My Three Niches From one Industry
I Mastered three niches from one industry; each centered around sewing; each distinctly different; each extremely successful. My first experience with sewing was as a child making dress-up cloths with my friend. She was Marylyn Monroe and I was Jane Mansfield. At 10 years old parading around in those tight skirts, wearing my mom’s high heels, who would have known my career path would eventually turn to sewing.
Those Crazy ‘60’sBounce forward to the sixties, the last thing on my mind was a sewing machine. I had just graduated from Business College and I was set to make my mark on the world. However the best laid plans are subject to change. I was working at the airport, met my husband, his wishes were for me to be a housewife and later a stay at home mom. Most women in my generation frowned on housewives after all we had been “Liberated” and we needed Careers. Since I had not been a member of the “bra burning, women libber’s society”, of the 60”s, a stay at home wife sounded okay for me. So, my husband traveled the world and I stayed home, raised a family. I gave up the idea of a career. However things have a way of changing when least expected. My Career StartsWe purchased our home and I brought my sewing machine out of retirement to make a few soft finishing for the home. Nothing that impressive, but others seemed to like them very well.I always had a knack for making things, never used a pattern it just seem to come naturally.
With the machine out of retirement I started making a few crafty items. My sister asked me to down size her son’s Easter suit to fit a bear. I made the bear, down sized the suit, one thing led to another and before long my first niche business was created.
Niche #1, Belly Button Bears
Who could resist a Belly Button Bear, especially if it wore your child’s clothes?
The bear was a perfect infant size, the legs may be a little short but the clothes could be altered. Plus the fact they had a belly button. Each Bear came with their first set of clothes, but could be changed to your baby’s first outfit after you brought the bear home.
What was strange about those bears I never knew if they would be a boy or girl until the face was complete. Then they began to develop their own personal look.
I knew immediately if I would be making a dress or a pair of pants. So what do you think could that lumber jack in the picture above have worn a dress? Of course, not, he was definitely a lumber jack. 
The Karate bear, ready to kick some "HUMM B___!"
The little old lady and her husband was one of my favorites. I never gave the bears a name only a number, the names could be picked by the owner, if they so choose. As time goes on and being in the sewing industry things are always subject to change. My business was getting ready to take a turn. I was introduced to a lady starting her own window treatment business and she needed some help. Hum!! Bears to Window sounded interesting. I needed a change my hands were starting to be effected by stuffing those bears so I though why not give it a whirl. So niche number two was created.
Sewing Niche # 2, Window TreatmentsI did a few jobs for her and then I realized I can do this myself. All I needed wasI have always been more than positive; I knew once I made up my mind, I would have everything I needed to start a successful business. And By golly I was right. It showed up, “right on time”.
In those years I made just about everything, as I said my philosophy was, (and still is), if it has been made once it can be made again, only better.
As the Kitchen is the heart and soul of the home, the widows are the eyes. Always enjoy the scenery and dress them in the best of fashion.
I loved how my client’s personality would show through when dressing their windows. Some high fashion, some quaint and demure, some were tailored and professional. Most important all were “Dressed for Success”.
My favorite was “glitz and glitter” fun, exciting, adventuresome, anything goes. Throw caution to the wind and be creative. Her windows were always dressed for the party. Perhaps it reminded me of those dress up days of long ago. As time went by and I closed my shop, I knew I would need another outlet. Sewing is in my blood. I wanted to share what I have learned over the years, I also wanted to encourage others to be bold and start a business. Not just any business but one that will span a life time. So where could I do that, how could I possibly teach the world? Like I said before, everything shows up “Right on Time”. I believe that and SBI came into my life and create a sewing business has begun, Sewing Niche # 3.
Sewing Niche # 3, Website MarketingToday’s competition is definitely world wide. It is still possible to have a cottage industry and be successful.If you want to be global and become exclusive, it is a must to move into the twenty first century and develop 21st century skills. Building a website is not an option it is a necessity. Finding the best host for your site is critical. That is why I have chosen SBI to build my third sewing niche. They offer me step by step teaching, “Learning on my time”. I want to learn all I can about building my new sewing business it is the only way I can I teach you tips and techniques; share a few secrets; encourage you to prefect your sewing skills and tell you a funny story every now and then. Sewing is a profession that never goes out of style, we seamstresses and fabricators have been around since the beginning of time and as long as there are people and they live in houses, there will be a demand for coverings for modesty or privacy.
You will find me at a different machine now, I am not sewing, but “sowing seeds” and encouraging you to sew seams and reap a harvest of clients in order to leave your mark on society. My goals have changed a lot over the years now are the times to give back and “Pay it forward”. I believe if you are reading this, you have shown up "RIGHT ON TIME".
Return to Website Marketing From My Niches
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My husband gave me a shop outside my back door. This is where I spent many years creating soft furnishing for so many wonderful clients.
