We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Libby Goetz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Libby below.
Libby , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I believe my work ethic comes from my parents. My dad was always busy—whether it was work or being involved in different activities, he never sat still for long. My mom stayed home after having kids, but eventually started her own small business and ran it from home. I had a front-row seat to her dedication and hustle from a young age. She often let me help out, which gave me an early appreciation for what it takes to build something of your own.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m the owner and maker behind Stitch by Libby, a handmade brand inspired by the things my daughter loves and the items I personally enjoy using. My product line includes everything from toddler aprons and ponchos to hair bows (even ones made from baseballs!), clip-on earrings for kids, and crayon holders.
Recently, when my daughter had her first loose tooth, I started making tooth fairy pouches—those have been a big hit! I’ve also begun making fabric headbands, which were inspired by my own need to hide my roots while growing out my hair color. Just like many of my creations, they’re made to be used and loved by both me and my daughter.
You can find Stitch by Libby items at several local shops—Handmade Haven (Brunswick), The Corner (Shaker Heights), and LilyNicholas Shoppe (Medina). But the best place to experience my full collection is at one of my pop-up events, where I set up a large space to showcase everything I’ve made. I love discovering fun and unique fabrics to match all kinds of personalities, so there’s always something new to find!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
One of the biggest things that helped me grow Stitch by Libby was getting out into the community and talking to people. Hearing their offhand comments or feedback about my products has been incredibly valuable. I originally planned to sell exclusively online, but I’m so glad I shifted to mostly in-person sales—there’s something special about those face-to-face conversations. So many of my ideas or product changes were sparked by casual comments that probably wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t been interacting directly with customers.
The same goes for connecting with other small business owners. Learning from their experiences, hearing their stories, and simply feeling part of that community has been both encouraging and educational.
At the heart of it, I just really enjoy learning and creating. Luckily, I don’t get tired of making the same thing over and over—in fact, I find it fun to challenge myself to improve the process, make things more efficiently, and keep refining my methods. I especially love when someone asks for a specific print that’s a little off the beaten path, and I can say, “Yes, I have that!”
Another important part of my journey has been not having a rigid plan for what Stitch by Libby “should” look like. As I mentioned, I thought I’d only be selling online—but in-person events turned out to be something I truly enjoy. So much so that I currently don’t even have an online store; all my sales are through pop-ups and local shops. With my daughter starting kindergarten in the fall, I’ll have a bit more time, so I may revisit the idea of selling online again—or maybe explore a new path entirely. I’m open to where this creative journey takes me.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
As I mentioned earlier, I truly enjoy selling in person and partnering with local shops. I’d absolutely be open to collaborating—whether that’s with storefronts looking to carry handmade items or event organizers seeking unique vendors. I love connecting with people and being part of community-centered spaces, so I’m always excited to explore new opportunities to share my work.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/stitchbylibby/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/stitchbylibby
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