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

Tracy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

When I first started in the world of boutique items, my focus was on embroidery. I had always been drawn to the beauty of personalized creations, and embroidery seemed like the perfect medium. I used money from my husband selling his truck to buy my first machine—a home business machine for our spare bedroom. It was a challenge as I was still working at my full time job as an Electronic Technician for the United States Postal Service. But there was something so gratifying about using my technical skills to bring designs to life on the embroidery machine. The personal satisfaction and love from my customers kept me going.

I learned by trial and error at first, pouring over YouTube tutorials, reading forums, and spending hours researching new techniques and the best materials online. But what really helped me grow was getting my hands dirty—stitching, testing different fabrics, experimenting with threads, and tweaking designs over and over again. I spent most of my time finding the best quality products and developing personalization expertise.

As my business gained momentum and grew, I wanted to expand and offer new options for my customers. I added laser and white toner decoration to the shop. The biggest hurdle was the initial investment of new equipment. The machines were expensive, and the technology was new but my full time job gave me the knowledge to navigate it. I realized that laser engraving opened a whole new world of personalization—engraving names, dates, and intricate designs onto wood, leather, acrylic, and other materials. And it renewed my love for artistic design.

The most essential skills I’ve gained throughout this journey are patience, creativity, and love that technical proficiency can be used to express artistic freedom. Patience is key when learning any craft, especially one as detail-oriented as embroidery and laser engraving. Creativity allows me to push boundaries and think of new ways to personalize items for customers, while technical skills ensure that the execution matches my creative vision. Understanding both the art and the mechanics of my tools has been crucial in achieving the level of customization I offer today. Our success has allowed us to graduate from a 10′ square spare bedroom to a commercial retail store.

Now, looking at my business, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. What started with a small embroidery machine has blossomed into a personalized boutique business that combines the art of stitching with the precision of laser engraving. I continue to learn, improve, and adapt to new technologies, and most importantly, I never forget the joy of creating something truly unique for my customers.

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 Journey into Entrepreneurship

Hi, I’m Tracy Petrekovich, the founder and creative mind behind Hoop and Stitch. My journey into the world of custom boutique items began in a rather unexpected way. I’ve always been a crafty person, drawn to the art of making things that feel personal and meaningful. I grew up in a family floral business and my love for designing started there. But it wasn’t until my current full-time career was threatened that I decided to venture into the business of custom personalization.

I was working at the USPS but was faced with being transferred and forced to work in another state. Moving was not a possibility for me so I was looking for alternatives to add income to our family. While attending the sewing expo in Cleveland, I found a solution in embroidery. It meshed my love for art and business along with technical skills. It all clicked when I took a leap of faith and purchased my first embroidery machine. I was hooked immediately—there was something so special about creating personalized items that could truly resonate with someone.

What started as a back up option soon became a business, even though I ended up not being transferred at my everyday job. And when I realized that others loved the idea of custom, meaningful products as much as I did, I dove deep into learning the ins and outs of embroidery, spending countless hours experimenting with designs and fabrics. As my skills grew, I wanted to offer even more personalization options. That’s when I discovered the magic of laser engraving. This new technology opened up a world of possibilities, from custom engravings on wood, leather, and acrylic to intricate designs on other materials. It allowed me to broaden my product offerings and create even more unique and thoughtful gifts.

Today, I provide a wide range of custom boutique items—embroidered or laser produced gifts, accessories, keepsakes and home decor. I specialize in creating one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect the personality, style, or special occasion of my clients. Whether it’s a custom wedding gift, a funny saying on a leather item, or a personalized blanket for a new baby, I’m passionate about bringing my clients’ visions to life.

What sets my work apart is the attention to detail and the level of personalization I offer. My goal is always to solve the problem of finding that perfect, meaningful gift or keepsake. So many people struggle with finding something that truly expresses their feelings or connects with the recipient, but my services allow them to create something that’s not just another generic item. It’s a piece that has personal meaning, whether it’s a special date, a name, or a meaningful quote. I treat every customer how I would like to be treated and Hoop and Stitch is know for their exemplary customer service.

I believe what sets my work apart is my dedication to quality, creativity, and customer satisfaction. I’ve taken the time to master both embroidery and laser engraving, which allows me to offer a truly versatile range of products. This combination of skills allows me to provide my clients with a wider variety of personalized options than many other businesses in this space.

I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come and how much I’ve learned. When I first started, I had no idea how to use the machines or navigate the world of personalized products. But through trial, error, and a lot of determination, I’ve been able to build a business that’s not just about selling products—it’s about creating experiences and meaningful connections with my clients. I’m proud of the fact that I’ve been able to transform my passion into a business that brings joy to others.

I want potential customers to know that I am deeply committed to creating high-quality, customized items that they will love. Every product I create is made with care, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for the craft. Whether you’re looking for a personalized gift, a custom accessory, or a special keepsake, I’ll work closely with you to ensure that your vision comes to life.

I also want people to understand that my brand is more than just a business—it’s a reflection of my personal values. I believe in creating with purpose, and I’m always striving to be environmentally conscious and mindful of the materials I use. Sustainability is important to me, and I’m always looking for ways to incorporate eco-friendly practices into my work.

Finally, I want my followers to know that my journey is one of continuous learning. I’m always exploring new techniques, experimenting with different designs, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with embroidery and laser engraving. Every project is an opportunity for growth, and I’m excited to continue sharing that journey with others.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal now is to grow my business locally. I have spent the last thirteen years as a business on Etsy. Since I’ve moved into a business location, I want to develop relationships with local customers and be a supporting part of the community. I am in the process of showcasing my products in some local businesses and hope they are well received. In May, you can find custom jewelry, hair accessories and magnets at a salon in Mentor called Faithful Fruits. Watch our social media for the grand opening. I will also have pieces available in a few artisan collectives soon so watch for those.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding thing about being a creative is the ability to turn an idea or vision into something tangible that others can connect with and cherish. There’s a unique satisfaction in seeing a design, a piece of artwork, or a product come to life, especially when it resonates deeply with someone. Whether it’s the joy a client feels when receiving a personalized gift, or the pride you feel knowing you’ve mastered a new skill, the fulfillment of creating something meaningful is what keeps you going. It’s not just about the end product—it’s about the process, the learning, the growth, and knowing you’ve made a lasting impression in someone’s life.

For me, it’s the moments when I see someone’s face light up with excitement and appreciation for a custom creation. My customers are fantastic and share so many amazing pictures with our items! Knowing that my work has made a difference in someone’s special occasion, or helped them express their personal style, is incredibly rewarding. It’s a feeling that never gets old and is the fuel behind why I continue to push the boundaries of creativity.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hoopandstitch.etsy.com
• Instagram: hoopandstitch
• Facebook: Hoop and Stitch Embroidery LLC

Image Credits

All the images are my own with the exception of one which I have print marketing approval.