Quilting Business Success 52 – Deborah Jenkins
Interview Summary: Deborah Jenkins
Introduction: A Passion for Quilting and Entrepreneurship
Deborah Jenkins, a passionate quilter and successful business owner, shares her journey of turning a creative hobby into a thriving business. With years of experience in quilting, she has developed a deep appreciation for both the artistry and technical precision required in the craft.
Discovering the Love for Quilting
Deborah’s quilting journey began as a creative outlet. “I started quilting just as a fun way to relax, but the more I learned, the more I fell in love with the process,” she explained. She quickly developed a keen interest in experimenting with different designs and techniques.
Turning a Hobby into a Business
As friends and family took notice of Deborah’s work, she started receiving requests for custom quilts. “It wasn’t long before I realized I could make this a business,” she shared. Encouraged by demand, she took the leap and invested in professional quilting equipment.
Choosing the Right Quilting Machine
Deborah initially started with a different longarm quilting machine but soon faced challenges. “It was frustrating because the machine kept breaking down, and I felt like I was spending more time fixing it than quilting,” she recalled. The constant maintenance issues led her to seek out a better alternative.
“When I switched to a Gammill machine, everything changed. The precision, the smooth operation, and the reliability made a world of difference,” Deborah said. With her new Statler, she was able to produce high-quality work more efficiently.
Building a Successful Quilting Business
With a reliable machine and a growing customer base, Deborah structured her business to cater to a variety of quilting needs. “Gammill’s Creative Studio software has been a game-changer for me,” she explained. The software allowed her to create intricate custom designs while maintaining efficiency.
Overcoming Challenges
Deborah faced several challenges when growing her business, from pricing her services appropriately to managing customer expectations. “I had to learn to charge what my time and skills were worth,” she said. She also emphasized the importance of marketing her work and building strong client relationships.
Advice for Aspiring Quilters
Deborah advises new quilters to invest in quality equipment from the start. “Don’t waste time with unreliable machines. Get a machine that can keep up with you,” she recommended. She also encourages networking with other quilters and continuously learning new techniques.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Deborah’s Quilting Business
Deborah is excited about expanding her business and exploring new creative techniques. She is also considering teaching and mentoring new quilters to share her knowledge and passion for the craft.
Conclusion: A Story of Dedication and Success
Deborah Jenkins’ journey highlights the power of dedication, passion, and investing in the right tools. Her story serves as an inspiration for quilters looking to turn their craft into a successful business.
Interview Q&A: Deborah Jenkins
Q: How did you first get into quilting?
A: I started quilting as a way to relax, but it quickly turned into something I absolutely loved. I enjoyed the creativity, the patterns, and the ability to make something beautiful with my own hands.
Q: What made you decide to turn quilting into a business?
A: At first, it was just a hobby. Then, friends and family started asking me to make quilts for them. Before I knew it, I had a steady stream of requests, and I realized this could be something bigger.
Q: What challenges did you face when starting your business?
A: The biggest challenge was finding the right equipment. “It was frustrating because the machine kept breaking down, and I felt like I was spending more time fixing it than quilting.” I knew I needed something more reliable.
Q: What led you to choose Gammill?
A: After dealing with my previous machine’s issues, I started researching and testing different brands. “When I switched to a Gammill machine, everything changed. The precision, the smooth operation, and the reliability made a world of difference.” The Statler model gave me the control and consistency I needed to scale my business.
Q: How has Gammill helped you grow your business?
A: “Gammill’s Creative Studio software has been a game-changer for me.” The ability to create intricate designs with ease has allowed me to take on more customers and expand my offerings.
Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own quilting business?
A: “Don’t waste time with unreliable machines. Get a machine that can keep up with you.” Also, don’t be afraid to charge what your work is worth. Pricing correctly is key to sustainability.
Q: What’s next for you in your quilting journey?
A: I’m excited about expanding my business even further. I’m looking into teaching and mentoring, as I want to share my passion and help others get started in quilting.