Today we’d like to introduce you to Andria Niles.
Andria, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I went to school to become a paleontologist, which I did for a while in Arizona. I then became a high school science teacher after realizing I loved working with people. We moved to Texas for my husband’s job in 2005 and we had kids. I decided to stay home when my 3rd was young because she had asthma very bad and it was becoming too difficult to manage being away from work so much for her doctor visits. I began sewing and teaching my self to quilt while I stayed at home. Sewing led to embroidery and then I took the leap to start an at-home business. That became successful rather quickly and I outgrew my small space at home. I had so many customers coming in and out as well as items that people brought me (backpacks, blankets, clothing, etc.), that it essentially took over the house. I had also begun teaching “Learn Your Sewing Machine’ classes on my dining room table but quickly realized my space wasn’t ideal for teaching classes. I tried to build a ‘She-Shed’ in my yard but was blocked by my HOA.
I had dreamed of having an embroidery/sewing store for a while, but it never seemed very practical. Then, my Dad died very unexpectedly, and I remember thinking that life is not ever guaranteed. I was waiting for some ‘perfect time’ to follow my dream, but I realized there is no perfect time and I would hate to feel regret someday that I didn’t follow my dream. Now was the time! So, after much thought and contemplation, I decided to find a small space where I could have a studio and do embroidery and sewing, but that didn’t exist in my area. So, with the help of a realtor friend, I found a small retail location that was just the right size, location and price, and so I took the plunge to open a full on retail shop! It was very scary, but even more exciting!! The space was large enough to have retail, tables for classes, a small lounge/sitting area as well as space for embroidery services. I have learned a lot over the past year and a half, and have continually adjusted our classes, services and products to cater to what my customers want.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has been a learning experience for sure! I am a first-time business owner, so I have had quite a lot to learn. Luckily, I have a great team of people helping me, so I know I can ask for help and answers to questions when I need to. It is not easy juggling three kids, a home and a business, and I have had to make sacrifices. I’ve made mistakes, and I have to let some things go like worrying about how clean my house is (hire a housekeeper twice a month!). I have been able to hire great employees, so I can be there for my kids after school, etc. I certainly feel spread thin sometimes, but I enjoy being at my shop and providing the community with something that was missing! I have had to learn that sometimes it is important to takes risks, even if you don’t know what the outcome will be. Sometimes, plans won’t go as I would have liked, but sometimes they are better. It is scary to put yourself out there, but I’m learning to trust my gut more and worry less about things out of my control. As I said, I’m learning every day, and I just see my obstacles as learning experiences!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Sparkly Elephant Sewing Lounge – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I consider my shop to be a modern maker space. we are focused on sewing and quilting, but we have hosted other activities like painting and beading. We offer custom embroidery/monogramming services, sewing/fiber arts retail, classes and volunteer activities with groups like Angel Gowns. We offer many kinds of sewing, quilting and embroidery classes and we listen to our customers and do our best to add classes and activities that they want. We have open sew times where people can come and use our tables and space. I started our chapter of The Modern Quilt Guild, the Gulf Coast Modern Quilt Guild, and we used to meet at our shop but we have outgrown the space!
My shop is bright, fun, and welcoming. Our regular customers have become friends and we strive to offer a unique space where everyone from beginners to seasoned sewists/quilters feel welcome and want to visit. I am often complimented on how cheerful the shop is with our bright colors, fun bathroom wallpaper and pretty lighting. My goal when opening the shop was to have a place that was different from all the other sewing/quilting stores I’ve ever visited. I wanted to #makesewingcoolagain, and slowly but surely we are reminding people that sewing, quilting and embroidery isn’t just for your Grandma! I have had great interest in learning how to sew from students of all ages, especially since sewing is no longer taught in schools.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am hoping to grow and add more classes for my customers. I’d love a bigger space that will allow me to offer more. I think sewing, embroidery and other fiber arts are something people love having access to because it’s not taught in schools, and it’s not something most people know how to do anymore. But the desire is there, so I want to be able to provide more opportunities for people to learn and participate in the arts in a variety of ways.
Pricing:
- Learn Your Sewing Machine Class – $45 – Basic beginner class for anyone feeling intimidated by their sewing machine!
- Sewing 101: Pajama Pants – $25 – Perfect beginner project for those who don’t have much sewing experience.
- Sewing 101: Make a Tote Bag – $25
- Free Motion Quilting – $55 – Learn how to do free motion quilting on your domestic sewing machine.
- Learn to Sew a Zipper – $25
- Cricut 101 – Learn Your Machine – $45 – Learn how to use your machine! Make a tea towel – all materials included!
- Custom Embroidery Services – prices vary from $10 and up – we embroider/monogram almost everything!
- We carry sewing/crafting furniture and chairs in a wide pricepoint from $229 and up.
- We sell Eversewn sewing machines which range in price from approximiately $350 and up.
Contact Info:
- Address: The Sparkly Elephant Sewing Lounge
301 W. Edgewood Drive #14
Friendswood, TX 77546 - Website: www.thesparklyelephant.com
- Phone: 832-895-9208
- Email: info@thesparklyelephant.com
- Instagram: @sparklyelephantsewing
- Facebook: facebook.com/sparklyelephantsewing
Image Credit:
All photos taken by Andria Niles.
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
