Interview with Erin Mankowski, Owner of Sewcial Creatives - Frisco

Published: Oct 01, 2024, 11:45am

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As part of our ongoing "Getting to Know Your Local Businesses" series, this week we sat down with Erin Mankowski, Owner of Sewcial Creatives!

Tell us a bit about your business: What does your business offer and how long have you been around?

Our shop offers sewing and longarm machines, machine service and repair, bag making supplies, cotton fabric, notions and sewing classes. I have had an online shop selling fabrics and custom handbags for several years. Our brick-and-mortar location just opened in May of 2024. The shop is run by myself and my husband.

How did you decide to get involved in this line of work? How did the business get started?

I have been sewing for about 25 years in my spare time. Although I was still working, I started making handbags for friends and family and started my online shop about 8 years ago. When I lost my job during Covid, I put more effort into my online business and the dream of opening a shop developed. My husband and I knew right away we wanted to add sewing machines and make this a family run business.

Tell us a couple things you are proud of about your business. What are you known for? What separates you from the competition?

I am known for my bag making for sure! We have a large variety of bag making supplies that other shops may notcarry. I directly import high quality cork fabric from Portugal as well as carry vinyl, zippers and bag hardware. We also have bag making classes like no other. In fact I have 2 bags in the 2024 State Fair of Texas with first place ribbons.

What is your favorite part of running this business?

The sewing and quilting community. We already have regulars that either share their projects with me or come to us for assistance. Any way I can help in their journey makes me feel good. Finding new sewists and to see their journey brings us joy as well.

Who is your target market or ideal customer/client?

People coming in with or without sewing experience are equally important. I love talking to an experienced sewer and learning something new from them or seeing the projects they have completed over the years. I also enjoy talking to beginners and getting them excited about sewing and creating.

Can you tell us something about yourself as the business owner? What is your background?

My husband and I both have finance backgrounds. I was Director of Accounting for a hotel firm for about 15 years. I lost my job during Covid and was devastated at the time. Looking back, it is the best thing that ever happened in my career and led me to opening my dream shop.

Are there any special promotions, annual sales, or special events that you would like to mention?

We are planning a Black Friday sale and end of year sale. The best way to get notifications about our shop is to

signup for our newsletter, follow us on social media and check the classes/events tab on the website www.sewcialcreatives.com Additionally, we have had a booth at the Plano Quilt Show for the last 3 years and expect to continue that annually. I also speak throughout the year at local quilt guilds about bag making and working with different materials.

Is there any other information you would like your potential customers/clients to know about your business?

We are constantly growing and changing. I listen to all customer requests and suggestions to make the store the best it can be. I try to speak with all customers that come in and find out what they like and how they found our store. Additionally, our service department aims to provide top notch customer service and quick turnaround time.

How do you see your business growing and improving over the next couple of years?

I would love to expand the classroom space. I think it’s important to offer a great place not only for new machine owners to learn about their machine but to offer unique projects that keep customers coming back to learn a new skill. I personally love to teach and hope the business allows me to spend more time in the classroom as well.

For more information about Sewcial Creatives visit their website.

972-955-7444
5201 S Colony Blvd. Suite 760
The Colony, TX 75056