Quilting Business Success 1a – Jenna Cruz
Unfortunately, the video for this episode was damaged and could not be recovered. You can listen to the audio in the player below. Jenna’s portion of the interview is the first 18:30 of this recording.
Interview Summary: Jenna Cruz
Introduction: A Quilting Journey Begins
Jenna Cruz, a dedicated long-arm quilter from Ohio, shared her story of how she turned a passion for quilting into a thriving business. With over eight years of experience in the industry, Jenna’s journey reflects a blend of practicality, passion, and entrepreneurship. As a mother of two, Jenna was inspired to pursue long-arm quilting as a way to stay home with her children while also generating income. Her story is a testament to the possibilities that arise when one combines creativity with a strong business mindset.
Starting the Business: A Practical Choice
Jenna began her quilting business at a time when her son was almost a year old. “I started quilting about eight years ago,” Jenna recalls, “when my son was nearly one. I was a mom with a young child, and the thought of having to go find a job where I’d have to leave my children or worry about childcare was daunting.” This concern for family time was a significant motivator for Jenna to start quilting from home. Her mother-in-law, an experienced quilter, had already set an example by running a successful quilting business from her home using a Gammill long-arm quilting machine. Jenna observed her mother-in-law’s success and decided that quilting could provide a similar opportunity for her.
Choosing the Right Equipment: The Gammill Advantage
Jenna’s decision to invest in a Gammill long-arm quilting machine was influenced heavily by her mother-in-law’s positive experiences. “My mother-in-law started quilting on a Gammill back in the early 90s,” Jenna explains. “I saw what the machines could do, the speed and the quality, and I knew that was the way to go.” After trying out other machines, Jenna firmly stated, “I’m a Gammill girl.” She appreciated the efficiency of the Statler, a computerized model, which allowed her to manage her time effectively while caring for her children. “With the Statler, I could let it run by itself and not have to worry. I was still making money while taking care of my kids,” she said.
Financing the Dream: A Family Affair
Starting a quilting business required a substantial financial investment, especially in purchasing a long-arm quilting machine. Jenna shared how she managed to acquire her Gammill machine: “It was kind of more of a payment plan,” she said, laughing. “My mother-in-law helped me out. I’m a little spoiled.” She acknowledges that having family support was instrumental in getting her business off the ground. “If someone believes in you, like my mother-in-law did, it makes all the difference,” Jenna added. The machine was initially a used model, but Jenna found it to be in perfect working condition and has never had to upgrade or replace it since.
Building the Customer Base: The Power of Word-of-Mouth
One of the biggest challenges in starting a business is building a customer base, but Jenna found success relatively quickly. “Word of mouth, really,” Jenna answered when asked how she found her customers. “Once you do a good job for someone, they go and tell their friends, especially in quilting groups and guilds.” Jenna also emphasized the importance of quality and reliability in attracting repeat business. “If you promise something, you have to get it done on time. It’s very important to the customers,” she noted.
In addition to word-of-mouth, Jenna did a bit of local advertising and formed strategic partnerships with quilt shops in her area. “We had a deal with a local quilt shop to be a drop-off point for my quilts. This arrangement worked out well because it was mutually beneficial,” she explained. “Quilt shops often have groups coming in who are looking for a quilter, so it was a great way to get my name out there.”
Balancing Work and Family: A Flexible Schedule
One of the primary reasons Jenna pursued a quilting business was the flexibility it offered. As a mother, she wanted a job that would allow her to spend time with her children. “Back when I started, it was like a regular job. I would work essentially nine to five,” Jenna explained. “But I had small children, so occasionally I had to stop and attend to them. If I didn’t get enough done during the day, I’d stay up later at night.” This flexibility enabled Jenna to balance her roles as both a mother and a business owner, providing her with the best of both worlds.
Jenna’s ability to manage her time effectively is one of the reasons she has been able to sustain her business over the years. She decided early on to focus on edge-to-edge quilting, which allowed for quicker turnaround times and higher efficiency. “Edge-to-edge is the moneymaker,” Jenna stated. “I have done custom quilting, but I personally prefer not to because there’s faster turnaround time with edge-to-edge quilting.”
Earnings and Business Growth
When asked about her earnings, Jenna provided insight into both the highs and lows of her business. “In my worst year, I probably made around $20,000,” she said. “But in my best year, it was probably between $70,000 to $80,000, maybe even close to $90,000.” These figures highlight the potential profitability of a quilting business when managed effectively. Jenna’s success is a result of her dedication to quality, her strategic use of resources, and her ability to connect with customers.
Challenges and Learning Experiences
While Jenna’s business has been largely successful, she has faced her share of challenges. One of the hardest parts, she revealed, was managing customer expectations and dealing with the occasional dissatisfied client. “You can’t please everyone, and that’s okay,” she said. “The key is to learn from each experience and keep moving forward.” Jenna also mentioned the importance of setting boundaries with clients. “Don’t let customers pick the thread,” she advised. “I learned that lesson the hard way. It’s best to maintain control over the creative aspects of the quilting to ensure the final product meets your standards.”
Advice for Aspiring Quilters
For those considering starting their own quilting business, Jenna offers several pieces of advice. “Just go for it,” she encourages. “I was skeptical at first and doubted my ability, but you learn as you go. Having the support of my in-laws and the backing of Gammill made all the difference.” She also stresses the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal life. “Make sure you enjoy what you’re doing, but don’t let it consume you. Take time for yourself and your family.”
Jenna also highlights the importance of community and networking. “Make friends with the local quilt shops,” she suggests. “They’ll be your biggest supporters. And always deliver on your promises. Your reputation is everything in this business.”
Conclusion: A Fulfilled Life through Quilting
Jenna Cruz’s quilting journey is a compelling example of how one can turn a personal passion into a profitable business. By leveraging her skills, managing her time effectively, and building strong relationships within her community, Jenna has created a business that not only supports her financially but also allows her to prioritize her family. Her story is a source of inspiration for anyone looking to pursue a career in quilting or any other craft-based business.
“It’s been great,” Jenna concludes. “Quilting has given me the flexibility to be there for my kids and do something I love every day. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Key Questions and Answers: Jenna Cruz
Q1: Where are you from, and how long have you been long-arm quilting?
A: “I am from Ohio, born and raised. I started quilting about eight years ago when my son was nearly one year old.”
Q2: What motivated you to start a quilting business?
A: Jenna explained that she wanted to find a way to stay home with her children while still earning an income. “Every mother’s nightmare is to have to find a job where you have to leave your children or worry about childcare. That’s why I thought quilting was such a great opportunity.”
Q3: Why did you choose a Gammill long-arm quilting machine?
A: “My mother-in-law started quilting on a Gammill back in the early 90s, and I saw what the machines could do. I tried other machines, but I’m a Gammill girl through and through.”
Q4: Did you start with a hand-guided or a computerized machine?
A: “I went straight to the Statler computerized model because it allowed me to quilt efficiently while still taking care of my kids. It could run by itself, so I didn’t have to worry while I was busy with other things.”
Q5: How did you fund the purchase of your quilting machine?
A: Jenna shared that she financed the machine with the help of her mother-in-law. “It was more of a payment plan. My mother-in-law helped me out, so I’m a little spoiled in that regard.”
Q6: How did you find your first customers?
A: “Word of mouth, really. Once you do a good job for someone, they tell their friends. Especially in quilting groups and guilds, that’s how you get recognized.”
Q7: What type of quilting do you specialize in, and why?
A: Jenna prefers edge-to-edge quilting because it allows for faster turnaround times. “Edge-to-edge is the moneymaker,” she noted. While she has done custom quilting, she finds that edge-to-edge quilting is more efficient and profitable.
Q8: How do you set your pricing for quilting services?
A: Jenna explained that her prices have evolved over time. “When I started, a typical queen-sized quilt might cost around $75 to $80. As I’ve gained more experience and the market has changed, my prices have increased accordingly.”
Q9: How much have you earned in your business over the years?
A: “In my worst year, I probably made around $20,000. In my best year, it was between $70,000 to $80,000, maybe even close to $90,000,” Jenna shared, highlighting the variability in her business earnings.
Q10: What challenges have you faced in growing your business?
A: Jenna mentioned that managing customer expectations and setting boundaries were among the challenges she faced. “You can’t please everyone, and that’s okay. The key is to learn from each experience and keep moving forward.”
Q11: Do you offer any additional services, like binding or selling supplies?
A: Jenna prefers not to offer additional services like binding. “I’d rather just quilt another quilt than sit there and bind. If my machine can’t do it automatically, I’m not interested,” she said with a laugh.
Q12: What advice would you give to someone starting their own quilting business?
A: “Just go for it. I was skeptical at first, but having support from my family and the quilting community made all the difference. And always deliver on your promises. Your reputation is everything in this business.”
Q13: What is one thing you wish you had known when you started?
A: Jenna reflected, “I wish someone had told me not to let customers pick the thread. I learned that the hard way. It’s better to maintain control over the creative process.”