Quilting Business Success 43 – Danielle Butler

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Quilting Business Success: A Journey of Faith and Transformation

Introduction

In this episode of Quilting Business Success, we delve into the inspiring journey of Danielle, a longarm quilter from Crystal Springs, Mississippi. Danielle’s story is one of resilience, faith, and passion, transforming a hobby into a thriving business amidst personal and global challenges.

The Beginnings

Danielle began longarming in 2019 on a used machine she purchased from a marketplace. Despite its faulty motor, which would smoke after 45 minutes of use, Danielle discovered her love for longarm quilting. This discovery prompted her to invest in a new Gammill longarm machine in December 2020, which she fondly named Vixen.

Turning Passion into a Business

Initially, Danielle toyed with the idea of quilting for the public. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and an unexpected email from her then-employer accelerated this transition. Due to a medical condition preventing her from taking vaccines, Danielle faced the risk of losing her job. This uncertainty led her to fully commit to her quilting business. Within days of purchasing her Gammill machine, Danielle received her first public quilting request from Miss Charlotte, a pivotal moment that marked the start of her business. The word-of-mouth referrals from Miss Charlotte and other satisfied customers steadily grew Danielle’s clientele.

Building Ritzy Quilting Company

By late 2022, Danielle’s business had expanded significantly. Recognizing the demand for quality wide-back fabrics, she established her LLC and opened Ritzy Quilting Company, named in honor of her grandmother. The company’s success led to the purchase of a commercial building, transforming her backyard studio into a full-fledged fabric store. Danielle’s faith and dedication have been instrumental in her business journey. She emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself and taking leaps of faith, as there is no perfect time to start a business. Her commitment and hard work have paid off, allowing her to repay her loan within a year and continually grow her business.

The Impact of Quilting

Quilting has brought profound meaning and fulfillment to Danielle’s life. Beyond the financial stability it provides, quilting has allowed Danielle to connect with people and their stories. Each quilt holds sentimental value, often being made from cherished fabrics or for special occasions. Danielle finds joy in bringing these quilts to life and providing comfort to their recipients. Her work extends beyond personal fulfillment, as she contributes to various charitable causes, making quilts for local fire departments, VA nursing homes, and other organizations. This aspect of her business highlights the community and compassionate nature of quilting.

Challenges and Triumphs

Danielle’s journey has not been without challenges. From the initial fear of quilting for others to navigating the uncertainties of starting a business, Danielle’s resilience has been tested. However, her faith, family support, and a strong sense of purpose have guided her through these obstacles. The hardest lesson Danielle has learned is that success doesn’t come overnight. It requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. Her advice to aspiring quilters is to take the leap, as the rewards of living your dreams far outweigh the fears.

Conclusion

Danielle’s story is a testament to the transformative power of faith, passion, and perseverance. Her journey from a hobbyist quilter to a successful business owner serves as an inspiration to anyone facing uncertainty or contemplating a major life change. As Danielle continues to grow Ritzy Quilting Company, her legacy of love, family, and faith will undoubtedly inspire future generations. For more information or to connect with Danielle, visit her website at ritzyquilting.com

Key Questions and Answers from the Video

1. Where is home for you?

   Crystal Springs, Mississippi, a small town about 30 minutes south of Jackson.

2. How long have you been longarming?

   Since 2019. Danielle started on a used machine and then purchased a new Gammill longarm machine in December 2020.

3. Why did you choose a Gammill machine?

   Danielle noticed that Gammill machines were rarely for sale used, indicating they were well-cared for and reliable. This convinced her to invest in a Gammill Vision 2.0.

4. Did you buy the machine for personal use or to start a business?

   Initially for personal use, but the purchase was accelerated by her need to find a new source of income due to job uncertainty during the pandemic.

5. How did you start quilting for the public?

   After losing her job, Danielle received a call from Miss Charlotte, who asked if she did quilting for the public. This first job led to more clients through word-of-mouth.

6. How did you manage to afford the new machine?

   Danielle saved up and took out a small loan. She also traded in her old, faulty machine.

7. How many quilts did it take to pay off your machine?

   It took 85 quilts to pay off the machine, and she managed to repay the loan within a year.

8. Do you do custom quilting or primarily edge-to-edge quilting?

   Danielle does a lot of edge-to-edge quilting and some modified custom work where she combines edge-to-edge with freehand quilting around specific quilt areas.

9. How many quilts do you complete in a year?

   Danielle completes several hundred quilts a year, with a recent example being seven quilts in eight days.

10. What software do you use for your business?

    Danielle uses Excel spreadsheets to keep track of her business and invoices.

11. What impact has quilting had on your life?

    Quilting has significantly reduced her stress levels, given her control over her future, and allowed her to connect with people through their stories and quilts.

12. Who has been your biggest supporter?

    Her family, especially her daughter, who jokes about the hobby turning into a business. Her grandmother, who taught her to quilt, also inspires her.

13. What advice would you give to someone starting a quilting business?

    There is no perfect time to start; take the leap of faith. Getting an LLC early can help save money on supplies by allowing you to buy wholesale.

14. What’s the name of your business and why?

    The name of my business is Ritzy Quilting Company. It is named in honor of my grandmother, Ritzy, who taught me to quilt. My grandmother’s teachings provided the foundation for my quilting skills and business, and naming the company after her is a tribute to her legacy and influence in my life.

15. How did you transition from a backyard studio to a commercial space?

    Danielle’s business grew through word-of-mouth and Facebook. Eventually, she secured a loan from the bank to purchase a commercial building, allowing her to expand her fabric store and quilting services.

16. What types of quilts do you typically work on?

    Danielle works on a variety of quilts, including those for shows, personal use, and charitable donations. She emphasizes the sentimental value and personal stories behind each quilt.

17. How do you handle the fear of working on someone else’s quilt?

    While initially terrified, Danielle overcame this fear by focusing on the joy and satisfaction her work brings to others. She constantly checks her work to ensure high quality.

18. How important is faith in your business journey?

    Faith has been a cornerstone of Danielle’s journey, guiding her through challenges and decisions. She believes that her grandmother watches over her and helps her succeed.

19. What community impact has your business had?

    Danielle’s business supports local fire departments, VA nursing homes, and other organizations by providing quilts for those in need. She finds joy in giving back to the community.

20. What are your future plans for Ritzy Quilting Company?

    Danielle aims to continue expanding her fabric store and quilting services. She hopes to leave a lasting legacy for her daughter and future generations.

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