Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Susan Beck, Founder of Sewfeet, located in College Grove, TN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is Sewfeet.com, a website dedicated to teaching a wide variety of sewing techniques and projects. My goal is to help sewists understand how to use their sewing machines to the fullest as they stitch projects they love. I pay particular attention to using specialty presser feet and attachments for the machines. This helps them to sew better, faster, and more creatively.
Tell us about yourself
I started sewing as a young girl, went to college, earned a degree in textile and clothing construction, and then a Master's degree in Design. So I have always loved sewing and the joy and satisfaction of creating and producing projects made with needle and thread. I worked for BERNINA, a European sewing machine company, for 28 years and still do some special projects for them. I was part of the Education and Training Department and have always loved designing projects, developing classes, and teaching others that love sewing as much as I do. So, in 2019, I decided to start sewfeet.com. Until recently, I was working on other projects, but I am now dedicating all my efforts to my website.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I launched my first online class in December of 2021, and it is just the beginning. I have a second class launching soon and will continue to develop more classes, ebooks, and patterns in the coming months. I also recently started a YouTube channel that features short videos showing sewing machine techniques of all types.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a new business owner is pacing yourself and taking things one step at a time. My business, like many others, is Internet-based, and there are so many online options for promoting and advertising my site. However, each one, such as Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, etc., takes time to develop and populate with content, so it is easy to overwork yourself in the beginning.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be selective about the social media outlets you choose to use. Take time to research and decide which would be the most effective for reaching your targeted audience. Select one or two social media outlets in the beginning, focusing on building your presence with them before expanding to others.
- Don't try to be everything to everyone. Find your niche and focus on it and the people who are involved in it. You want to build a following, but having more followers may not generate more income if they are not the right followers.
- Don't underestimate the time, energy, and effort it takes to start a business. It can be (and should be) a really fun process, but few people get rich without investing themselves in it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://sewfeet.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sewfeet
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sewfeet
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.