This week in our ongoing Meet the Maker series, we’re getting to know Kari Mecca, the innovative designer behind boutique sewing company Kari Me Away!
LBC: What inspired you to take your leap as an entrepreneur?
Kari: I think I have been in business since grade school. It just seemed natural.
LBC: When you first got started, how did you envision your business would be defined?
Kari: Beautiful sewing patterns and embroidery designs for children.
LBC: How would you describe what you create?
Kari: Creative embellishing techniques, unique sewing tools and fun sewing patterns for children. I design, develop and sell sewing patterns and kits; I also manufacture my signature sewing gadgets, Whimsy Tools, which can be used to make an assortment of unique flowers and trims using ribbon. I have authored several how-to sewing books and educational DVD’s, contributed to many sewing magazines, and design unique hand and machine embroidery designs. Additionally, I run an online shop where you can purchase hundreds of different ribbons, trims, fabrics and sewing supplies.
LBC: Where can we find your products?
Kari: A full line of patterns, books, my Whimsy Tools and other sewing supplies are on my website, Karimeaway.com. My books are available at Martha Pullen Company, Nancy’s Notions, Joann Fabric and Craft stores, Amazon, and select heirloom sewing stores.
LBC: Walk us through your typical work day.
Kari: Coffee, email, social media, more coffee, and either sewing or computer work – all of which is possibly done in yoga pants.
LBC: What are 3 things makers should think through when they initially decide to start a business?
Kari: Do you have an original product (plus 10 more ideas)? You also need to make sure you have good computer and photography skills; and make sure you can afford to go without a paycheck for awhile.
LBC: When you’re overwhelmed, what brings you back to focus?
Kari: A power nap to clear my mind (if I was cool, I would meditate – but problem with that is, I would probably fall asleep) and then a quiet room to concentrate . And, of course, chocolate and coffee.
LBC: Tell us about a few of the best business decisions you’ve made to date.
Kari: The development and production of my own line of embellishing tools: Whimsy Sticks, Whimsy PinWheels, and Going in Circles tools. The creation of my film instructional DVD’s. Teaching; I love the face-to-face interaction and sharing of ideas that only comes from spending time with other creatives! And my website – I have had an online shop for more than 15 years.
LBC: Please share one mistake or obstacle from your business experience. How did you bounce back/overcome it?
Kari: I am left-handed, and because of that, I held off on teaching for a few years. In the end, it never really mattered. When you’re doing well, work even harder!
LBC: What are 3 essential resources in your business toolbox that you can’t do without?
Kari: Abobe software programs, social media platforms, and a trustworthy and happy staff.
LBC: Suppose we had a time machine. If you blasted ourselves forward a few years, where would we see your company?
Kari: Sharing everything from basic sewing to clever sewing/embellishing techniques in downloadable classes. Always writing new books, dveloping a new pattern line of classic sewing designs, new surface fabric designs and Whimsy Sticks for sale in every fabric/craft store in the country!
LBC: Share one of your guiltiest pleasures.
Kari: Netfix. Theres nothing better than picking a TV series and watching every episode made non-stop, no matter how many seasons there are!
LBC: If you could hire someone to do just one thing that you sort of loath doing, what would it be?
Kari: Someone to keep me organized.
LBC: What’s your favorite quote and who said it?
Kari: My motto: “Live, Love and Sew!”
LBC: Have you ever held an odd job or one you weren’t particularly fond of?
Kari: I was a bank teller in high school. I loved the people, but could never seem to balance my box.
LBC: If you were given a million dollars, but were not allowed to keep a single penny for yourself, friends or family, how would you spend it or give it away?
Kari: The education of women and children in the art of sewing. My hope would be to teach a marketable skill so that, if needed, they can support themselves, and to nurture creativity and individuality in the hopes of instilling confidence and an open-mindedness to new ideas.
Thank you, Kari, for sharing your talent with us! We absolutely love your work and we look forward to all the wonderful things ahead for Kari Me Away! We’re cheering you on…
Want to see your brand featured in our continuing “Meet the Maker” series? Drop us a line: hello AT luckybreakconsulting.com. Please use “MEET THE MAKER” as the subject line and be certain to include your web address. We look forward to hearing from you!
