Quilting Business Success 38 – Norma Stark
Norma Stark’s Quilting Journey: From Hobby to Full-Time Business
Introduction
Norma Stark, a passionate and skilled quilter, shares her inspiring journey from starting quilting as a hobby to transforming it into a full-time successful business. Located in the beautiful city of Gig Harbor, Washington, Norma’s quilting adventure began over two decades ago and has evolved significantly over the years. In this article, we delve into her experiences, challenges, and the strategies that led to her success in the quilting industry.
Discovering the Love for Quilting
Norma started quilting in 2001 after being inspired by her sister-in-law’s quilts. With no prior experience in sewing, she purchased a $79 Kenmore sewing machine and took her first quilting class. Initially, she hand-quilted her projects, but after realizing the time-consuming nature of hand quilting, she transitioned to using a domestic machine. This transition marked the beginning of her journey into long arm quilting, where she explored free-motion quilting and gradually upgraded her equipment to enhance her skills.
From Domestic Machines to Professional Long Arms
Norma’s journey with long arm quilting began with a Grace frame and a domestic machine, followed by a Baby Lock Crown Jewel, and eventually a Gammill Statler in 2016. The decision to invest in a Gammill Statler was driven by the need for a reliable, industrial-grade machine to sustain her growing business. Despite initial challenges with her Baby Lock machine, Norma’s persistence and dedication led her to find the perfect fit with the Gammill Statler, which significantly improved her quilting efficiency and quality.
Transitioning to a Full-Time Quilting Business
While working full-time at a dental office, Norma decided to pursue quilting part-time, gradually building her business. The demand for her quilting services grew, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading her to make the bold decision to leave her job and focus on quilting full-time in December 2018. This transition was fueled by her passion for quilting and the immense satisfaction she derived from making her clients happy with her work.
Building a Customer Base and Expanding the Business
Norma’s move from Texas to Washington in 2022 posed a challenge in re-establishing her customer base. To overcome this, she actively participated in trunk shows, reached out to local quilt stores, and offered classes. Her efforts paid off as she gained recognition in her new community and continued to receive quilt orders from her loyal Texas clients. Norma’s dedication to providing high-quality quilting services and her involvement in the quilting community helped her build a strong reputation.
Leveraging Technology and Education
Norma emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and staying updated with the latest technology. She took advantage of online resources and training programs to master the Creative Studio software for her Gammill Statler. Norma’s commitment to education and practice allowed her to refine her skills and offer top-notch quilting services to her clients.
Offering Unique Services and Custom Quilting
To differentiate herself in the competitive quilting market, Norma offers unique services such as custom quilting and decorative stitch binding. She takes pride in her ability to read patterns accurately and create beautiful custom quilts tailored to her clients’ preferences. Norma’s personalized approach and attention to detail have earned her a loyal customer base.
Balancing Personal Life and Business
One of the key benefits Norma enjoys as a full-time quilter is the flexibility in managing her schedule. She balances her business commitments with personal activities, such as attending her grandchildren’s events. Norma’s ability to work late hours when needed and schedule client meetings during the day ensures that she maintains a healthy work-life balance.
Conclusion
Norma Stark’s journey from a novice quilter to a successful business owner is a testament to her passion, perseverance, and dedication. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring quilters and entrepreneurs, showcasing that with the right mindset and continuous learning, it is possible to turn a hobby into a thriving business. Norma’s success in the quilting industry is a result of her hard work, innovation, and unwavering commitment to making her clients happy.
For more information about Norma Stark and her quilting services, visit her website at NJ Best Quilts or find her on Facebook under “Norma’s Quilt Studio.”
Key questions and answers from the interview with Norma Stark:
Q: Where are you located?
A: I’m in the beautiful city of Gig Harbor in the state of Washington. It is so pretty here.
Q: How long have you been quilting and doing long arm quilting?
A: I started quilting in 2001, so it’s been 23 years. I initially hand quilted my first two quilts, then moved to quilting on my domestic machine before finally transitioning to long arm quilting.
Q: How did you get into quilting?
A: I saw quilts on a frame and thought I wanted to learn how to do that. I started with a $79 Kenmore sewing machine and took a quilting class. Eventually, I wanted to finish my quilts myself, which led me to long arm quilting.
Q: Can you tell us about your first long arm machine?
A: My first long arm machine was a Baby Lock Crown Jewel, but it had issues and required frequent repairs. I eventually invested in a Gammill Statler in 2016, which significantly improved my quilting experience.
Q: What made you decide to transition to quilting full-time?
A: The demand for my quilting services grew, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. I was working part-time and quilting at night, which became overwhelming. In December 2018, I decided to quit my job at the dental office and focus on quilting full-time.
Q: How did you re-establish your customer base after moving to Washington?
A: I participated in trunk shows, reached out to local quilt stores, and offered classes to build my reputation and gain new customers. I also continued to receive quilt orders from my loyal Texas clients.
Q: What are some unique services you offer?
A: I offer custom quilting and decorative stitch binding. I also teach piecing classes and provide binding services for my clients.
Q: How do you manage your schedule?
A: I enjoy the flexibility of managing my own schedule. I work late hours when needed and schedule client meetings during the day. This allows me to balance my business commitments with personal activities, such as attending my grandchildren’s events.
Q: What advice do you have for new quilters or those starting a quilting business?
A: Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest technology are crucial. Take advantage of online resources and training programs. Practice regularly and be enthusiastic about your work. It’s also important to offer unique services and build a strong reputation in the quilting community.
Q: Where can people find and contact you?
A: You can find me on Facebook under “Norma’s Quilt Studio” or visit my website at NJ Best Quilts. I also have a YouTube channel with some Statler training videos and piecing tutorials.