We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jesse Johnson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jesse, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
Well I came up with Elevate Embroidery Co during the pandemic of 2020. I first saw an embroidery machine at a sewing class in 2016, and I was intrigued rite away. I had gotten a job at an embroidery place, and thought to myself I can do this too!
I ended up getting a beginner machine and went for it. I thought this would work out for me since I love being creative and thinking of new ideas. Little by little I got my first customer and started to build from there.
I knew I could stand out by bringing new ideas to the table that I was not seeing. Embroidery has so many unlimited possibilities, so I felt they should be utilized.
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?
My name is Jesse Johnson, and I’m 27 years old from North Hollywood, CA. I got into embroidery from seeing the machine at a sewing class in 2016. The first time I saw the embroidery machine working I was intrigued, and wanted to learn more about the craft. 4 years later in 2020 I decided to form Elevate Embroidery Co.
I provide custom embroidery work on all different types of things such as apparel, houseware, accessories, etc. I love creating and thinking of new ideas, so this journey so far has been a great experience. Many ups and downs, but all learning experiences. Im proud that I’ve been able to start a business myself, and am still going.
I set myself apart from others by implementing new designs and ideas. If a client wants an embroidery done on a spot most mite call impossible, i’ll find a way to make it work. I want the client and I to build a relationship, not just have a quick transaction.I get so exited to see people get real excited over a finished product. Embroidery is an art, so it should feel special.
Elevate Embroidery is all about growth. Growth in all aspects of life as a person. Whatever you want to achieve in life keep going, you got this. Every experience comes with a lesson.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn, is to try and wait for the perfect time. In the beginning I was trying to wait for timing, money, or just the rite moment. I had to unlearn that, and learn that there is not a perfect time. Just start, and you will learn throughout your journey. If you wait for the perfect time, you will be waiting a very long time.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Whats been most effective so far for growing clientele, would have to be customer service. Even though I haven’t been in business long, I can see that is a huge factor. I try to keep my attention on the details of all embroidery work, but the customer’s experience as well. No matter what the job is, I come at everyone with respect and positivity.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/elevateembroideryco
- Facebook: Elevate Embroidery Co
- Other: Google Elevate Embroidery Co.