I’ve always been a firm believer that the business success I have the potential to achieve is up to me. That a colleague or competitor’s success does not and can not negatively effect my own. In fact, if we join together and share our knowledge there are opportunities beyond anything each of us could reach individually.
I was recently on the receiving end of some extremely generous knowledge sharing. I attended Deb Lutrell’s Boot Camp for Shop Owners in Quitman, Texas. Stitchin’ Heaven is a premier example of a quilt shop operating on all cylinders. In business for over 10 years, Stitchin’ Heaven is a strong brick & mortar destination shop, a thriving online business, and delivers a Block of the Month operation that still has me in awe.
The bottom line is that Deb Lutrell is one smart business woman. Confident, successful, and genuinely excited about teaching other shop owner’s how she does business. She loves the quilting industry, her customers and her colleagues. She teaches both the detailed nuts and bolts of how Stitchin’ Heaven operates and her philosophy that drives the business. Did I get my money’s worth? Absolutely, and then a whole lot more.
Being a sole owner of a creative business sometimes leaves me feeling very alone. Going to boot camp reminded me that I need to continue to nourish and cultivate the supportive network of individuals I’ve met and continue to meet within the quilting industry and outside of it.
I left boot camp feeling energized and confident about what I need to do to grow and move my business in the direction I envision. It reminded me that I get to define the business so it fits with my personal life philosophy and goals. To stop worrying about what everyone else is doing. I need to say that again just to make it sink in: stop worrying about what everyone else is doing. Truly words to live by. To reflect on and embrace what makes me unique. To enjoy every last moment of the journey. To be fearless and brave.
That’s a lot of stuff for a 3 day class! Deb’s next boot camp is June, 2011. She also teaches sessions at Quilt Market (go whether you’re a shop owner or designer, you’ll learn lots).
Niki writes the Stitchin’ Heaven blog. She did a short interview with me and now I’m a Stitchin’ Heaven Friday Feature!
I also just have to say that I loved being in Texas even in July. The hospitality was amazing. I got to eat green chili enchiladas, hush puppies and fried okra. Yum.
Congratulations on your weekend and boot camp experience. I love the lesson you walked away with about focusing on what YOU are doing. That’s a wonderful lesson for any of us under any circumstance. I hope you get to see the benefits of your weekend unfold in your business.
Great post. My husband and I were watching the induction ceremony into the Football Hall of Fame, and speaking of Texas, Dallas Cowboys superstar Emmitt Smith said in his speech, “You can’t let other people define who you are. YOU define who you are.” Good words to live by.
Thank you so much for sharing! I am a new online shop owner, and I am trying to figure out what I want to be unique about my shop. There are so many things out there, and I see there is no need to just be another fabric store that’s a copy of someone else’s, even though they might be very successful doing what they are doing. Just trying to figure out what that difference will be about my shop. I’m hoping to go to Quilt Market in Houston, and I’ll definitely look for her class! Now I’m off to read the interview feature!
I love hearing stuff like this about your business. And thank you for repeating “stop worrying about what everyone else is doing & define your business to meet your own life and vision.” As a quilt designer, more often I talk myself out of doing something rather than moving forward in a meaningful direction.
I am really happy that this worked out for you! I will be on your team, if you want me! I would be interested to know what you thought about the Creative Entrepreneurs conference going on in Seattle at the end of the week as compared to what you just attended. I don’t know if you were planning on attending.
Thanks for the pick-me-up!
SOunds like this was just the ticket for you! Yay for being ourselves!
Amen sister!
So glad to hear it was such a brilliant experience for you and I wanted you to know that you never cease to amaze. I can’t wait to see how Pink Chalk evolves!!! ox
This article was perfect. Your philosophy and interpretation is definitely inspiring and comforting. Deb is a wonderful woman and I truly feel fortunate to have her and Stitchin’ Heaven a part of my life. She is a wealth of information & you’re right, she is so eager to share. It was my pleasure to meet you and continue to get to know you trough your blog & facebook! You’re doing a super job!! Well done! xoxo
Perfectly written my friend!
You make me smile, Kathy.
Well, you make me smile a lot, but reading what you experienced in Texas makes me even giggle, because YOU have that effect on people, too. YOU encourage people to do what works for them and YOU always follow your heart.
YOU have great enthusiasm for life (great passion!) and YOU find a way to keep things fresh and YOU have always been that person for me – the one who helps me see things from a different perspective.
I am glad that this gave you a renewed spark to continue and make things 100% YOU! (though I think that it has always been 100% you) ….none of us can see inside when it feels lonely and you feel like you need to “keep up” with others. I know the insecurity all too well and never even considered that you might have it, too. Ha! It is all just a big part of the creative process…
….. and that is a good thing, right?
I love you dearly! talk soon?
xo
I loved your post and your interview with Niki. I was in the first Boot Camp group and I learned so much!
Kathy,
Your writing is fantastic and hits a lot of nerves, in a good way. Thank you for signing the praises of an highly intelligent woman who is not afraid to share, but truly is guided into this path.
You, yourself, whether you know it or not are also an inspiration. As as all of the owners that participated in the recent boot camp. Truly gems that are priceless.
Thanks,
Patty
(where it is still over 100 degF)