Rising Stars: Meet Sabrina Simon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sabrina Simon.

Hi Sabrina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I learned how to sew quilts from my Grandma when I was 18. She wanted to make a quilt but didn’t feel she could do it alone. I’ll be honest, she did most of the work on that first quilt herself, my main job was to cut the fabric into squares and iron the seams but as we worked my Grandma explained how to put the quilt together along with the best practices and tricks she’d learned over the years. This experience increased my interest in sewing and gave me an outlet for buying fabric, a hobby of its own.

The Green Squirrel had been a dream of mine since 2012, I started making things for my nieces and nephews and exploring Pinterest in search of sewing projects. I read blogs, researched fabrics to use, and asked for family members’ feedback focusing on making functional, high-quality products that solved everyday problems. In 2020, my husband helped me get a business license and with the encouragement of family and friends, I became more confident in following my dream. I joined a private group called Craft Show CEO with Katie from the Strawberry Swing and Carly Rae Design Studio, they provide support and assistance to local makers starting their businesses. I also bought an industrial sewing machine which was slightly intimidating but absolutely worth it. It took me a little longer than planned to build my website but I was able to launch it in September 2022.

I did my first big show at the Strawberry Swing Fall Festival in October and recently was at the Strawberry Swings 12th Annual Holiday Market in the River Market. I’m learning how to make videos for social media and update my website sometimes I feel uncertain in the process but I remind myself that everything I’m doing is a learning opportunity just like the first quilt I made with my Grandma.

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?
I’ve definitely experienced roadblocks along the way to getting my business where it is. One of the biggest struggles has been self-doubt and my own inner critic. At some point, you just have to move forward even when you don’t mentally feel like it. It’s important to lean on people during these times. If my husband, Mike, hadn’t been so supportive over the last few years I know I’d still be dreaming of starting a business instead of having it started, he really took the lead on the business licenses and figuring out how to get it completed.

In 2020, my supervisor at my full-time job, Ajibola, had me write a personal strategic plan and we discussed my small business goals. She’d frequently check in with me and ask how things were going and she celebrated with me when I got the website launched and with each show, I’ve done recently. My sister, Stephani, has always been a huge fan of my products and a big source of encouragement, along with my Mom. Recently, my Mom joined me in prepping for the Holiday Market and attended the events to help out in the booth. I’ve been very fortunate to have a lot of support from family and friends and to meet amazing makers in the community.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My goal is to make solutions to everyday problems by making things that are fun, functional, and uniquely you. I focus on making things that will last and are easy to wash because the things we own should add value to our lives, not additional stress. I think the amount of time and energy I put into making sure my products are functional and ensuring they will last is what sets me apart. I double-stitch and sometimes triple-stitch my product seams. While I’m most well known for the baby products I make, I also make Unpaper towels, an eco-friendly alternative to single-use paper towels, quilted pillow covers, Minky blankets, small accessories, and tote bags.

My best seller is my baby bibs, I use cotton on the front and soft Minky on the back making them super absorbent and easy to wash and dry. The pattern was actually modified from a Simplicity bib pattern many years ago. 98% of all my baby products feature cotton and Minky fabrics. The other 2% are the flannel blankets I make. I love using a wide variety of prints and colors so there is something for everyone.

The Unpaper towels are my second best seller and they feature a cotton chenille back and cotton duck cloth front. This makes them absorbent on the back for any spills or messes and I like to use the front to polish the top of my counter top eliminating any streaks that are normally left behind by a dishcloth. They have finished edges instead of surged edges giving them a nice finished look and making them a great addition to your kitchen counter.

Something that I’m very proud of is the quilted pillow covers. They give me a chance to play with patterns and colors but on a much smaller scale than a regular quilt. I started sewing them for myself because I like changing my decor out but my house was built in the 70s and the closets are small. It also feels wasteful to have a bunch of pillows that typically can’t be washed and with 4 dogs being able to wash things is essential. It was a simple solution to an everyday issue and since I like them I now offer them within my business. I finish the inside edges with a serger and use a special pattern that I created so they don’t have “dog ears” in the corners. I plan to continue to create more curated collections and patterns in 2023.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I’ve had quite a few people at shows tell me they are learning to sew or they are making their first quilt and my biggest advice is to keep at it, find people to follow on YouTube that makes sewing tutorials, and get the right tools. Learning from my Grandma was amazing, but I had other people who influenced me as well including a woman named Susan Berns. She’s the person who taught me how to lay out and cut fabric. I’ve watched a lot of sewing tutorials over the years, I’ve created some great things and I’ve created some things that were not so great. This is all part of the process.

If you’re thinking of starting a business make sure you’re making something you enjoy. Even I get burnt out on sewing sometimes, especially when I’ve had to rip out my 4th seam with my seam ripper. Listen to customers’ feedback, you can’t be everything to everyone but customer feedback can be helpful., this being said remember to always make something you enjoy, I’ve had people make suggestions for products that I’m just not interested in making.

Find your people, the people who ask you questions about your business, text you to see how you’re doing at a show, and encourage and support you. Having those people in your life to encourage you and celebrate with you is huge. Having that friend who comes to your shows with their 2 little kids solely to see you and show their support is the best feeling. Keep those friends and family members close to you and lean on them whenever you need that support. Lastly, be that person for someone else!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://greensquirrelstudio.myshopify.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greensquirrelstudio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreenSquirrelStudio/ 

Image Credits
Cassie Taylor