Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicola Day.
Nicola, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When my daughter was 7 years old she became interested in learning to sew. As one of 14 children I had sewed as a young girl through adulthood and college, for my siblings and custom designs for college friends to make some extra cash.
At the time I had a young son so thought it would be easier to send her each week to somewhere and maybe they would teach her new things. When I looked for a place in Newton there was nothing available only in Needham and there was a wait list to sign up for classes.
I could not believe there was a wait list so I thought I would do some market research and email my daughters class to see if there would be any interest in having a free sewing class in my home. And a family friend help me. As word spread I ended up teaching 100 kids in a month and so I knew there was the demand so Hipstitch was born!
I then went on to look for a space which I found in Newtonville which allowed me to rent month to month so it was not too much of a financial risk. I then placed an ad in Craig’s list for sewing machines and teachers. I got 10 sewing machines donated and fabric and found 2 teachers who happened to live locally! We decorated the new space and opened in September 2009
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It was very challenging to get the business off the ground as I still had two young children so was not able to teach unless I got a babysitter, also the space was upstairs and did not have a street present so it made it that much harder to find and for people to see us. I also could only employ people part time so it was hard to employ staff.
It took 4 years for it to make money, We ended up moving four times and now were in a great location with full visibility which makes it easier to find and people know about us so we don’t have to advertise as much. We had to spend a lot of money renovating the current space to make it enticing and fun and creative to make people want to come to the studio and feel inspired. It’s paying off now as were are twice as busy!
One big struggle I had was that one of the teachers decided to leave a bunch of kids alone at a camp with only a high school assistant and so I decided to let the teacher go for the safety of the kids. That teacher then stole the email list and a staff member and machines and set up down the street. (Still there today and copies everything we do for cheaper!)
To add to the headache he reported me to the Attorney General who had to investigate us to make sure we were running a legal business (which we were) we also had to pay back Unemployment Insurance on this person (as we had hired him as a subcontractor as he had another part time job somewhere else!)
Additionally we have had to offer flexible classes and camps to get people to sign up and now our biggest issue is scale ability as people sign up at the last minute so we have to have staff on call!! We over staff do that we can accommodate more sign ups so that can get stressful.
Hipstitch – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Were a sewing and craft studio, we offer craft and sewing classes, parties and camps and creative events. We also offer Fashion club for young girls/boys who are interested in Fashion and how to become a Fashion Designer. Sip and Sew (wine and sewing) for adults like Paint and Sip!
We are known for a creative ideas and projects and installing confidence in our customers so that everybody who comes to the studio gets to take home a project no matter their skill level. Our flexible schedule for camps and cool birthday party ideas set us apart from others and the cool studio space. As well as fun and energetic staff.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is defined not just by the fact we now make a profit and are growing 10/15% per year but that we have a great reputation in our community.
We can also give back to our schools, community and non-profit by donating free parties and classes to people who want to experience the studio but don’t have the means.
The fact that we don’t really have to advertise now shows our success as our reputation precedes us.
Pricing:
- After school classes $135.00 for 4x2hr classes Mother Daughter classes $65.00 ( 2hrs)
- Birthday parties $250.00 for up to 10 guests includes goody bag and project,
- Camps morning 9am-1pm $65.00 Afternoon 1.30-4.30pm $55.00 Full day 9am-4pm $100
- Sip and Sew $45.00 per person includes wine and project.
- Craft Under nights $45.00 per kid includes pizza and popcorn $60 per family up to 3 kids
- Adult classes $50.00 for 2hr private set of 4 classes $175.00
Contact Info:
- Address: 1276 Washington st West Newton Ma 02465
- Website: www.Hipstitchers.com
- Phone: 6179650080
- Email: hipstitch@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram/Hipstitch
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/hipstitchers
- Twitter: twitter.com/hip2stitch
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/hipstitchers/
Image Credit:
Hipstitch
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