Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jennifer Frisco. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Jennifer, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I love to thrift, browse around antique shops and anything vintage. When I lived in Brooklyn, New York, I was lucky enough to have a really great thrift store in a short walking distance – I shopped there often and started to collect old army camo jackets. I would search the racks to find the softest, most worn in items – the ones that told the best story. I had all sizes, some distressed and some not. I had no idea what at the time, but I always said that “one day I will do something with these”. Fast forward a few years, I moved back to Ohio to be closer to my family and the boxes of jackets came with me. Unbeknownst to me, my job of almost 25 years was eliminated unexpectedly and my life would soon change!
My daughter Kayla was the one who suggested that I start sewing again; I had honestly not sewn clothing in years, fabric stores are few and far between and the prices have skyrocketed so much that it really is not economical anymore to sew vs. purchasing in a store. But what can be purchased in a store these days does not have the life expectancy you would expect, fast fashion has taken over and the quality can be sub-standard.
My story begins the day I took out a camo jacket and a tulle skirt that I had also been saving. I started cutting and before I knew it, I had connected the tulle to the jacket and it was so cool! I shared the photo with my daughter right away and from there The Tapestry Spool was born.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I learned to sew when I was about 8 years old. My grandmother helped me make my first skirt, it was black with small colorful flowers all over it. I can close my eyes and can remember exactly what it looked like, I know it would be something that would be worn today. My mom was a quilter, my older sister is an avid sewer, and my twin an artist, so I was surrounded by creativity with fabric and textiles. When I entered the workforce, I made everything I wore – it was the best way to be able to have something that no one else would! When I had kids, I made a few pieces as they were young, but turned more towards interior sewing as they grew older. Even though I wasn’t making clothes, I never lost the desire to create. Whether it is in a thrift store or an antique store, there is nothing better than finding something that has a great style/texture with so much life left and making it into something new.
My entire career was in front of the customer in the clothing industry. My passion was in the visual aspect, creating compelling displays that encouraged the customer to want “that outfit”. Later in my career, I had the opportunity to work both as a visual trainer as well as within the HQ communicating visual initiatives to the field. Safe to say, it is not a surprise that I now use all of what I know to create one of a kind pieces that make up The Tapestry Spool.

The Tapestry Spool is inspired by vintage fabrics, textiles, and patterns. Our mission is to make every-day wearable pieces of art by upcycling and breathing new life into forgotten materials and clothing. There is nothing better than to see something I have created tried on, looked in the mirror, and worn by a client, it gives me chills every time. My work is a representation of me, my personality and my own history…I want the client to know I am honored they have chosen to like, follow or purchase from The Tapestry Spool.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

This one is easy. After a career of almost 25 years, my position was eliminated due to restructuring. I had not been unemployed since I was 16 years old, so this was definitely something that scared me. I was lucky enough to stay with 2 employers for a very long time, so searching for a job was not something I was used to. I was never one who really believed that things happened for a reason, but boy was I wrong! The loss of my job opened the door to this new possibility, but I was not sure I could do it. Enter my daughter, Kayla. She pushed me and encouraged me from the very first step and has not left my side, becoming my right hand in this business. When I decided to make this enormous pivot, my family has been there to support me, what a true blessing. Once I made that first jacket, then came a second, a third and so on until I had created an entire capsule that was called “The Camo Collection”. That collection launched on July 18th, 2023 and since then we have launched several more capsules, attended shows, created a website and most recently have moved into a studio at 78th Street Studios in Cleveland, OH. I am so thankful to have made this enormous life change and have never been happier.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

My business partner is my daughter, Kayla. I am the creative part of our business and Kayla is the behind the scenes/business operations and the muscles when I need them. Kayla does not give herself enough credit for what she adds to The Tapestry Spool; I absolutely could not do it without her. My head is always in creative mode, I want to be thrifting to find the best stuff and then hit the machine and get to sewing. I hate to stop to make a plan, to figure out the social media and I am definitely not a pro at taking photos. Kayla is all of that and then some. I am so lucky to have a partner like her, her knowledge and capabilities just amaze me and I could not be more proud of her and what we have accomplished – together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thetapestryspool.com
• Instagram: @thetapestryspool
• Facebook: @thetapestryspool

Image Credits

@kailey_marie_photo