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

Alright, Jessica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

When it comes to profitability in embroidery, it greatly depends on what value you place on your time. When looking at supplies like fabric that is $6 a yard, thread that is 60 cents a skein, or a hoop that can range from $1 to $10 per item depending on quality, you think embroidery could easily be profitable! In relation to materials there is a great profit margin. Where the challenge of profitability in this industry comes from is time. When I started creating pet portraits I set the price at a point that I thought was fair for materials. Then I realized 25 hours into a detailed pet portrait that the commission paid me less than the minimum hourly wage of $7.25. I knew I had to change the value I placed on my time in this industry if I wanted to be truly profitable. And I always think of what I learned in my economics class, the law of supply and demand. So I am trying to find the price range that I feel values my time as well as a price that my customers think is fair.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Jessica and I’m the lady behind the threads of Jessica in Stitches. I’m an introverted Sagittarius who loves all things floral and spooky. I am based out of Fargo, ND and my craft is modern embroidery. I first started making embroideries during Covid when we were all stuck at home. I created personalized embroideries for my family as Christmas gifts. Then friends saw what I was working on and wanted to commission pieces from me. So, I decided to turn it into a small business where I can create beautiful custom embroideries for others.

I embroider a wide array of floral designs with cute or sassy saying that are ready to ship on my website! But I also offer customs embroideries, such as Pet Portraits or name/initial embroideries. Pet portraits have been my vibe lately, and I swear every pet portrait I make is my absolute favorite! I am open to just about any kind of pet as well! I am not limited to just cats and dogs. These portraits are also a great way to remember pets who have crossed the rainbow bridge but remain in our hearts.

I think what sets me apart from others is the fact that I love to learn about each pet I make. I want to know your favorite story about your pet/pets, what do they love doing, what are their bad habits, and what do you love most about them. And one of my goals this year is that I want to start sharing those stories using my social media. I truly do love the work I do and place every stitch with care.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I have found the best way for my growth of clientele has been word of mouth and attending local makers markets. As I am making my pet portraits, I like to post updates of my progress. And definitely showing off the details when it’s complete! Then my friends and family show their friends and family. And slowly people see your great work and reach out for commissions. It’s hard when you first start out and only have 10 followers. You feel like you are posting for an absent audience. Keep posting and keep showing off your great artwork! And sure enough, your people will find you. Another great source is a busy local maker’s market. This allows people in your community to see your work and create connections with possible future customers.

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

I can still remember my first sale to a stranger. It’s such a vulnerable place to take something that you’ve poured your heart and time into, and put that on display. You think ‘what if no one buys anything?’ My heart was racing, my hands were sweaty, I rocked back and forth as I watched people walk by my booth. I remembered my friends told me, “you just have to say Hi, and invite people into your space.” So, I said Hi to everyone who made eye contact. This gal walked up to my booth and she laughed at my embroideries and said she had to buy one! I was so shocked since it was 30 minutes into the market that I scrambled for my phone to set up the sale. My hands trembled l as I tried to neatly wrap the embroidery in tissue paper and keep my cool. I fumbled getting the paper bag open. I’m not sure if I came across as a wreck but it sure did feel like it. I am forever grateful for that sale, because she was so kind and she loved the embroidery so much.

Afterwards, I felt more more at ease at the Maker’s Market. That first sale you make can feel a rush of emotions. Nervous, frantic, gratitude, validation, hopeful, and happiness. And if you’re nervous for your first Maker’s market, you just have to take the plunge. You have to put yourself out there to find your people.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jessica-in-stitches.square.site/
• Instagram: @jessica.in.stitches
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091872679661&mibextid=LQQJ4d
• TikTok: @jessica.in.stitches

Image Credits
Photo of myself throwing embroidery threads was taken by Portraits By Kari, located in Fargo, ND. Permission was granted for use in the article. Pictures of the embroideries were taken by myself.