Crafting is on the upswing, especially sewing. It’s a revival of sorts. Part of this revival comeback is the concept of sewing lounges and they’re helping sewing shed its “grandmotherly image” while:
1. making sewing accessible,
2. aiding former sewers in rediscovering the art,
3. helping beginners jump into the craft and
4. encouraging everyone to work together in a shared passion-sewing.
Community and self-sufficiency wrapped into one. Each sewing lounge is different-serving its own special niche of customers. Many lounges charge by the hour to use sewing equipment in the lounge, but most offer free usage of basic sewing machine equipment and generate revenue by offering classes, selling patterns and by offering notions and fabric.
With that said, before you start even thinking about writing a business plan or handing out cool business cards you’ll need to conduct some research.
Research is an essential part of any business. Well at least any business that wants to give itself a better chance at success and offering products and services that are focused and targeted towards the wants and needs of its customers.
Simply put,
“Research is important because it effects your bottom line and can make the difference in failing or succeeding.”
Can you imagine spending time and money developing and marketing a sewing lounge in your area-only to find out no one cares to come-let alone buy your products and services?
By researching before committing and deciding what services and products to offer, you can determine if there’s a need, desire or want for a sewing lounge before deciding to invest further time, effort and money.
Suggestions:
- Visit questions of members of established sewing forums. Better yet, start your own forum operate and ask questions of the members.
- Use your current social media outlets to gauge interest among members of your networking circle.
- Place fun surveys on your blog or website to gauge interest in a non-threatening way.
- Offer freebies in exchange for honest feedback.
- Start a blog dedicated to sewing lounges-it’s the perfect way to lead the conversation, build a following and gain honest information and feedback from visitors.
In the end, if you decide to go forward with a sewing lounge (or any other business for that matter) these techniques are helpful in building your service and product offering based on your customer’s or potential customer’s wants, needs and desires-thereby increasing your chances of success.
Other suggestions:
- Visit sewing lounges in your area and participate in activities offered there. Get a feel of the lounge-ask yourself what looks like it’s working and what’s not. Try to find out what’s making the over-all environment tick.
- Visit the home pages of sewing lounges that have a presence on the Internet. E-Commerce is a big part of today’s business. Most lounges have a dedicated domain and accompanying website that often serves as a blog, E-commerce and informational site.
- Speak directly to any owners that are willing. Most people are excited about what they do and are willing to share.
Step 2: Writing A Business Plan
Related Resources
Sewing Pattern Portal
Just a couple weeks ago I started a “Sit ‘n’ Stitch” gathering of stitchers here in our very small, RURAL community. There’s no charge or dues… we just meet in the community room adjacent to the city library once a week (Thursday afternoons). We are open to ALL needlecrafters, too! Tomorrow is our third get-together, and I cannot wait!!!
Kudos to you and good luck! Let’s stay in touch!!