Mary Wilke, Owner – Sew Smart
What do you do?
I run a quilt shop that offers sewing classes for all skills and ages. We sell sewing machines, sewing accessories, and quilting fabrics and notions. We also offering sewing machine service and repairs.
What education, classes or training were helpful to you?
I go to several training sessions every year to keep up on the newest sewing machines and how to service them. I also attend trade shows to see what the latest trends are in this industry for fabric, quilting, sewing, embroidery, and all other sewing related business.
Why did you choose this sort of work?
I grew up sewing and quilting and it’s my passion. Almost 17 years ago an opportunity came up to purchase A & J Sewing Center, I have loved every day of it.
What do you like best about your work?
The customers. I love getting to know them, taking the time to visit and help them with their projects. My favorite is teaching new lessons to new sewing machine owners.
What advice would you give girls who want to get into your field?
Fashion design is becoming popular again, I see many young women wanting to learn pattern making and design. Upcycling is popular for many also, finding new ways to change their look without buying all new clothes.
What is an example of something you’ve had to overcome to get to where you are now?
Oh my, so many things. Learning to run a small business by myself was difficult. I did take the Small Business Development Center’s Entrepreneur Course which did help quite a bit. I was a very shy person and didn’t do well socializing. Now I have to be! I have learned to do public speaking and presentations to large crowds. Learning to listen to my customers when they have problems and finding solutions so we are both satisfied with the outcome. Owning a small business is many more hours and stress than a 40 hour week. I still overwork myself and am still leaning how to balance home time with work time.
Anything else we should know?
Over the past few weeks we have given away over 450 yards of fabric to people who are making face masks for our medical professionals during the coronavirus pandemic. All of the free kits are gone, and unfortunately Sew Smart has been told to shut down since it is not designated as an essential business. If you are interested in making masks yourself, please check out this guide, and contact your local medical facilities to see if they are accepting donations.
Thank you Mary Wilke!
To read more interviews with local wonder women, check out the Wunderfrauen Archive.