Meet Katie Fredrickson of Edgewater Avenue in Spring

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Fredrickson.

Katie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I remember the exact day I started sewing. I was 15 years old, shopping online after school one day. I saw a pair of shorts with an American flag on them, and I fell in love! But not with the $90 price tag… So I asked my mom if I could borrow her sewing machine, and after picking up a pair of thrift store jeans and an American flag bandanna, I started something I had no idea would become my lifelong passion and career.

Since those early years, my business has taken a lot of turns, but I finally found the best use of my skills and interests in sewing supply and pattern making. A few years ago, I was running a swimwear brand and I decided to start a YouTube channel sharing how I made my suits. My channel soon took off, and I found that there was a lot more demand for the DIY side of things versus the actual swimwear I was making. So I decided to start making sewing patterns for my subscribers, and today it’s become the bread and butter of my business.

This year has been especially important for Edgewater. Things have really started to take off, and we’re now able to start branching out and carrying more patterns, fabric, and notions. I never thought my hobby would become my career, and I love helping other makers start their brands and make their own garments!

It’s just the beginning to this story, and I feel strongly that the past few years were just the author’s note, if you know what I mean! I’m really excited for the years to come.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My business was a hobby and a side hustle up until recently, so I do generally look back and see a smooth road.

That being said, Edgewater Avenue took many turns before it got to where it is today. I even went through three different names- The Brightest Color, Katie Fredrickson Shop, and finally Edgewater Avenue. I started off hand making and selling swimwear, then drop shipping, then looking into manufacturers, then I went back to handmaking, and now I’m in the DIY industry.

It took me a while to find my place, but I see now that that’s a normal part of many businesses, and now I’m that much more confident that I’m in the right place.

Another struggle I still fight today is feeling like my product is good enough. Every time I get a review, I still brace myself thinking it’s going to be a 1-star, horrible rating. However, I’m wrong every single time! I try to overcome this fear by harnessing it into motivation to constantly improve.

Overall, I look back and feel enormous gratitude, but I humbly look back on the days when I thought my hobby would remain just a hobby forever.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Edgewater Avenue – what should we know?
Edgewater Avenue is an online sewing supply shop carrying sewing patterns, fabric, and notions. We help small business owners and DIYers create their own garments either for themselves or for customers. We’re best known for swimwear patterns and tutorials, but we’re soon branching out into activewear, men’s, and children’s.

The sewing style of swimwear changed a few years ago. I won’t go too far into specifics, but modern swimwear is made in a way so that it’s seamless and often reversible. It’s more comfortable, flattering, and better quality this way! However, since this is a newer development, the technique isn’t widely known- which is where Edgewater Avenue comes in. We’re one of very few shops that create modern swimwear patterns, paired with beginner-friendly video tutorials.

If customers are sick out outdated, frumpy swimwear patterns made with outdated techniques, they come to us! Swimwear sewing used to be intimidating to even the most experienced sewer, but we break it down so even someone who has never sewn before can get the hang of it.

Another factor that sets us apart from other pattern companies is that we cater to small business owners. Whereas many other pattern companies include policies that bar you from selling what you make from their patterns, we encourage you start your own business and sell pieces made from our patterns!

I’m incredibly proud that we’ve become the go-to company for DIY swimwear, and customers of all skill levels are finding a passion in sewing.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First and foremost my grandma – Grandy! She has been my number one supporter through this whole journey, and if it weren’t for her then there’s no way I would be able to graduate college, run my business, and work full time through it all. I dedicated the name of the business to her, as Edgewater Avenue is the name of a street very special to us!

I’m lucky to have been raised by two business-savvy parents who have taught me to be thrifty and creative. My dad and I are very alike, so we bounce ideas off each other all the time. He’s worked professionally in sales and marketing for many years, so he always has the best career advice and business insight, but is the only mentor that loves me like a father would, and who I can truly trust. And I’m not saying my dad is a genius, but my dad is a genius and everyone should know it. My mom is very much a realist, and she will tell me exactly what I need to hear. She has kept me (and countless others) grounded through so many changes, and she is the strongest but most humble woman I know. She is a mother in every sense of the word, and I find myself becoming more and more like her.

Finally, my husband. When Austin and I started dating, I was taking a break from my business after feeling like my product wasn’t good enough. He was the one who encouraged me to pick it back up when I did, and during our time together he’s been a part of every step. He’s a proud Texan and he’s more interested in hiking and trucks than in fashion, but I’m so lucky to have married someone who is not afraid to learn about and get his feet wet in the sewing and fashion industries. When I said “I do”, I knew I married my life partner, but I had no idea I was also marrying my lifelong business partner!

Pricing:

• Patterns $7.99-$10.99

Contact Info:

• Website: http://edgewaterave.com
• Email: hello@edgewaterave.com
• Instagram: edgewaterave
• Facebook: officialedgewaterave
• Other: http://youtube.com/c/katiehattabaugh

Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.