Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Chappell.
Hi Elizabeth, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
If my teenage self knew I would be a QUILTER, I would have laughed in disbelief. My thoughts about quilting changed forever, though, in the fall of 2015.
My neighbor and friend were going to the Houston Quilt Market. Her mom, a fabric designer, came to town every fall for this ‘Market’. I invited myself to tag along simply out of curiosity. I wanted to see what her mom did.
The Houston Quilt Market literally changed my life. I was blown away by how COOL it all was. It was modern, full of beautiful fabrics. The projects were relevant, and there was such an energy. It was at the Houston Quilt Market that I realized there was a business niche right in front of me.
I quickly learned all I could about quilting, and started selling monthly subscription boxes for quilters. Over the years my business has pivoted, as all things do. I no longer have a monthly subscription box. But I am deeply involved in the quilting community.
I now am a fabric designer myself (what my friend’s mom did), I write quilt patterns, and I have created a podcast and community helping others learn how to turn a craft into a career.
It has been deeply rewarding to grow a successful business, both as a female entrepreneur, and in an industry that often gets overlooked. There is opportunity everywhere. Success is available in the most unexpected places!
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?
My business has definitely changed over the years. I’m not sure I would say there have been major struggles, but as with most things, there have been ups and downs.
Most of the ups and downs have been emotional. I would see others growing an audience faster than I was. Or I would struggle to learn new technology and wonder how will I ever do this.
But one of the things that have really helped me stick with it is having a supportive husband. He’s been there to listen and cheer me on. I also do credit a lot of what I’ve done to mindset work. I am intentional about studying and listening to things that will help me look at things with a positive outlook. That has been really helpful for me!
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?
I am a fabric designer, quilt pattern designer, and online educator. When people ask what I do, I never know which one to respond with!
The thing I am most proud of at the moment is my fabric collection. My very first fabric collection just came out, and it has been years in the making. My mom was a quilter, and when I got into quilting, she was thrilled! She knew I wanted to design fabric, and she would often ask, “when will your fabric be ready?”
Sadly, my mom passed away before my fabric ever came out. I am honored to have my first collection named after her, Gayle Loraine. It’s been a huge accomplishment that I know she is proud of.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Oh man – I have learned so many lessons along the way. But right now the one that I keep noticing is the power of our thoughts.
I coach and teach a lot of creative entrepreneurs, so I see the struggles from them (and from myself). I also see people who go on to have success and those who end up throwing in the towel. There isn’t much difference in talent or skill set.
The thing that sets them apart is their mindset. This could come across as really being ‘out there’, but I have seen it too much to pretend like it isn’t a thing. Setbacks happen to everyone. Hard things happen to everyone. But some people are very intentional about regrouping, trying to look for the positive, and seeing what they can learn. And some people just plan to succeed. They kind of won’t allow for anything else.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://quilterscandy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quilters_candy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quilterscandybox
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSCdiTEWvhOxfZmGhS4XuEg
- Other: https://quilterscandy.com/podcast/
