Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessica Johnson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jessica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We believe kindness is contagious and so we’d love for you to share with us and our audience about the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
During the Pandemic, like so many other businesses, I was forced to close my shop. I really missed sewing. I had my sewing machine, I had a ton of scrap cotton fabric, so I decided to make masks, free of charge and ship them to Healthcare workers. Little did I know, I would eventually get donations from random strangers to not only support the cause, but also to help keep my family afloat while my business was closed. It was incredible. The most meaningful donation was a customer who picked up masks, but also gave me $150.00 so my husband and I could go out on a date night. She wanted to give back to someone who was working so hard to help so many.
Jessica, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I started sewing in middle school, learning the basic skills. Yet, I did not use those skills for years. It was not until my daughter was born in 2015 that I picked it back up again. I was tired of all the items in the stores all looking the same. Knowing that I could do it, I wanted to make clothes for her that were unique. That Christmas, the only present I asked for was a sewing machine, which my husband gifted me. It wasn’t flashy, but it was a good Singer machine. Little did I know, that one gift would become a career!
My favorite part about being a seamstress is making custom gowns, be it a prom gown or wedding gown. The bulk of my work, though, is alterations. There is something special about making or altering a gown and being a part of someone’s special day. I have also made custom bags, various crafts and some Halloween outfits for my girls.
Alot of times I have a client who is absolutely in love with a piece of clothing yet it does not fit correctly. Thats where I come in. To give that joy back to someone who can wear their favorite pants or dress.
I get alot of recommendations from former clients who say that my personality is what sets me apart. “You just gotta go to Jess, you’ll love her!” Even though there are seasons when I am swamped and have to work from home late into the night, or into the wee hours of the morning, I genuinely love my job.
I am most proud of the fact that within just a couple years, I turned that one sewing machine into a profitable business. It still amazes me that I went from making clothes for my daughter into a thriving shop downtown!
My business name is Soul Stitcher because I put my heart and soul into every project from the simplest alteration to the most ornate gown. I dont take shortcuts, I inspect EVERYTHING so that it is as perfect as possible when the client leaves my shop.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Community involvement. It started out with a fundraiser to help restart the Biddeford High School marching band. When I attended school, the band was a big part of the community and we were state champions. In the decades after I graduated, the program dwindled and eventually folded. Having a son going into High School who is a talented trumpet player, I wanted him to experience the marching band. I took the old uniforms and made pillows from them and sold them to fund kickstarting the band back up. The community became interested in the effort. That lead to stories about me in local newspapers, and the word spread. I tailored the new uniforms for the band and created the color guard flags. People started noticing and asking if I could fix a hem, tailor a shirt, or add a zipper to their personal articles. As my reputation grew, so did the demand on my services.
My shop moved from my dining room to a small inconvenient office to a main street shop within 3 years. Having this visibility opened even more opportunities to get involved in my community. I host monthly sewing classes where I teach simple sewing projects which are then donated. We have made cat beds for shelters, chemotherapy dresses for girls fighting cancer, hats and blankets for the Portland Hospital NICU.
I have been visible as a member of the town due to using my sewing skills to benefit my community, being an active member of our chamber of commerce and using my business to sponsor various charities.
I deeply believe that when one owns a local business within a community that supports you, it is important to use your business as a foundation and springboard to give back to the community.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Word of mouth, plain and simple. This is based off my personality where others always say, “Go here, you’ll LOVE her!” Otherwise I would have to say Google Reviews. I am always the highest rated in the area and pop up first with a search. Many customers tell me that they came to me because I have the highest reviews. I have people that book months in advanced because they don’t want to see anyone that has a lower rating. Second to Google is my web page. Customers always tell me that my website is beautiful and because it’s organized and you can learn about me, they make the decision to contact me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.soulstitchersewing.com
- Instagram: @Soulstitchersewing
- Facebook: @Soulstitchersewing