Quilting Business Success 1b – Jeff and Glenda Prince
Unfortunately, the video for this episode was damaged and could not be recovered. You can listen to the audio in the player below. This episode included 2 interviews, to skip right to Jeff and Glenda’s story you can fast-forward to 18:34 in the player, that’s where their interview begins.
Interview Summary: Jeff and Glenda Prince
Introduction: Entering the World of Quilting
Jeff and Glenda Prince, based in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area, began their quilting journey together in 2014. Their story is a unique blend of technical curiosity and creative passion. The couple’s journey into long-arm quilting started quite unexpectedly when Glenda, a seasoned quilter and sewer, invited Jeff to a quilt show. Jeff, who had a background in electromechanics, was instantly captivated by the long-arm quilting machines on display. This sparked a shared interest in quilting that would soon lead them to start their own quilting business.
Discovering Long-Arm Quilting
The decision to enter the long-arm quilting business was driven by both personal and practical reasons. Glenda had been a quilter for many years and wanted a machine to quilt her own projects at home. However, Jeff’s fascination with the technical aspects of quilting machines added a new dimension to their decision-making process. At the quilt show, Jeff evaluated several machines, applying his technical expertise to assess their quality and functionality. They initially considered purchasing a more affordable machine but were put off by its poor build quality and performance.
After a year of further research and reflection, Jeff and Glenda returned to the quilt show, prepared to invest in a high-quality machine. Despite their initial intentions to buy a different machine, a disappointing experience with a booth representative led them to explore other options. It was then that they stumbled upon the Gammill booth. Jeff was immediately drawn to the Statler, a computerized long-arm quilting machine known for its precision and capabilities. They decided to make a significant investment and ordered a Gammill Statler, marking the beginning of their quilting business.
The Leap of Faith: Starting a Quilting Business
Purchasing the Gammill Statler was a major financial commitment for Jeff and Glenda, and it was not a decision they took lightly. The machine’s cost was significantly higher than what Glenda had initially anticipated spending. However, they recognized the potential for turning their investment into a profitable business. At the time, Jeff was working as an Air Force Junior ROTC teacher, and there were uncertainties about the future of the program he was involved in. The decision to invest in a high-quality quilting machine provided them with a fallback option and a potential retirement plan.
The transition from purchasing the machine to establishing a full-fledged business was filled with anxiety and doubt. As Jeff put it, “It was a huge leap of faith.” Despite their fears, they decided to go ahead with their plans. Shortly after purchasing the machine, Jeff’s teaching program ended, and he retired from teaching. This unexpected turn of events pushed them to fully commit to the quilting business. Jeff began working from home, running the quilting business full-time while Glenda continued her quilting projects.
Challenges and Learning Curves
The first year of their quilting business was primarily dedicated to learning the ropes. With no formal training available at the time, Jeff and Glenda had to teach themselves how to operate the Gammill Statler. They participated in a two-day course offered by their dealer, which provided some foundational knowledge, but much of their learning came from hands-on experience. They spent countless hours quilting charity quilts for their local quilt guild, using this opportunity to practice and refine their skills.
One of the biggest challenges they faced was breaking into the quilting community and establishing themselves as reputable long-arm quilters. Jeff mentioned that it was difficult to gain the trust of local quilters, who often had strong preferences and loyalties to their existing long-arm quilters. To overcome this, they focused on delivering high-quality work and building strong relationships within the quilting guild. By actively participating in guild activities and engaging with fellow quilters, they gradually built a reputation for reliability and excellence.
Building the Business: Strategies and Successes
As they became more proficient with their machine, Jeff and Glenda started to see their business grow. They adopted a customer-centric approach, emphasizing the importance of quality and attention to detail in every quilt they worked on. Word-of-mouth quickly became their most effective marketing tool, as satisfied customers began referring them to others. They also leveraged their connections within the quilting guild to attract more clients and build a loyal customer base.
One of their key strategies was to focus on edge-to-edge quilting, which allowed for faster turnaround times and higher throughput. Jeff and Glenda realized that while custom quilting could command higher prices, edge-to-edge quilting was the “moneymaker” due to its efficiency and consistency. This approach enabled them to handle a larger volume of quilts while maintaining high standards of quality. Additionally, they offered a variety of quilting services, including binding and piecing backings together, which helped diversify their offerings and attract more customers.
Financial Management and Pricing Strategies
Financial management was a critical aspect of Jeff and Glenda’s quilting business. They were mindful of their expenses and carefully calculated their pricing to ensure profitability. For edge-to-edge quilting, they charged by the square inch, with prices varying based on the complexity of the design and the customer’s specific requirements. They also offered flexible payment plans to accommodate different customers, particularly those who were new to long-arm quilting and unsure of the costs involved.
Despite the challenges of managing a small business, Jeff and Glenda’s approach to pricing and customer service proved successful. They steadily increased their rates over time as they gained more experience and established a solid reputation. By maintaining transparency and fairness in their pricing, they were able to build trust with their customers and ensure a steady flow of business.
Reflections on Their Quilting Journey
Reflecting on their journey, Jeff and Glenda emphasized the importance of taking calculated risks and being willing to learn from mistakes. Jeff noted that one of the most valuable lessons they learned was the importance of perseverance and adaptability. They faced many obstacles along the way, from technical challenges with their machine to the complexities of running a small business. However, their commitment to continuous improvement and their passion for quilting kept them motivated.
Glenda also highlighted the personal satisfaction they derived from their quilting business. Being able to work together and share a common interest brought them closer as a couple. They enjoyed the creative process of quilting and took pride in the quality of their work. The flexibility of running their own business allowed them to manage their schedules and enjoy a better work-life balance, which was particularly important to them as they navigated the uncertainties of life and career transitions.
Advice for Aspiring Quilters and Entrepreneurs
For those considering starting their own quilting business, Jeff and Glenda offered several pieces of advice. They stressed the importance of doing thorough research before investing in a quilting machine and choosing a machine that meets both personal and business needs. They also encouraged new quilters to focus on building strong relationships within the quilting community and to be open to learning from others. By actively engaging with other quilters and participating in guild activities, aspiring entrepreneurs can gain valuable insights and build a network of support.
Additionally, they advised new business owners to be patient and persistent. Building a successful quilting business takes time, effort, and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. They emphasized the importance of staying true to one’s passion and being willing to take risks when necessary. Finally, they encouraged new quilters to prioritize quality and customer satisfaction, as these are key factors in building a loyal customer base and achieving long-term success.
Conclusion: A Journey of Growth and Fulfillment
Jeff and Glenda Prince’s quilting journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and partnership. From their initial investment in a Gammill Statler to building a successful quilting business, they have demonstrated what is possible when one combines technical expertise with a love for quilting. Their story serves as an inspiration to others looking to turn their passion into a profitable venture. By embracing challenges, staying committed to their craft, and building strong relationships within the quilting community, Jeff and Glenda have created a fulfilling and rewarding career in quilting.
Key Questions and Answers: Jeff and Glenda Prince
Q1: Where is home for you?
A: “We’re located in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area.”
Q2: How long have you been long-arm quilting?
A: “We started quilting in 2014 when we got our machine.”
Q3: What made you decide to get into long-arm quilting?
A: Glenda shared, “We were dating at the time, and I said, ‘Hey, come to this quilt show with me. I want to look at some machines, and there’ll be things there that you’ll like.’ So, we went to a quilt show, and when we walked through the door, there was this huge long-arm sitting right in the middle of the aisle. Jeff’s eyes just glazed over.” Jeff added, “I have a fairly extensive background in electromechanics. When I saw the Statler at the Gammill booth, I knew it was the right choice.”
Q4: What was your first impression of the quilting machines at the quilt show?
A: Jeff explained, “We looked at different machines from various manufacturers. One of the machines, I believe it was a Ten Lizzie, sounded like it was about to tear itself apart. I thought, ‘No, we are not spending a dime on this machine.'”
Q5: Why did you choose the Gammill Statler over other machines?
A: “We stumbled into the Gammill booth, and I saw the Statler. My eyes glazed over, and I got sucked in,” Jeff recalled. Glenda added, “I was initially looking for a home machine to quilt my own quilts, but Jeff’s enthusiasm for the Statler’s capabilities convinced us to invest in it for both personal use and business potential.”
Q6: How did you finance the purchase of your quilting machine?
A: “It was a huge leap of faith,” Jeff said. “We knew we were going to start a business, but we didn’t know how it would go. We wrote a deposit check and had a lot of anxiety over it. But everything worked out in the end.”
Q7: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your quilting business?
A: Jeff mentioned, “Our biggest challenge was just breaking into the quilting community. We had to gain the trust of local quilters who already had established relationships with their long-arm quilters.” Glenda added, “We had to learn how to use the machine ourselves. Unlike today, there was no formal training program. The dealer offered a two-day course, but much of our learning was through hands-on experience with charity quilts.”
Q8: How did you attract your first customers?
A: Glenda shared, “We focused on delivering high-quality work. Word-of-mouth quickly became our most effective marketing tool. Satisfied customers started referring us to others, and we leveraged our connections within the quilting guild to attract more clients.”
Q9: What types of quilting services do you offer?
A: “We mainly focus on edge-to-edge quilting because it allows for faster turnaround times and higher throughput,” Jeff explained. “Custom quilting is an option, but edge-to-edge is the moneymaker due to its efficiency and consistency.”
Q10: How do you manage your pricing for quilting services?
A: Jeff stated, “We charge by the square inch for edge-to-edge quilting, with prices varying based on the complexity of the design and the customer’s requirements. For custom quilting, we provide a detailed quote based on the time and materials needed.”
Q11: How has running a quilting business impacted your personal lives?
A: “It’s been amazing,” Glenda said. “The flexibility of running our own business has allowed us to manage our schedules better and enjoy more time together. It’s given us both personal satisfaction and financial stability.”
Q12: What advice would you give to someone starting their own quilting business?
A: Jeff advised, “Do thorough research before investing in a quilting machine. Choose a machine that meets both your personal and business needs. Build strong relationships within the quilting community, and be patient and persistent. Stay committed to your passion, and don’t be afraid to take risks when necessary.”
Q13: What is one thing you wish you had known when you started?
A: “I wish we knew the importance of saying no to certain projects,” Jeff reflected. “Not every quilt is a good fit for every quilter, and being selective about the projects you take on can save a lot of time and stress.”