Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Budd.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The first incarnation of my sewing business was started back in 2013. I had previously worked at a vintage clothing store doing in house alterations and repairs. The store went out of business and I ended up inheriting their industrial sewing machines. After losing my job I decided the next course of action for me would be to start my own alterations & repairs business. Some friends of mine fortuitously were starting a business collective where we would all share work space under the same roof. I jumped at the opportunity and this enabled me to have my first studio space.
I ended up moving my business around a couple of times over the next few years and ultimately ended up working from home. I ran my alterations and repair business until 2020. At that point I was experiencing burn out and frustration. I felt I didn’t have enough time to work on personal projects or to do any experimentation with sewing. All of my time was spent juggling the sewing work I had coming in as well as working a few part time jobs for supplemental income. Eventually I found a full time sewing job making products for a local business and this is when I decided to stop doing Budd Sewing Co. I occasionally would work on hobby sewing projects in my free time but I still felt completely burnt out and didn’t have much desire to work on anything.
About a year ago I became inspired again after watching some sewing content on YouTube. I saw other sewists running businesses and I thought to myself: “This is what I want to do.” I started developing a loose business plan. I sketched out product ideas and began developing sample pieces for a small collection of bags. After months of dreaming and scheming I finally pulled the trigger and relaunched Budd Sewing Co. My focus is now on making small batches of products and selling them on my Instagram and Etsy shop. I am currently concentrating on making tote bags, pouches and small zipper bags. I still accept the occasional alteration or repair job but I would really like to move away from this kind of work.
My first product launch will be dropping soon. I am excited to announce I am releasing a small line of heart shaped, quilted tote bags. Making these bags has been so much fun and they make me so happy as I work on them. This is a new chapter for my business and I can’t wait to see what the future brings.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been easy. In fact, it’s been very challenging to run a small business. In the beginning I certainly struggled with finances. I undervalued my time and was very concerned with having affordable pricing. This was a detriment to me because I was underselling my own skills and expertise. I had to work twice as hard to make ends meet and I still wasn’t earning enough to cover all of my expenses. I picked up gig work and part time jobs so I could pay my bills. This left my energy resources completely depleted and made it much more difficult to run my own business.
A huge lesson for me was to learn that my time is valuable. Never be afraid to charge a big price for a job that you know will take up a lot of your time. If a potential client refuses to pay that price then they aren’t the right fit for you. Another big lesson for me was learning how to say no. If something isn’t worth your time and effort then it is okay to pass on it. I think these lessons have set me up to run a much more successful business this time around.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My current focus is on making fun and stylish bags with an emphasis on using upcycled and ethically sourced materials. I love a good novelty bag so I developed a fun heart shaped design for my first big launch. I made a small batch of these quilted, heart shaped tote bags and I am absolutely in love with them!
After sewing for so long, I have learned that textile waste is a huge environmental problem. I have taken it upon myself to be a responsible sewist and I have a personal philosophy that every scrap matters. I save every piece of fabric. All of my fabric waste is recycled and used as pillow or craft stuffing. I also buy textiles from thrift stores, Austin Creative Reuse or other vendors who sell remnants or second hand fabrics. I think it is important to move away from fast fashion & disposable culture.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I touched on this earlier, but learning that saying No is okay. I am only one person running a small business. My time is limited and it is important to have time to relax and time for self care. If someone makes an inquiry for a job that doesn’t seem worth my time or effort then I have every right to refuse it. If a potential client or customer thinks my prices are too high then they can shop elsewhere. I will never be able to please everyone and this is fine.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddsewingco/
- Other: https://buddsewingco.etsy.com
