Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Rice.
Hi Taylor, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I was always very interested in art but I could not find my medium. I tried everything from oil painting to pottery and nothing would stick. After graduating from Eckerd College with a BA in Business Administration, I started my first “Real Job” at a tech startup. I took up hand embroidery as a way to unwind after work each day. The tech world was definitely not something that I was passionate about and I was becoming more and more drawn to the idea of making embroidery my full-time job. After doing a lot of research, I finally discovered vintage chainstitch embroidery machines and knew this was my calling. I left the tech world and haven’t looked back once!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Owning your own business is almost always a rocky road! Even if I have a great three months straight, there is always a question in the back of my mind about tomorrow. My work definitely comes in waves and I have finally learned not to worry too much during the slower seasons because it usually means a rush is coming soon! It requires a lot of time management and financial planning.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a chainstitch embroidery artist; I use a 100 years old vintage embroidery machine to create one of a kind pieces. Most embroidery today is computerized, but my embroidery is completely handmade. Chainstitch embroidery was very popular during the 1950’s; there aren’t that many chainstitchers left!
This year I have been focusing on custom wedding jackets for brides and grooms. I love all of my custom work but having brides and grooms asking me to be a part of the most important day of their life has been especially rewarding. My style is edgy and unique which attracts edgy and unique customers. I have created wedding jackets for some very unusual wedding themes such as Star Wars and Halloween.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Chainstitch embroidery is definitely having a comeback thanks to the music industry. There are some very popular musicians who love performing in chainstitch outfits. I hope this trend continues and that people become more familiar with this medium.
Personally, I would love to expand beyond chainstitch embroidery in the coming years. I have recently started selling screen-printed clothing which has been a hit; I would love to sell more clothing and maybe even learn how to do the screenprinting myself!
Contact Info:
- Email: moondevilthreads@gmail.com
- Website: moondevilthreads.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moondevilthreads/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moondevilthreads/
- Other: tiktok: @moondevilthreads
