We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Schelli Jones a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Schelli, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I took my first sewing class in a small town in California in my early 30’s . It had been a skill I never knew I was missing. Noone in my family knew how to sew, and I grew up in an era where skills like this had been deemed unessential and uncool to take in school, if it was offered in the first place. As much as I’d love to say, “I wish I’d learn earlier,” I truly believe everything happens when it is supposed to. I learned because I wanted to and I was in a place in life that I could truly enjoy it.
I purchased my first machine three months after that class and shortly after I packed it up and shipped it to South Korea with other household goods to complete a one year tour.

There were lots I learned the hard way due to the lack of formal education, but those are things I will never forget. And it never dawned on me to utilize YouTube university until my tour almost complete.

I find sewing and creating to be extremely essential as well as very calming. Sometimes, I find myself tucked away in my sewing room for hours.
Every single person has needed an article of clothing altered or hemmed, it’s also a request I get more often than none. And also one that I reject.

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.

I took my first sewing class in March 2018 because my daughter wanted to learn how to sew. Previously, I’d have no interest, but at the age of 31, I figured why not take it with her. Moreso, because I couldn’t just leave her there alone as she was a minor. It was a 5 week program, where we’d sew a different item each week. The first three weeks, we learned to sew a variety of bags and I simply fell in love. With the prospect of creating something. something completely new and unique, something just as I envision it.
Since then, I’ve made 100s of bags, created custom masterpieces for clients and even started making clothes for my family and I.

I’m most proud of the fact that I didn’t stop. Despite being a full-time Airman and part-time student, I kept sewing. The quality and workmanship of the bags I make have drastically improved over the last five years. Sometimes I surprise myself.
In the beginning, I started making bags for money, not I do it because I absolutely love it and the community I find myself a part of.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

As an active-duty military member, there comes a day where I will have to take off the uniform. A common question, of “What will you do when you retire?” is asked so very often. And for a long time, I really didn’t know despite having many interests, a full-time career in Public Affairs & multi-media productions, a degree in Nutrition, I get most fulfillment out of sewing and creating.

My creative journey fuels my goal of retiring from the military and being able to start a second career as a full-time creative.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Consistency and repetition!

Social media is an interesting creature. For years, I had 300+ followers that slowly grew to 425 in year three. Then one day, it just took off. I started posting reels and decided to let my personality come through. Despite being reluctant and not even wanting to show my face and camera. I would pick sounds that worked for me, show my process and progress. It worked so I continued and within a span of six months my followership blossomed.
I also, collaborated and developed online relationships with other creators. This was probably the best part.

Social Media and its algorithm has drastically change over the years. But despite the changes, consistency and repetition still prevail.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: ninasneedleco
• Facebook: ninasneedleco
• Youtube: ninasneedleco

Image Credits
Schelli Jones