I would love to start a sewing/design business out of my home. I currently teach in a public school setting and would like to begin small and eventually build up to the point of being able to leave my full-time teaching job and run my business.
My question is what is currently “hot” in the sewing industry and what would I be wise to do. I need the income I currently make from teaching until my sewing business caught up with my teaching salary.
Am I “dreaming” or is this truly possible?
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Hi! I'm new to the forum and am in the process of setting up my home sewing business - again. About two years ago, I did handbags and sold them on ebay. I did quite well, but pretty soon the handbag thing was not-so-hot as it had been and the profit dwindled. I was also completely burned out, so I took a hiatus.
Right now I'm in the process of setting up for more of a custom sewing business - alterations, special occasion dresses and such, and children's apparel and smocking. I would like to stay away from home dec (just not my thing). I have a small sewing area in an upstairs room, and I'm setting up an empty downstairs bedroom for customers. I've got mirrors, my desk and computer, and a large screen for a customer to use for changing. My husband (he's a builder) is making me a small platform for the customer to stand on to make hems and such easier to mark. He's also making me some bookshelves to use as display space, so that I could have a few things ready-to-sell.
The hardest thing for me in the past (and something I'm working hard to change this time around) is charging what I'm worth. Also, I think that the best advertising is word-of-mouth. If the other teachers that you work with can see that your work is good, they will be wonderful advertising for your business.
I would love to hear what others have to say about making a sewing business a success.
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