Today we’d like to introduce you to Margaret Ann Thurmond
Hi Margaret Ann, 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?
My story begins with a long line of hard working self starters to look up to. My father, Jerry Pizzitola, opened the famous Pizzitola’s BBQ restaurant located here in Houston 40yrs ago from his love of outdoor grilling. From the moment I was able to hand out menus to waiting tables through out my life I worked and was able to see what it looked like to own your own business.
Fast forward to the last few years where I decided to become a stay at home mom to my two children. Though I love the blessing of staying home to be with them and pick them up from school, etc., I had a pull at my heart to create something of my own to give me back the feeling of self again. Throughout that time I, along with my mother, were the sole caretakers of my father with Alzheimer’s up until he passed away in January of this year. Now that I am able to truly focus on my ability to express my creative side and am able to be at home as well.
I have always been interested in the craft of embroidery and watched both my grandmothers perfect it throughout the years. So I decided a year ago to go all in. I bought, with no knowledge of how to monogram, the big poppa of embroidery machines. I have gone through a lot of ups and downs as I have done my best to learn as much as I can and create pieces that are not what you see everywhere. I have more to learn but I am grateful for all the amazing referral based clients I have and hope to grow as I go.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
This road has been about as smooth as rock garden!! It started with my business partner and supposed friend walked out a month into starting the business leaving me with the debt of the machine and all that it takes to start an embroidery business. Along with that I was taking care of my father and children every day. It was not until the last few months that I have even had the chance to focus on the craft. I am now learning along the way and know that at the end of the day it all happened the way it was supposed to happen and the future is bright.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At the moment I focus mainly on monogramming, embroidering business logos, and some hand embroidery as well. I don’t know if I really have any one thing I specialize in but I would say I am known for my creative designs. I would say I am also known for my customer service and have been very lucky to have all of my clients come to me as a referral and all of them I repeatedly have projects from.
I am most proud of making it through year one with several obstacles and loss of my closest family. I believe what sets my small embroidery business apart from the many that are out there is my willingness to make whatever my client needs happen even if it means last minute or that I will spend my own money to purchase whatever design they are thinking of in their mind so that it is what they truly want.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I would say to be patient and when you feel like you are failing or can’t do it…keep going. I wish I knew how many mistakes I would make starting out and continue to do today.
Pricing:
- $12-15 for three letter monogram
- $12-15 full name monogram
- $12-?? for designs
Contact Info:
- Instagram: bluedoorembroideryhtx
