Quilting Business Success Episode 56 – Denise Fried
Interview Summary: Denise Fried
Introduction: From Quilting Enthusiast to Business Success
Denise Fried, an experienced quilter, shares her journey from a hobbyist to a successful quilting business owner. She discusses the passion that led her to quilting and the pivotal moments that shaped her career. Denise’s path was not always clear-cut, but her determination and love for quilting guided her toward a fulfilling career.
Her introduction to quilting began as a creative escape, a way to express herself through fabric and intricate designs. “Quilting has always been more than just a hobby for me; it’s been a form of artistic expression,” Denise explained. Over the years, she honed her skills and began to realize that quilting had the potential to become more than just a pastime—it could be a profession.
Discovering Longarm Quilting and Business Beginnings
Denise’s quilting adventure started as a personal interest but soon turned into a profession. “I never expected quilting to become my business, but once I started, the demand just grew,” she said. She quickly realized that having the right equipment would be essential to her success.
Initially, Denise was quilting on a domestic sewing machine, which limited the scope of her projects. “I was spending hours upon hours maneuvering large quilts through a small machine, and it just wasn’t sustainable,” she recalled. This realization led her to research longarm quilting machines, a move that would change the trajectory of her career.
Investing in the Right Quilting Machine
Initially, Denise purchased a longarm machine from another brand, but it did not meet her expectations. “It was constantly in the shop, and I couldn’t rely on it for my business,” she recalled. Frustrated by its limitations, she decided to switch to a Gammill machine.
Denise highlights the reliability and ease of use of her Gammill machine: “Ever since I got my Statler, I’ve had zero downtime. It runs smoothly and allows me to be more creative without worrying about mechanical failures.” The transition to Gammill significantly improved her workflow and customer satisfaction.
She also emphasized how the machine’s precision and user-friendly interface contributed to the consistency of her quilting. “I can confidently take on more complex designs, knowing that my machine will execute them flawlessly,” Denise said. This confidence allowed her to expand her services and take on more clients.
Growing a Quilting Business
With a reliable machine, Denise expanded her quilting services, attracting more clients and increasing her efficiency. “Gammill’s Creative Studio software makes it so easy to bring my designs to life,” she shared. Her business grew as word-of-mouth spread about the quality of her work.
Denise quickly realized that offering both custom quilting and edge-to-edge designs would provide flexibility for her customers. “Some clients wanted detailed, custom quilting, while others just needed an efficient, high-quality finish. Being able to offer both has been key to my business growth,” she explained.
As her reputation grew, so did her workload. Denise made strategic decisions to streamline her processes, allowing her to take on more projects without compromising on quality. “I developed a workflow that maximized efficiency while ensuring that each quilt received the attention it deserved,” she said.
Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles
Like any business, Denise faced challenges, including pricing her services and managing customer expectations. She developed strategies to educate clients about the value of custom quilting. “I always provide options so my clients can choose what works best for their budget,” she explained.
Another challenge was establishing herself in a competitive market. “In the beginning, people doubted my ability because I was relatively new to longarm quilting,” Denise recalled. However, through persistence and a commitment to excellence, she built a reputation that set her apart.
Denise also had to navigate the financial aspects of running a business, including investing in materials, marketing, and equipment upgrades. “There were times when I questioned whether I could make it work, but I knew that if I stayed committed and continued to improve, the business would grow,” she said.
Financial Management and Business Growth
Denise took a strategic approach to managing her business finances. She made careful investments in her equipment and ensured that her pricing reflected the quality of her work. “I learned that undervaluing my work wasn’t sustainable. I had to charge what my time and expertise were worth,” she said.
She also reinvested in her business by upgrading to a larger machine as demand increased. “The decision to invest in a bigger Gammill machine was a turning point for me. It allowed me to take on more intricate projects and offer a wider range of services,” she explained.
Advice for Aspiring Quilters
For those considering a quilting business, Denise advises: “Don’t settle for a cheap machine that will give you headaches. Invest in quality from the start.” She also encourages networking with other quilters to learn and grow within the industry.
She emphasized the importance of continuous learning. “Quilting is an ever-evolving art. Stay open to new techniques, attend workshops, and never stop improving,” she advised.
Denise also highlighted the importance of marketing and customer relationships. “Social media has been a game-changer for my business. Engaging with the quilting community and showcasing my work online has helped me attract clients from all over the country,” she said.
Conclusion: A Passion-Driven Career
Denise Fried’s journey showcases the power of passion and the importance of investing in the right tools. Her success story is an inspiration to quilters looking to turn their craft into a thriving business.
Her story is a testament to the idea that with the right tools, a strategic mindset, and a deep love for the craft, a quilting business can thrive. “I love what I do, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Quilting has given me a career that is both fulfilling and financially rewarding,” she concluded.
Interview Q&A: Denise Fried
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about how you got started in quilting?
A: Absolutely! I started quilting as a hobby, just something to keep my hands busy and to explore my creativity. But as I got more into it, I realized I had a real passion for quilting, and that’s when I started looking at it more seriously.
Q: When did you decide to turn quilting into a business?
A: It wasn’t an overnight decision. At first, I was just making quilts for friends and family, but then people started asking me if I could quilt for them. It grew organically from there, and I realized I could actually make a living doing what I love.
Q: What challenges did you face when first starting your business?
A: Oh, there were plenty! One of the biggest challenges was getting people to take me seriously in the beginning. Pricing was also tricky—I had to learn to charge what my work was worth instead of undervaluing myself.
Q: What made you choose Gammill over other longarm machines?
A: I actually started with a different brand, and it was a nightmare. “It was constantly in the shop, and I couldn’t rely on it for my business.” When I finally tried a Gammill, it was a game changer. “Ever since I got my Statler, I’ve had zero downtime. It runs smoothly and allows me to be more creative without worrying about mechanical failures.” That reliability and the Creative Studio software really set it apart.
Q: How has your Gammill machine helped you grow your business?
A: It has been a huge part of my success. The precision and reliability mean I can take on bigger projects and know that the results will be consistent. “Gammill’s Creative Studio software makes it so easy to bring my designs to life.” That alone has made a big difference in my workflow and my ability to offer high-quality quilting services.
Q: What advice would you give to someone thinking about getting into longarm quilting?
A: First and foremost, invest in the right equipment. “Don’t settle for a cheap machine that will give you headaches. Invest in quality from the start.” Also, network with other quilters, take classes, and keep learning. The quilting world is always evolving, and staying ahead of trends will help you succeed.
Q: What’s next for you and your quilting business?
A: I’m always looking for ways to expand, whether it’s taking on more custom work or possibly getting into teaching. I love sharing what I’ve learned, so that could be the next big step for me.