Custom Quilt Artist Business Plan Leave a comment

Sew Distinct LLC is a sole proprietorship owned by Sally Stitch. I sell original, high-quality custom quilts to discerning customers who give them as gifts or keep them as heirloom artworks. I manage the customer response and design. Machine quilting is done by two local hand-quilters. They have roughly 20 years of combined experience. I have negotiated per piece prices. Sew Distinct quilts were made at the owner’s house and are sold to my customers in northwest MyState as well as through my website. I have several years experience as a professional quilter. My strength lies in my ability to convert even the most basic ideas and descriptions of customers into beautiful and meaningful designs that both givers and recipients will appreciate.

Sew Distinct creates custom, handmade, snuggly, quilt art for customers who value originality and don’t possess the skills or time required to make such pieces. Working with my customers during the design phase gives them the satisfaction of being involved in their gift or artwork without having to make a huge investment of time and labor. You will treasure the quilt for many generations.

I have been making quilts on commission as a hobby for three years now, and cannot keep up with the demand from new customers when doing this part-time. Sew Distinct will operate out of my home as a full time business. My goals are to make it possible for me and my hand-quilters to earn a decent living doing the work that we love. I also want to repay the small loan I received when the business opened in two years.

I will minimize the financial risks by requiring payment at the time of commission. The customer has the option to work with me for as long or as they wish, but they must pay me full price before I can start creating the quilt. This arrangement has always worked well for both of us.

Most of the value of the quilts comes from the labor of designing and creating them, rather than from the materials (fabric, thread, etc.) of which they are composed. Therefore, my start-up needs are very small (under $5,000).

• 1,000 of inventory (a basic fabric collection)
• 1,000 for a second machine
• $1,600 cash reserves
• $350 for website development
• $600 for various supplies, legal fees, and other expenses

I will invest $2,500 in the startup of the business and another $2,050 to buy initial stock of fabric and equipment. Based on the current prices of my quilts and how long it takes to finish each one, I estimate that sales will reach $45,700 the first fiscal year. In the third week, I expect to start breaking even.

1.1 Mission

At Sew Distinct, I know that my customers value originality and high-quality work as much as they value their time. I will give them high-quality, custom-designed, quilt art. It can be displayed as artwork in their home or office, as well as being kept as an heirloom.

1.2 Keys to Success

Sew Distinct’s success is based on these key factors:

1. My reputation as an exceptional firm has been solidified. Nationally, I am the only person who can create truly customized quilts that are not based on standard geometric patterns.
2. By emphasizing my customers’ unique needs, I am able to cater to their customization needs. It puts them, and their personality, at center of the product.
3. These finished custom quilts can be made in a matter of weeks (locally or online) for a premium that enhances the quality and prestige.
4. Maintaining originality of design and quality of skills to turn bulk, inexpensive fabrics and materials into high-end artworks which can bring high prices.

1.3 Objectives

• Create and sell 6 original, custom quilts per month, at prices which cover owner’s labor.
• You can leverage your contacts within local artisan groups or my customer base to generate word-of­mouth advertising.
• You can create a website to provide information and start non-local business.
• In just two years, pay your initial investment back with 10% interest.