It’s Friday and you know what that means gang! It’s time for us to highlight more amazing black fempreneurs! In Where You Should Be Spending Your Money, we showcase the various businesses available in our community that we can support to inspire you to cycle your very important and all-powerful dollar amongst people that look like you and have YOU in mind. Today, we spotlight Sew FAB Designs!
IHTG: Tell us a little about yourself (hometown, family life, etc.).
I was Born and raised in Concord, NC by my mother Priscilla Edwards, Single mother of two. I have a younger sister who is also a successful business owner of Kidz Club ASAP of Kannapolis NC. My mother always instilled in us that we could achieve anything we put our minds to. Growing up in a single parent home watching my mother work and provide for me and my sister I believe it definitely gave me a sense of a hustle mentality. I watched her do and achieve goals that most people said she would never do. My family and I are very close. I have 3 wonderful teenage boys and an amazing husband and business partner Benjamin Harrington.
IHTG: What motivated you to start this business?
October 2015, I remember literally begging my husband to purchase me a sewing machine for probably 3 months straight. He finally gave in and I’m pretty sure its one of the best decisions he’s made. I’ve never really had any formal sewing training outside of a home economics class I took during high school. When I initially got my machine I had no clue to what I was doing. I relied on videos, books, and God to give me the information I needed.
IHTG: Tell us about your business (what product or service do you offer, your typical customer, etc.).
I started out sewing team infinity scarves, posted a few pics on Facebook and my scarves were a hit. Sales were unbelievable and that was the official start of Sew FAB Designs ” Sewing to Empower Women through Fabulous Anointed and Beautiful Designs. Since then our services have grown tremendously to custom skirts, dresses, shoes and more.
IHTG: How does your business give back to the community?
I absolutely love being creative through fashion and helping women to feel and look good. Sew FAB is truly turning into something I could have never imagined. A movement to inspire, encourage and build up women. There was the time my self-confidence was shot and I felt that I had no purpose. I know that I’m not the only one who has felt this way, so I make it my business to encourage women and speak life to them through fashion.
IHTG: What advice would you give to someone considering starting a business?
One thing that I would say to someone who wants to start a business is to make sure you love what you do. Don’t let it be just about the money because the money will come and go. Make sure passion is there. You’ll need it drive you during those long hours, tough days and not so happy customers.
IHTG: What is the best advice you’ve received since starting your business?
The best advice someone’s given me was to manage my time. As business owners its vital that we take time out for ourselves and family. As for myself when I get an idea I take it and run with it until its complete. A lot of times I sacrifice myself in so many ways and put my needs and wants to the side. I’m learning to better manage my time. Its definitely a process being a business owner and you’ll learn and grow as you go. You got this!
You can learn more about Latoya and her services by visiting her on Instagram @sewfabdesignsbylatoya.
