Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassandra Ross.
Cassandra, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When I was a little girl, I always had my clothing sewn for me due to the current religion that we were in. As we transitioned away from that religion, I had developed a love for sewing. As I became a teenager, I knew I had to learn how to sew. I ended up taking sewing classes in High School and pajamas and a pillowcase were the first items that I had sewn. I fell in love with sewing from that point forward. As I got older, I realized that finding clothes to fit me was becoming sort of a nuisance. Then it dawned on me to just sew my own clothes with the skills that I had learned in school! I took a little bit of break from finishing school and raising my two boys and picked up sewing again in 2014. Here I am, almost two decades later, pursuing my dream of sewing and created “Sew Sew C.” When I started back sewing, my skills were a bit rusty, but as time went on, I got much better to where I can sew just about anything!
Suddenly, the BLM Movement happened and I was able to experience first hand the inequality and the stigma that surround Black sewists. It was eye-opening for me! From there, I knew I had to find groups of people that wanted to support each other during this time, which is how I was able to develop my Facebook Group, Sewists of Color. My group is filled with sewists that want to support other sewists in our sewing endeavors. Shortly after creating my Facebook Group, I landed a partnership deal with Babylock Sewing, who wanted to show support to my goals of breaking the stigma that surrounds Black Sewists.
Also, during this time, COVID happened. All sewing machines vanished off of the shelves. All white and black thread vanished as well as cotton fabrics and elastics. For those who were not making masks, it got to be difficult to just sew regular clothing because we could not find the regular sewing notions. Again, I knew that I had to do something and find a way to get sewing delivered. That is how ThreadCrate was created. I wanted to have sewing delivered to people’s front door, to reduce the risk of being exposed to the virus, but still get the joy of sewing. A lot of people have bought sewing machines during this time and either want to learn or just need the extra help or push to start so that is where ThreadCrate comes in as well. I wanted to take the guesswork out choosing fabrics and patterns, and just make the experience less stressful for all! Many people in the world want to sew, but I just do not know where to start, so I hope that this box inspires, teaches, and motivates everyone!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road but the road is leveling out! Trying to find supplies in the sewing realm and dealing with delayed shipping has been the most difficult thing! The stores are still running low or out of stock on items so we do not have a choice but to get items shipped.
Please tell us about ThreadCrate Brought To You by Sew Sew C.
I am a sewist, known as Sew Sew C. I sew mostly everyday-wear clothing or clothing that a mom would find comfortable to wear while running errands with the kiddos. I am also known for my Facebook Group, Sewists of Color, as well as my Sewing Subscription box, ThreadCrate.
I am most proud of my Subscription Box. I was able to overcome a lot of obstacles that almost prevented me from not being able to get the box started and launched. What sets my box apart is that it is first sewing box that includes everything needed to sew an everyday wear garment. A lot of other sewing boxes do not have what I have in my box! As for me, Sew Sew C, I am just a super down to earth sewer. I make sure that people know that you can sew everyday wear. Everything does not always have to be about high fashion, especially during COVID, where everyone is working from home. What’s not better than sewing your own loungewear to work in?
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I would have done this earlier! Sometimes, people have a habit of letting fear set in. Or the fear of failure. I was that person. When you go to get a lot of opinions from people on your business ideas, I would say that is mistake #1. Keep your ideas to yourself and execute your ideas!
Pricing:
- ThreadCrate – 1 Month Subscription – $60.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.threadcrate.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/thread_crate
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/threadcrate
- Other: https://instagram.com/SewSewC
Image Credit:
Hair: Toria @ Bold N’ Classy Hair
Fabrics: Blended Thread Fabrics
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