Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Danielle Mathis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Danielle, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
Well, for several years I was working a full-time job as a restaurant manager while also doing all of the sewing, ordering, accounting–and everything else that needed to be done–for my own business. I was literally sleeping 2-3 hours per night, and would sometimes get so sleepy during the day I would take cat naps in my car to get through. I was beyond exhausted. But, I was still afraid to go ALL IN on my own business. Finally, one day I just made up my mind to do it. I turned it my notice at my job and focused 100% of my time and attention to my business. Before I knew it, I had more orders than I had ever had before when I was working full time. It was like, the universe knew I didn’t have the space to take on more success in my business. As soon as I made room, I had more than I ever dreamed. It was definitely a risk quitting my job and the stability of a weekly paycheck, health insurance, etc. But, it was so worth it!
Danielle, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I have a small, home and lifestyle brand called Textile & Twine. It all started when I was a teenager, first learning how to sew and using vintage apron patterns to learn with. I must have made a few hundred aprons of all different styles just for practice. And my sweet mother, she wore every one with pride–no matter how bad they looked. When my sewing started getting pretty good, she would share pictures of her cooking in her pretty vintage-style aprons with her friends online. Pretty soon, they were ordering aprons from me, too! I started placing ads on targeted websites and in craft and hobby newsletters and little by little, started building a following. I got the nerve up to reach out to a store and see if they would be interested in carrying my line of aprons and they shocked me by ordering 300! I figured out then I could make a little business out of these aprons. Now, more than 10 years later it is a line of aprons, matching kitchen accessories like oven mitts, tea towels, potholders, and an ever growing number of products for home and lifestyle as well! Textile & Twine focuses on bringing a retro vibe into modern life, a way to dress up the monotony of everyday life. We use the cutest and most unique fabric prints we can find from all around the world and every item is sewn in a work studio in Atlanta, GA. The more fashion-forward home and lifestyle items are sold online and in about 50 retail stores across the U.S. We also have the all-important business-to-business line of aprons and other products for our higher volume, more utilitarian customers in food service and hospitality. A brand new website is in the works and will debut this fall, so keep you eyes peeled!
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Oddly enough, word of mouth has been my best source of new business! It has only been recently that I’ve even had the time to bring on help to tend my social media and website. Over these years that I have been sewing and growing, every single restaurant client that we have has been gained through word of mouth; and probably half the retail accounts. When people like what you are doing and you provide great customer service, they always tell a friend.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to unlearn to do everything myself. I have always been the person who everyone sees can juggle a thousand things and make it look, maybe not easy, but possible. And I had to learn that slowing down and asking for help is not a sign of failure and doesn’t make people frustrated with you. In fact, most people–when they care about you–very much want to be of assistance. Going full steam ahead with my business definitely taught me to ask for help and accept the fact that no man is an island.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.textileandtwine.com
- Instagram: @textileandtwine
Image Credits
Kelley Raye Photography