Leah Volkoff and Stitching With Needles
I am always on the lookout for small businesses with hand-craft their goods, so when I walked by Leah’s booth, I had to stop in. Her handbags, headbands, and coasters are all hand-made by her using the finest materials, and the attention to detail shows in each piece. Below, she shares some of her insights on running a sewing crafts business.
Leah, can you describe what your business does?
I sell handmade products to keep women organized and stylish.
So, where did the idea come from?
I’ve always had a love for sewing, and I really wanted to work from home. So, I thought about how I could take my passion for sewing and turn it into a business. This is how I started my business.
Can you describe your typical work day?
The day starts at my part-time job ‘till 12:30 pm. Then I come home and get as much done as possible for the business. That includes sewing, cutting, prepping, taking perfect pictures, and of course, listing! I source my products from Hobby Lobby, Amazon, online Fabric shops, and the Downtown LA fabric district.
What would you say is your best-selling product?
I sell these mostly online on Etsy, and my best seller would be my totes, makeup bags, and hair scrunchies.
Each tote varies in price:
Mini $20
Market Bags $30
Regular Size, not quilted $40
Quilted Totes $60
Makeup Bag $30
Hair Scrunchies $8
What sets you apart from other businesses?
Unique, one of a kind, hand-made, quality. I use fabric prints you won’t find in most stores, so that also makes each piece unique.
How is social media important to your business?
I use Instagram mostly, and next is facebook. I also have Pinterest but don’t post much on there, although it does bring in the most traffic from the internet, somehow. Next would be Instagram.
What are your thoughts on technology today?
I’m not good at it LOL… still learning what to do. I do use iCloud as backup for my work. I mostly use my phone for pictures and advertisements, and also for posting on Instagram.
Regarding all the work that the business requires, do you hire contractors, or does your family participate?
I manage it all, believe it or not. Well, except the bookkeeping… my mom helps me with that.
For finding new customers, doing outreach, and marketing, how do you manage all this?
I’m not that big yet…. I only try advertising and hand out business cards to people, and I do my posting on Instagram.
Practically speaking, how do you balance work, growth, and personal time?
Ooooo!! Oh boy! The answer is I never take leisure time. I don’t have the time. I never really go on vacation, but there are days I just tell myself self-care is more important. Then I’ll go shopping as therapy, play a bit of tennis, or hang out with friends. I go to the beach when I can, which is a great way for me to relax and get myself back together!
What do you see as the outlook for the future of your business?
In 5 years, I would love to fully support myself and quit my other job. I would love to see about 30 sales a week! And I would like to be recognized out there.
Do you have a final thought for my readers?
Keep going. It will be worth it in the end! Never give up… especially if you love what you’re doing. I was told so many times it won’t work and that people won’t buy my stuff, but after some time building my inventory, it happened… Yes, I’m still in some debt, but it’s being paid off slowly. I would say, to keep believing in yourself and your hopes and desires! Don’t spend too much money at the beginning, and start small. This is what worked for me when I started, and I learned and improved over time.
So, how can people find Stitching with Needles online?
I just put up a shop on website:
so that is the best place, but you can also reach me through:
Instagram: /stitching_with_needles
Pinterest: /threadingtheneedles
