Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Libby Goetz . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Libby , so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
There is a great community of other small businesses out there and when I get a chance to talk to them it lifts me up and makes me want to go home and start working! We bounce ideas off each other, compliment each other, talk about challenges,. We all know what goes in behind the scenes so there is a great appreciation for each other. Also I found a great community on socal media of people doing similar things to me and they are great to share ideas with and reach out to when I am stumped and all around a fun, safe, and understanding group of people.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hello, my name is Libby and I started Stitch by Libby a little over 3 years ago! When I was pregnant I knew I didn’t want to keep working my 9 to 5 so I taugh myself how to sew hoping one day I could make something out of it. 4 years later I did just that. Which is crazy to think about. I sell a lot of children items like toddler aprons, toddler ponchos, hair bows, and other small items. I sell simple things but have them for all different personalities so there is something for everyone! For my upcoming markets this year I have made space for a Mommy and me section which I am excited about. It will have bows, earrings, and claw clips that will all be the same print. I am hoping to also display it in my store in Strongsville called Handmade Haven.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I have an all around positive attitude which helps a lot when things do not go a certain way. If I have a bad market or something I make was not popular my attitude really helps me look forward for what I need to be doing next instead of thinking about how something failed and being upset about it.
I also can make the same thing 100 times and still not be sick of making it and that is a huge thing. I love to find ways to become more efficient. I had a goal of making 200 aprons in 2 months last year and instead of dreading it I loved getting my daily aprons made and seeing the number of aprons I needed to make go down each day. Also would time myself sometimes to see if I become more efficient.
Then the last one is know my personality well and learned what works for me and what does not. As well as what I like to do and what I do not like to do. I have enough confidence to say no to things because I know I will dread it. I am one person business so it’s only me and I need to enjoy what I am doing to keep my motivation going. I always thought I would sell on Etsy which one day I might again but only for certain products but I tried and hated it. Things would take me so long to do. So one day I stopped doing and found more ways to sell things the way I like selling things like markets and stores!
I think if you are just starting out you need to be open to things and flexible of ways to do things and do what makes you happy. You need to figure out your strengths and find ways to use them to benefits you. Also not dwell on the things that did not work out and start planning your next move instead.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Everyone! I love meeting people and hearing thier opinions on things because I am always learning. I love to go to markets and listen to customers thoughts because that is who I am making things for. I love hearing people’s experiences what works for them and what didn’t. I love hearing people’s idea that they think I should make. I might not always run with it but you never know what creativity someone’s idea might stir up in my mind! I think it’s important to have an open mind when running a small business! I love to do things my way but also know I can always improve.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Stitchbylibby
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stitchbylibby?mibextid=LQQJ4d
