Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Alvarez.
Stephanie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I created StitchAway Designs as a way to channel my inner creativity and to connect to my family’s roots in Guatemala. As I was studying for my associates in fashion school, I came upon an Instagram page on embroidery. This is where the inspiration to make embroidery necklaces and accessories was born. This creative idea came from my passion for fashion and a higher purpose of serving others. Thinking of new ideas for my embroidery necklaces is my designer trait and being able to pair up with a fair trade organization were Mayan women weavers get paid ethically is the serving attribute.
To me, I wanted to make this company all about giving back. As customers purchase my products, they are contributing to giving indigenous women in Guatemala more job opportunities. When the products are done being embroidered, I’m able to add my craftsmanship to the product by assembling the necklace very delicately and engraving a special message on the back of the necklace when requested. Overall the mission of my company is to spread out a positive message/serve a good cause through my merchandise. They are to give a word of encouragement or show kindness in a small package.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There has definitly been alot of challanges. At the beginning of this project I teamed up with a partner which we later parted ways. Meaning that I no longer had women embroiders working on my project because they were hired by my ex-business partner. This made it all so difficult to start from scratch to find an organization in Guatemala to do the embroidery, considering that I’m here in the states. Although our partnership did not work out that didnt’ stop me. My passion and persistence did not let me quit. Which led me to keep on searching and being guided by the one who initially gave me the creative idea, God! And surely I was able to find Cojolya, who is the fair trade organization with whom I work with today.
StitchAway Designs – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My business is all about handmade embroidery items or handwoven items that are done in Guatemala, which adds a hint of culture into my pieces. As a designer, I come up with new designs, samples, and assemble the necklaces. The fair trade organization will only do the embroidery but I do the rest. I’m most proud of my embroidery necklaces because they are very rare to find in any store. The whole packaging is very unique, from top to bottom. The outer material of the necklace is made out of wood, which adds a vintage and delicate touch. The inside, which is the embroidery, is also very delicately stitched by culturally skilled working hands. And to add the last special touch is the detail in the back ,which can carry a beautifully engraved message for that special someone whom it is being gifted too. I get a lot of custom-made requests, which makes the gift even more personalized because its specifically stitched by ME!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success for me is not about the likes on social media. Sucess is knowing the impact I’m making by giving artisans their value and recognition along with impacting my customers some way or another. The smallest contributions of my product is all so worth it!
Pricing:
- Necklace without Engraving $35
- Necklace with Engraving $38.50
Contact Info:
- Website: stitchawaydesign.
etsy.com - Email: stitchaway.designs@
gmail.com - Instagram: stitchaway_designs
- Other: stitchawaydesigns.com
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