnishing trades.     Marta has served on the boards of the National Upholstery Association and the Virginia chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (as an Industry Partner).  She is also a member of IFDA Richmond, the SeatWeavers Guild, and the NUA's Education Committee. Justin Dazey is the owner of Foxglove Artisan and Castillo's Custom Upholstery on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle, Washington. Justin has a BA in Interior Design and over 30 years of experience in the antiques, interiors, and furniture world. In 2014, Justin took up sweeping floors in the shop of a third-generation Upholstery family. He brought his design skills and furniture history knowledge to the role of Studio Manager, eventually becoming their lead upholsterer. In 2024, Justin took up the mantle as his mentor retired, becoming the owner, designer, and upholsterer of the Seattle Studio. Most recently, Justin partnered with Marta Powers and Mandy Szigethy to acquire Upholstery Education, offering the very best in traditional upholstery training available in the United States. Justin is a collector at heart. He collects history, chairs, and curiosities. He firmly believes every piece has a story to tell and loves bringing old items back to life through patient and accurate restoration. Sharing his insights and seeking education to honor the traditions of craft and furniture is one of his true passions.      Links and Resources; Upholstery Edcuation  

Kristin Speyer started Red Head Sewing LLC ten years ago in the Texas Hillcountry. She works to the trade, and has a core group of designers that keep the sewing machines running furiously. There is currently a small team of two other workers, and plans for expansion are underway. Kristin and her husband have been married for 22 years and spend their downtime mountain biking, traveling, and trying to outsmart their dogs. She also has a passion for books, friends, and office supplies. https://www.redheadsewing.com/ https://www.instagram.com/redheadsewing/   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   National Upholstery Association   Workroom Tech    

  Links and Resources;   Episode 477 - Stacy McAleer from the Cavanaugh House National Upholstery Association      

Kristin Speyer started Red Head Sewing LLC ten years ago in the Texas Hillcountry. She works to the trade, and has a core group of designers that keep the sewing machines running furiously. There is currently a small team of two other workers, and plans for expansion are underway. Kristin and her husband have been married for 22 years and spend their downtime mountain biking, traveling, and trying to outsmart their dogs. She also has a passion for books, friends, and office supplies. https://www.redheadsewing.com/ https://www.instagram.com/redheadsewing/   Links and Resources; (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases and I am grateful if you choose to use my links.) Jenny Lawson - Furiously Happy, A Funny Book About Horrible Things The Blogess Seamless Workroom   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   National Upholstery Association   Workroom Tech    

Susan Fortucci began sewing at home on her grandmother's treadle sewing machine and made most of her own clothes throughout high school. In her early twenties, she met her future husband, who owned a sailboat, and she soon learned to make canvas projects and sails. This experience led her to work in canvas shops and sail lofts as the couple sailed from Boston to Florida and the Bahamas. After settling in Maryland, Susan accepted a position at a sail loft. Not long after, she noticed an ad for a seamstress in a drapery workroom. Intrigued, she applied and was hired. When the workroom owner retired, several of her designers encouraged Susan to open her own business. She followed their advice and officially established her workroom in 2003. You can reach Susan at pincushionsusan@gmail.com   Links and Resources; You can find pictures of Susan's workroom in this edition of the Drapery & Design Digital Digest   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   National Upholstery Association   Workroom Tech    

Jonathan Bennet, owner of Unsprung Upholstery is originally from Martinsville, VA.  He caught the sewing bug from his great grandmother at a young age. He moved to Richmond, VA on a whim in August of 1989 and earned a BFA in Fashion Design from Virginia Commonwealth University. Directly after graduation, Jonathan taught in the Fashion Design department as an adjunct professor for 13 years. He started his first workroom job in 1997, learned how to make various types of window treatments, cushions, pillows, and more;  since then, he has done freelance workroom client projects in his home for over 25 years. Jonathan opened Unsprung Upholstery LLC in August 2019 and will continue this beautiful journey for the rest of his life!   Website:  UnsprungUpholstery.com IG:  UnsprungUpholstery FB:  Unsprung Upholstery Company   Links and Resources; The Custom Workroom Conference Window Covering Association of America Scholarship Info

LInks and Resources;   Ann Johnson's Three Strikes Article     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   National Upholstery Association   Workroom Tech    

    With over 30 years in the interior design industry, Bob Gallic has founded and led multiple successful firms specializing in custom upholstery, window treatments, and automated shading. His work spans major markets from New York and Miami to Chicago and Vail. Bob maintains close collaborations with clients and interior designers, working discreetly and efficiently to bring design visions to life while exceeding expectations every step of the way.   Workroom Services is on Instagram   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   National Upholstery Association   Workroom Tech    

Rhonda Shanahan, owner of The Whimsical Chair, learned to sew growing up in Iowa from her grandmother and mother. They taught her their passion for sewing and creating with beautiful fabrics. Rhonda received her degree in fashion merchandising. After college she moved to Kansas and worked in retail sales and display. When Rhonda got married and started her family she was able to stay home with their 3 kids. Once her kids all started school she had extra time during the day. There was an upholstery class through her local extension office in Wichita Kansas so she decided to give it a try. Her first project was a wingback chair and she was hooked. She worked on several pieces for her own home. It was wonderful to be able to restore and refurbish antique and vintage chairs. Rhonda and her family moved to Colorado in 2012 and she continued to learn with upholstery education online. Friends and family started asking if she would do chairs and settees for their homes. This was the start of The Whimsical Chair. Links and Resources; Kim's Upholstery The Funky Little Chair Professional Upholsterers Network on Facebook link to estimate page on Rhonda's website QuickBooks Cognito forms National Upholstery Association Crest Leather Upholstery education Louise Cornick     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   National Upholstery Association   Workroom Tech    

Stacy McAleer is the founder and executive director of The Cavanagh House, a vital resource to Baltimore and its surrounding areas, dedicated to helping individuals gain financial stability through the trade of upholstery and sewing. With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and over 35 years as a self-taught sewer, Stacy brings both clinical insight and hands-on expertise to her leadership. Committed to helping revitalize the upholstery and sewing industries in Baltimore and throughout the U.S., The Cavanagh House serves as a feeder of skilled workers to the industry. Under Stacy's guidance, the organization not only provides hands-on training but also fosters economic independence and long-term career pathways for its participants. A proud resident of Reisterstown, Maryland, Stacy continues to drive innovative solutions that uplift individuals and strengthen communities across the region.   You can find The Cavanagh House on Instagram. The Cavanagh House YouTube Channel Here is their Who We Are Video

Skye Livingston fell in love with fabrics and sewing at a young age and earned her BFA in Fiber Arts from the Kansas City Art Institute. Her journey to the soft furnishings world came by happenstance after a decade of navigating through fine arts, non-profit administration, education, and production dyeing and sewing.    While her first business (Hello Hue Studio) has been relegated to the back burner as she builds up her custom soft furnishings business, Livingston Textiles LLC, she still finds time to occasionally indulge in natural dyeing and teaching those skills to others.    Links and Resources;  (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!)   Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big - Bo Burlingham   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   National Upholstery Association   Workroom Tech    

Links and Resources; Brendan Burchard Book Yourself Solid by Michael Port 12 Months to $1 Million: How to Pick a Winning Product, Build a Real Business, and Become a Seven-Figure Entrepreneur by Ryan Daniel Moran   (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!) Beth is offering a $10 discount to any listeners who order an apron.  Go to - www.handyhipster.com  and use the code SEWMUCHMORE10OFF

Donna Redmond is the owner of Undercover Sewing.  She has been a member of WCAA since 2016 and participates in ongoing professional education.  Donna loves to work with both to the trade interior designers and local homeowners.  Donna is always striving to provide high-quality window treatments, cushions, and/or pillows that transform a house into a special place for special people.  You are special!   Links and Resources; Association of Sewing and Design Professionals Women's Business Association of Maryland Susan Woodcock's Craftsy Classes Custom Workroom Conference Window Covering Association of America Comfortex Workroom Tours on the Library Ann Johnson's books on swags Susan Woodcock's book M'Fay manuals Kim's Upholstery Calendly EZ Pleat   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   National Upholstery Association   Workroom Tech    

  Jan Marie Larson is a silversmith. She makes sterling silver thimbles and sewing tools one-at-a-time by hand.  Her journey from Iowa farmer's daughter to Fashion Designer/custom tailor to missionary in Africa to Organic Crop Inspector (while being a mother of 4) all culminated with an older neighbor calling up and saying: "I need help, you can learn this".  Jan Agreed.  She learned silversmithing.     Jan's work can be found on the following Social Media sites; TikTok: @thimbles.for.you Instagram: @thimblesforyou Facebook: Thimbles For You YouTube: @thimblesforyou Pinterest: @thimblesforyouchatelainestoo Threads: @thimblesforyou Twitter/X: @thimblesforyou   Links and Resources;     Jinny Beyer website   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   National Upholstery Association   Workroom Tech