Story & Lesson Highlights with Lindy Elston of Southeastern Pennsylvania

We recently had the chance to connect with Lindy Elston and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lindy, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Several things have been happening over the last few weeks that just bring a smile to my face. There was a surprise birth of twin baby goats here at our home. Watching them grow, explore and become playful is such a joy. I enjoy canning a variety of foods, for my husband and I and others, so putting all those jars up on my shelves and just looking over all that work makes me proud and feel fulfilled. Gardening is another thing that while it takes work, it brings me much joy. Watching the plants grow and become something to harvest is such an enjoyable process.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Lindy Elston, I’m the one woman show behind my brand Lindy Design. I didn’t grow up having a love of sewing. I remember thinking that crocheting, quilting and sewing were thing Grandmas did. If only younger me would have known what I’d get into. I’m on year 4 of my own sewing business and I absolutely love what I do!

I started off in 2021 doing custom work on denim jackets, primarily with Pendleton wool. I was getting so much custom work by the end of the year, that I began having jacket drops each month with pieces I customized. These drops could range from corduroy & colored jackets, to denim sherpa jackets, kids jackets, regular denim jackets, denim sweatshirt jackets and so much more.
In the summer of 2023, I knew I needed to do something different over the summer months because jacket sales were just not doing well. I took my sewing skills to another level and began sewing bags. They were a hit! Now each summer, I create my own bag collections, such as sling bags and tote bags, and each collection is named after an important woman in my life. I love honoring them in that way!
In fall of 2024, I finally brought into reality a dream I’ve had since the beginning- making a full wool coat from Pendleton wool. It turned out beautiful and was a hit among my followers, so I began offering the option to customers to fully customize a wool coat.
I’ve had amazing opportunities with this business, none I would’ve ever imagined. Photographers and influencers I’ve gotten to work with, people I’ve gotten to sell to, magazines I’ve been featured in – God is so good.

Currently, I’m working on a lot of custom work. I have a few custom bags to make alongside jackets customers are sending to me to have custom work done to. I have a batch of baby and toddler jackets that I need to work on for a drop, and a batch of denim sherpa jackets that will be custom done with a boutique across the country! There’s always something that needs sewn!

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
I was surrounded by a lot of hard working people growing up. My parents and grandparents have a strong work ethic and instilled the same in me. Growing up on our family farm, there was no off day. Animals needed fed and cared for, no matter the weather. While my Dad ran the farm, my Mom also ran her own businesses, which spurred me to start my first business at 14. I’ve gleaned some much from the way I was raised and the work I did alongside my parents. I wouldn’t trade the way I was raised for another other childhood, I’m so thankful to be a farm kid.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of trying something new. It comes a lot easier to some, but I’d rather stick with what I’m familiar with and what I know works. But, if you look at my business over the last 4 years, there’s lot of new things that I’ve made. I would always be a little worried about bringing in a new jacket style. Will my customers like it, will it sell, what if I’m stuck with a whole drop of this style? But time and time again, I was proven wrong in my doubts and customers would be so excited.
I run my business around the idea of being unique and different. I love finding vintage or older style jackets that are no longer sold in large quantities, those are pieces that are always well loved. They’re different from the same old repeats everyone is selling today. I think we’re all bored of everyone trying to be the same person and follow the same trends. I encourage people to be different, be their true self and embrace that. We’re all made differently, thank goodness!

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
In the clothing industry, I personally would say there’s a lot of:

“You need to get the newest pieces for every season! New season, new wardrobe!”
“Everyone else is buying the latest trending clothes, you don’t want to look different do you?”
“Buy all of our cheap clothes, it’ll be worth it.” Cheaper clothes break down quicker over a few wears and cost more per wear in the long run.
“Retail therapy is self care!” In reality, we’re just chasing that dopamine hit of buying.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
I am not defined by titles, roles or things. What would remain is Christ in me. I will die one day and nothing of this world will go with me.
2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!”
Philippians 3: 7-8 “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.”

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Karlee DeCerio

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