Project aim
To take my sewing venture to the next level, increase awareness of my dressmaking services and fabric ranges on offer.
In October, 2014 I set up my Facebook page and "It's Sew Maria" was born, after what had been a very eventful year. Once the realisation of having a chronic illness hit me and knowing that life was going to be, well, just that little bit different, I started to market my new business. The run up to Christmas was brilliant, I had orders for Christmas stockings, gift bags, cushions, bunting etc and that was a great way for me to start my business. Once the new year arrived, I just seemed to float about, I didn't have any direction and that felt incredibly unsettling. I had always been a person with a plan. Making cushions just didn't excite me but dressmaking did and from that moment on, I put all my efforts into marketing that side of my business. I have had some successes to date and I am definitely getting noticed. More people are contacting me to enquire about pricing but as with any new business, these things take time. I have also started to sell a small selection of haberdashery and fabric. I love the idea that a customer can choose from a selection of my fabric. I then take that one dimensional piece of material and transform it into something that will be worn again and again. I now want to take my business to the next level and offer a greater range of fabrics. To sell to those who enjoy sewing as much as I do and to produce a garment to sell. I would love to have a range of "off the peg" garments. My dream is to produce my own range of dresses, organise fashion shows, employ local talent. This is why I have made the decision to go for a Crowdfunder project. I want to feel that person I was before my health went downhill. I want to get up in the morning knowing that I am going to make a difference, feel proud again. My 9 to 5 days are most definitely a thing of the past but I am determined not to let my working days become a thing of the past. With your help I can invest in a new sewing machine, additional adjustable tailors dummies, a fabulous range of fabrics and a new computer with the latest software to help market my business.
Sewing brings me great joy and I am immensely proud of everything that I have achieved so far. I only started sewing 5 years ago and little did I know back then, just how much this wonderful new hobby would mean to me.
I am very active on Social Media, I sell via Etsy and Ebay plus I am currently updating my website. My website will also have an online shop, whereby customers will be able to purchase fabric, haberdashery, "off the peg" and "made to measure" garments.
Thank you for reading about project and I am looking forward to it becoming a reality.