What’s the origin story of your business?
My name is Felisha Sudberry, owner and creator of Sew Sudberry! I grew up in a small town known as Doolittle and currently live in that same town on a farm with my husband, Shane, and son, Zach. I got my first sewing machine at 14 and became very intrigued by sewing. I learned all of the basics of a machine but never truly picked it up. In 2017 I decided to get the old sewing machine back out and try it! I have taught myself to sew, embroider, and vinyl by watching YouTube videos, attending workshops, and phoning friends! – Thank goodness for people with talents! I started this business as a side gig while working full-time at a doctor’s office. After 2 years, I decided I wanted this to be my full-time job! I absolutely love the joy new mamas get when they open their baby coming home outfit and see their new baby’s name on an outfit for the first time! It brings pure happiness to my heart!!! The custom pieces are much more than just a shirt or gown to the person receiving it! When kiddos get to pick their themed birthday shirt and open it after it’s created, the giggling and happiness it brings to the kiddo remind me of why I love what I do! Seeing the shirts I make in your photos and knowing that years from now, you will look back and remember the theme, age, etc., of where this photo took place simply because of a custom shirt makes me smile so big! This business is so much more than a job to me! I take great pride in making your custom pieces come to life! I truly love what I do, and am so thankful that you trust me to create these memories for you and your family! I have claimed Proverbs 31:13, “She works with her hands in delight”. I am so glad to have visitors in my shop! Sew Sudberry offers custom clothing, including coming-home outfits, birthday shirts, holiday tops, sibling outfits, handmade burp cloths and bibs, and other personalized items! Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions!
What’s an obstacle that you’ve had to overcome to build your business?
One of the biggest obstacles I’ve had to overcome to build my business would be learning new marketing strategies to gain organic customers for my online business and being super creative with marketing strategies to get foot traffic to my shop that is off the beaten path. I had no idea how algorithms work and change daily! I am continually educating myself on new marketing strategies and algorithms for current marketing strategies.
What is unique about owning and running a business in Shelbyville?
I think one thing that is unique about running and owning a business in Shelbyville, for me especially, is that I already know a good majority of people in the area, and the ones I don’t know, we usually have someone in common that we both know. It’s easy to build good strong relationships with customers in this area due to that fact.
As a business owner, what keeps you up at night?
As a small business owner, my biggest concern is probably whether I’ve made the right decision with the “next big thing.” The market trends are constantly changing, and staying on top of them can be challenging. Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the moment, but you always have to look ahead in retail.
What’s one thing you’d say to a person starting a new business?
Be prepared financially. You will need way more money in working capital than you think you may need! Things will come up (Covid, machine repairs, lack of business for one week, etc), and you need to be prepared for those times to stay afloat.
