• Who are you?

Jenny McCreary Owner of Sew Confident Ltd and more recently She Does Networking

• What does your business do?

We run sewing classes and sell supplies in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and online. Everything from absolute beginners sewing to lingerie, bikinis, quilting and pattern cutting. We also have a dedicated class for men called Sew Macho!

• Where are you based?

I am based in The Hidden Lane in Finnieston. It’s a great location, buzzing with interesting bars, cafes and shops so it seemed like the perfect place. I didn’t want a shop front and I didn’t want an office space as that seemed too formal so a studio here is perfect! I have some friends with studios here too so that is useful if I need a cup of tea and a break!

• How did you get started?

I started as a mobile sewing company. I knew I had to keep my overheads low to survive the recession and I already had a car so I built a website, rented out third party venues like cafes and function suites and lugged 8 sewing machines and equipment all over the place. I had 3 jobs to make it work and very muscly arms!

• What is your background

I have an honours degree in fashion business from GCU which has proved incredibly useful! It was half creative half business and I loved it.

I used to work for a craft café called The Life Craft, owned by a friend of mine. I never planned to get into teaching but she convinced me to give it a go and I loved it. Crippling west end rent and rates meant that it sadly did not last but I realised there was still a market for sewing classes and my friend Vonnie who owned The Life Craft bought me 8 sewing machines to pay up to get started! I was 24 and in no way ready to start a business but I needed a job so I had to make myself one!

• What is your top tip?

Be positive and say yes to things! If you think about and focus on everything that can go wrong then it probably will. Better to focus on what can go right and visualise where you want to be. Saying yes to things has opened a lot of doors for me and if people think you will say yes they are more likely to keep you in mind for future opportunities.

• How long has your business been running?

I have had the business for just over 4 years now.

• Who was/is your mentor/or inspiration?

This is cliché but definitely my parents. They are both so hardworking and run their own business, Diet Scotland, as well as having other jobs on the side. I think having an existing family business makes starting your own a less daunting prospect.

• Where do you plan your business to be in five years time?

Ultimately I would like to franchise the business and have it running all over the UK, and maybe further afield!

• Contact Details

Jenny McCreary

www.sewconfident.co.uk

Jenny@Sewconfident.co.uk