An Inspired Chat with Tabatha Smith

Tabatha Smith shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Tabatha, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Oh, the first 90 minutes of my day are my little ritual of calm before the creativity kicks in. I usually start with a big mug of coffee — that’s non-negotiable — and a few quiet minutes to get centered. Then I’ll take my dog out for a walk; it’s my time to clear my head, listen to the birds, and maybe let a few ideas percolate about whatever quilt project or event I’m planning next.

Once I’m back, I settle in at my desk and spend a little time mapping out the day — checking in on Quilt Queens, reviewing plans for the Quilted! Summit, or sketching ideas for a new pattern or retreat theme. Those first 90 minutes are really about setting the tone: caffeine, fresh air, and a clear plan to keep the creative energy flowing

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Tabatha, the founder of Quilt Queens, a vibrant online quilting community, as well as the owner of Camellia Palms, a quilt retreat center, and The Quilted! Virtual Summit, an annual event that brings quilters together from around the world to spark ideas, use what they have, and finally finish those long-lingering projects.

What makes my work unique is how it blends creativity, connection, and confidence-building. Many of the quilters in my community are still finding their footing — they’ve got passion and ideas but sometimes struggle with color choices, design, or just staying motivated. Through Quilt Queens, I’ve built a space where quilters can grow their skills, share their wins (and their “oops” moments), and cheer each other on.

I love helping quilters rediscover the joy and playfulness that got them started in the first place. At the end of the day, it’s all about creating beauty, community, and a little spark of inspiration — one quilt at a time.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My grandparents. They were part of the greatest generation and had a strong work ethic. Whether that was working a job, working a garden, volunteering at church, they were rarely idle. They shared what they had freely and they shared their knowledge as well.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self that it’s never too late to chase your dreams — and I’d mean it. Life doesn’t always unfold in a straight line, and sometimes the dreams that matter most take shape later, when you’ve gathered a little more courage and a lot more perspective.

Starting Quilt Queens and creating spaces like Camellia Palms and the Quilted! Virtual Summit came from that realization. I didn’t have it all figured out when I began — I just knew I wanted to build a community where creativity, connection, and confidence could grow together.

So I’d remind my younger self that the timing doesn’t have to be perfect, the path doesn’t have to be clear — you just have to start. Every stitch, every small step, adds up to something beautiful.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that generosity and community are what matter most to me. I’ve always believed that quilting — and really, life — is meant to be shared. Whether it’s offering encouragement to someone who’s doubting their skills, sharing fabric and ideas, or creating spaces like Quilt Queens where quilters can connect and lift each other up, that sense of giving and belonging is at the heart of everything I do.

For me, generosity isn’t just about material things — it’s about time, attention, and kindness. Building community through quilting has shown me how powerful it is when people support one another, celebrate small wins, and show up with open hearts. That’s what fills me up and keeps me inspired every single day.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I understand deeply — and what I think many people overlook — is that people simply want to be heard. In my experience with Quilt Queens and the Quilted! Summit, it’s not just about the quilts, the fabric, or the techniques — it’s about connection. We have had 18,000 + attendees at our summit this year and over 4,500 quilters and crafters attend Camellia Palms Retreat over the past 6 years. When someone shares a project they’re proud of or admits they’re stuck on something, they’re really saying, “See me. Hear me. Remind me that I matter here.”

That understanding has shaped everything I do in my business. I make space for conversation, for encouragement, for listening between the stitches. Whether it’s a member celebrating a finished quilt or someone struggling with color choices, I try to make sure they feel seen and valued. When people feel heard, they open up, they grow, and they start to believe in themselves — and that’s where the real magic happens.

Contact Info:

• Website: tabathasmithquilting.com , camelliapalmsretreat.com, quiltedsummit.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabathasmithquilting/, https://www.instagram.com/camelliapalms/. https://www.instagram.com/quiltedsummit/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tabathasmithquilting, https://www.facebook.com/camelliapalms/, https://www.facebook.com/quiltedsummit/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabathasmithquilting