Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Kendall.
Hi Erica, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My dad taught me to sew when I was around 5-6, and I never stopped learning from there. It’s not typical for men to know as much about basic sewing, but he learned out of necessity. In his family, you got one new outfit for school at the beginning of every school year, so if you wanted to make your clothes last, you better learn how to repair them! By the time I was in middle school, I was designing and making my clothes by hand. Finally, in high school, my dad brought home a Singer sewing machine from a coworker. It was from the 1960s and still worked great. My skills grew from there shortly after I got my first sewing machine and learned how to use patterns for the first time. At Georgia Southern University, I studied Fashion Merchandising & Apparel Design, Business, and Women’s & Gender Studies. I never stopped sewing for fun, but my career took a turn into retail management, office management, art instructor, making natural cleaning supplies, health coach, and Door Dasher. After many failed attempts at finding my way while raising children, I took a part-time job on a whim with an alterations studio downtown called Forget Me Knot Alterations. Within the first few weeks, I knew that I could replicate an alterations business in my own way, and the dream grew from there. I incubated with Natalie Gomer for over a year, and my sewing skills skyrocketed. She is a wonderful teacher, mentor, and powerhouse of a businesswoman.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Starting this business has been relatively easy, mainly because I’ve had other small businesses over the years, and I’ve always learned something new each time. This time, I was more confident in licensing, business organizations, and taxes. I have much more to learn on taxes, but we have so many online resources and free consults with business planners, and a huge resource for me will be the I-Hope Women’s Business Center. They have classes on everything business related for women and minorities!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The Button Club, LLC is a mobile alterations and sewing service provider. I fix anything from basic repairs, hems, gowns, suits, and restyling. What sets me apart is that I am mobile! I come to you for fittings and delivery. I also partner with Subtle and Sass Boutique in Carolina Park for fitting appointments.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was always making art and playing outside with my cats.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @The.Button.Club.Sewing
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090261451344&mibextid=LQQJ4d
