Like many start ups, Rebecca is building her online business as well as working full time. So if you buy thread from Sew for good, know that it was probably packed at lunchtime! Sew for Good is a story we wanted to share because it reflects the lives of many small & micro businesses and the risks they take to get started - and their motivation. We asked Rebecca to share why she specifically wanted GOTS thread and how things have been so far.
The business is not yet large enough to sustain as my only job (yet) so the hardest thing has been working full time and running this business. I have to make sure I focus on managing my time after work and during breaks to ensure customers queries are actioned, orders sent quickly and research done for improving products and the website. I'm lucky to have a husband who works in international freight and understands this industry very well which has helped to make the importing side a lot easier. Learning about setting up and running a website was also a challenge but one I really enjoyed and thrived on.
Simply to give it a go. I had this idea a while a go and so thankful I took the plunge. We're still small however I really feel like Sew For Good is giving people a better option for what they use when sewing. I couldn't believe I wasn't able to buy GOTS certified thread in Australia and still can't believe the lack of range for sustainable fabric too. Sew For Good's focus is to change this.
Seeing the start up companies which are regular customers of Sew For Good and have the same philosophy as me. They're so thankful for the ability to buy Certified Organic thread in Australia (and Japan) and working with them makes me know its all worthwhile. These are individuals who are making clothing, hand printed tea towels, reusable menstrual pads, printed cushion covers, shopping bags and cutlery wraps to name a few.
No, these go hand in hand. In my personal life I try as much as possible to be plastic free and as sustainable as possible. It isn't always easy but the key is to keep improving and looking at better ways of doing things. With Sew For Good I'm trying to be strict on what we stock and research as much as possible. It isn't easy though. As an example, we're currently in the process of adding fabric to the store and found a cheaper option than what we're going to end up stocking however the answers I was receiving from the supplier weren't giving me 100% confidence that the fabric was GOTS certified or that is was the best I could find. In the end I kept searching and have now found a supplier I trust and the fabric is amazing. Will be more costly with lower margins but its worth it.
This year will see Sew For Good growing beyond just the GOTS certified thread to include notions and fabric too. For Fabric it will be GOTS certified and Hemp and for notions will be the best I can find to make sure customers are buying quality that will last. I've already started with Tulip needles and Pins from Japan and have a few other items on the Wishlist.
I think my favourite thing to do is redesign. Too often when people grow out of a style or just feel an item of clothing isn't how they imagined it, it ends up discarded. I've learnt to take the time to look at it again and see how I can make it better. I'm doing the unpick and redesign of a jumpsuit I made a year ago which I loved the overall design but there was something about how it fit me I wasn't so keen on. I'm loving being able to take it apart and improve it - it's a matter of trial and error.