Sew Much More

524 -Nicole Bedard - I Always Loved Documenting Life

Nicole Bedard is a brand photographer, video storyteller, and educator specializing in visual storytelling for makers, artists, and creative business owners. Through photography, video, and social media strategy, she helps businesses showcase the craftsmanship and stories behind their work in a way that builds connection and visibility online.   Nicole Beadard Photo + Video Nicole is on Instagram   Links and Resources; The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks Creative Calling by Chase Jarvis Building A Story Brand by Donald Miller   Canva   The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;     Klimaka Studios   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library   National Upholstery Association   Workroom Tech

523 - Irina Otto - Every Single Piece Commands and Demands Something Different

Irina Otto is the owner of IRICHKA Custom Window Coverings, a licensed and bonded California contractor specializing in luxury custom draperies, shades, motorization, bedding, and soft furnishings. With more than 22 years of experience, she has built her business from a small garage operation into a respected full-service firm serving high-end residential projects.     Known for blending artistry with technical expertise, Irina is passionate about elevating the window treatment industry and redefining it as both a skilled trade and an art form. She remains actively involved in every stage of a project, from design and engineering to installation and client service. A strong advocate for innovation, she incorporates technology such as 3D printing, digital workflows, and advanced motorization systems to improve efficiency, precision, and client experience.     With a background in fashion design and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, Irina believes beautiful spaces are created through equal parts creativity, technical knowledge, and attention to detail. Her mission is to continuously push the industry forward while helping clients transform their homes through thoughtful, functional, and elegant design.   Irina is on Instagram

522 - Listener Favorite - Carrie Brantley

In 2013, Carrie bought her first sewing machine to begin making décor items for her home. Having always been crafty, this was another creative outlet for her and she soon fell in love with creating beautiful items out of fabric.  A year later, Carrie took her sewing skills to the next level by opening her own creative design business, Studio B Custom Drapery & Decor. Links and Resources; The Custom Workroom Conference Craftsy HACDA

521 - The Industry is Changing and So Are We

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;     Klimaka Studios   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library   National Upholstery Association   Workroom Tech

520 - Listener Favorite with Theresa Harmon

Theresa Harmon is a graphic designer turned one-woman drapery and soft furnishings workroom. She loves transforming beautiful fabric into custom creations not found in the mass retail market. Theresa works with retail clients, a handful of decorators, and her daughter Lee, owner/designer at Contented Interiors, and her other daughter Nivette who is her project manager. Her husband is her admin, on-site measurer, foam cutter, bookkeeper and tax man. Theresa grew up with an artistic mother who kept her supplied with a plethora of arts and crafts kits. She learned to sew at summer camp and through middle school home ec classes and have had a love affair with sewing and fabric ever since. Her high school guidance counselor didn't have an answer for how to combine art and math into a career, and she didn't know she could make a living sewing so she pursued a BFA in Communication Arts & Design. Thersa's best art projects are their five children who are now contributing members of society;)     Theresa is very curious and always asks a lot of questions. She also loves people and sharing information so she considers herself a connector. She's had the privilege of being an employment coach for nearly ten years helping over 100 people get jobs. These personality traits led her to create and maintain All the Trimmings Shop where she tries her best to turn clients' dreams into reality.   Links and Resources; As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases and I am grateful if you choose to use my links. Tobi Fairley Slight Edge by Jeff Olson You are a Badass by Jen Sincero Shade Smart Class from Workroom Tech Custom Workroom Conference The Workroom Channel - Elki Horn Brene Brown   The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;     Klimaka Studios   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library   National Upholstery Association   Workroom Tech

519 - Denise Dalton - I Am the Eternal Optimist!

Born and raised in England, Denise pursued studies in child development and education following her primary schooling. Throughout her life, her dual passions for sewing and childcare have been enduring themes. Today, she is the proud mother of four and a blessed Nana to seven.  Life is a gift, and has a way of taking us along a journey that evolves and Denise has learned to embrace that journey through the good times and the challenging times.  Denise's love for sewing began in childhood, inspired by her mother's sewing classes and school curriculum in England. What started as a hobby evolved into a full-fledged business, as she recognized her natural talent and passion for textiles. From sewing clothing for herself at a very young age, to creating costumes for her children's theater and dance productions to designing window treatments, Denise's journey into entrepreneurship felt like a natural progression.  The Drapery House Denise is on Instagram and Facebook Links and Resources; The One Thing The Five Second Rule - Mel Robbins The Lost Apothecary Ecommerce Asana Minutes Matter Measure Sheets

518 - In Memory of Sam Sloan

517 - Jill Ballew - I Don't Believe I Have the Best Ideas, I Believe Together We Have the Best Ideas

Jill Ballew brings more than 30 years of experience in the custom window treatment and soft furnishings industry. She is the owner of High Country Drapery Design and The Workroom Collective, two companies built around craftsmanship, service, and a deep respect for the details that make interiors feel truly finished. Through The Workroom Collective, Jill partners with interior designers and trade professionals across the country, providing expertly crafted drapery, Roman shades, bedding, pillows, top treatments, and custom soft goods. Her work blends the artistry of traditional fabrication with the structure, systems, and communication needed to serve today's high-end design industry. Jill is passionate about preserving the craft of custom fabrication while helping designers feel supported, confident, and cared for throughout the process. She believes the best workrooms are more than vendors — they are trusted partners who protect the designer's vision, honor the fabric, and help create beautiful, lasting spaces for clients. Jill is on Instagram   Links and Resources; Solatech Quoting Hubspot Asana Traction by Gino Wickman EMyth Revisited by Micheal E. Gerber

516 - Chester France Jr. Lifting Labels

Chester A. France, Jr. is a Veteran Small Business Owner, a Certified Life Coach (CLC), Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master Social Work (MSW), and Offender Workforce Development Specialist (OWDS). Mr. France has more than 30 years of professional experience in sales, sales training, and management in the for-profit sector. For more than 15 years, Mr. France has provided management and technical assistance to nonprofit organizations, particularly in the faith-based community, to include establishing several nonprofit 501(c) (3) corporations.  Mr. France is a graduate of Morgan State University with a degree in Business and Marketing. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Howard University School of Divinity and is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Social Work with a Management and Community Organization concentration. Currently, Mr. France is the Lead Facilitator for Create U Network, an Entrepreneurial Training initiative located in West Baltimore, in partnership with New Song Community Church. Mr. France is the Founder of The Chill Station, Inc. (dba) Lifting Labels, a 501©(3) nonprofit organization and the Founder of Lifting Labels Benefit Corporation, both established to reduce poverty by creating careers for Baltimore' Returning Citizens and unemployed veterans, particularly those formerly incarcerated. Lifting Labels Benefit Corporation is certified with Electronic Maryland Management Advantage (eMMA), Veterans Small Business Enterprise (VSBE), Small Business Reserve (SBR), and System for Award Management (SAM.gov). Website - Lifting Labels Facebook and Instagram   The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;     Klimaka Studios   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library   National Upholstery Association   Workroom Tech

515 - Sohn Lewis - I Love Sharing What I Know

Over his 40+-year career, Sohn Lewis has reupholstered thousands of pieces of furniture and other items, including antiques, walls, and automobile and boat interiors. One of his more notable projects includes upholstering hundreds of replicated seats for the 2000s renovation of Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. His work also appears in the Smithsonian Institution, a few embassies, and the Maryland governor's office, Senate chambers, and statehouse. He's done work for Joseph Furniture Restoration (Columbia), Johnson Berman (Baltimore), Ibello Upholstery (Baltimore), and Iatesta Studio (Kent Island). He is the lead upholsterer and instructor at The Cavanagh House in Baltimore.   The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;     Klimaka Studios   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library   National Upholstery Association   Workroom Tech