How I Set Up My Sewing Business, Sew Over It

I wanted to do a little (or long!) video on how I set up my business in London, Sew Over It. I hope you find it interesting and inspiring in case any of you are thinking of starting your own business :)
If you fancy a look around the nursery, you can watch my nursery tour on my Lisa Comfort channel here: • Video
And FYI, Jasmine did arrive on the 4th of May!
Connect with us!
Website: sewoverit.co.uk
Instagram: sewoveritlondon
Twitter: sewoverit
Facebook: sewoveritlondon/
Pinterest: pinterest.com/wearesewoverit
My Instagram: lisacomfort
My Twitter: lisa_comfortuk
My Facebook: / lisacomfortuk
My other KZbin channel: / @lisacomfort

[@kathydekker8324]

Wow, I wish I had watched this video 5 years ago when you first did it. You could've saved me some trouble. 😅 I found this video so relatable to my own experiences in sewing professionally, even though I'm from Canada we have the same troubles here. Any sort of fashion/design courses are very expensive and only offered in big cities like Montreal or Toronto. Also, very few people my age were sewing back then and still aren't actually- it's still considered an old lady thing which baffles me. Yet in the U.S. you can see so many highly successful young people in this business. That being said I did struggle to find my niche, I've done the curtains, custom sewing, and many, many alterations. Then thankfully graduated to bridal wear. I've been doing that for almost 17 years. Unfortunately, I started later in life and now find it hard with arthritis to keep up with the rush of it all. I have been considering teaching, so your insights have been very helpful. I would not consider myself a pattern designer, but I certainly know a good one when I see it. I have invested in many of yours. 😉 So, thank you for this video and all of the work you and your team do for the rest of us trying to make a living with our sewing businesses. Take care & All the Best!

[@anniehegr4469]

I don’t believe in “luck”. You make your own “luck” through hard work! Your story is very inspirational.

[@Audreywomanby21Garments]

Who is watching this with me in 2020 during the covid pandemic period? Thank you. I feel blessed watching and listening to you pour out your heart. I could with your story on so many levels. I'm glad you've come this far and still pushing. You are a strong woman.

[@bakerwannabe4435]

I’m watching in 2022 and find her story and ideas very inspirational.

[@angelrose7906]

A lot of good information. How lucky you are to know so many people willing to help. Makes a big difference. I enjoy your watching your channel.

[@free_spirit8882]

So many people out there "share" their story of success, but really, they don't. But you! You definitely shared super helpful information by telling your story! This is the kind of storytelling that women (and other aspiring entrepreneurs) need to hear - the details and specifics. This video was not only interesting, but inspiring, too. (I found your vlog posts very entertaining!) And my take on your success --- it's all because you worked your darnedest to get to where you are! Your work ethics and business model are commendable. So you deserve every little (and huge) blessing that comes your way. The biggest blessing of all is your little bundle of joy! I say enjoy her and every single moment of motherhood x

[@rohanjimmy3510]

sorry to be so off topic but does someone know a trick to log back into an instagram account?? I somehow forgot my login password. I would appreciate any help you can give me

[@mmmay29]

Thanks for sharing your story! I am a sewer who learned from a local lady teaching classes. Without her teaching lessons I never would have learned how to sew or discovered a huge passion of mine. I've been sewing since I was 8 and am now 21 and still love it so much. I love that you are helping spread the love for sewing!

[@ruthirwin8222]

What a fantastic video ...very interesting....well done

[@christinemartin9449]

I have only just found your site and love it. I have been sewing for almost 60 years and you have given me a new boost and I am still learning about sewing. Loved hearing about how you set up the business. I have had 2 successful business in my lifetime and it really is hard work, so many people do not realise how difficult it is to set up a business then to keep it going. Long hours are the norm. Once again so pleased that I found you, keep it up.

[@georginamorgan3421]

You are such a great role model for young sassy women. And I firmly believe you make your own luck in life. You should definitely win an award for Women of the Year! As a mum of a daughter I felt an overwhelming sense of responsibilty from the get go to show my little miss the unstoppable power she possesses. She's grown up watching your videos and sharing this story will be awesome. Thanks Lisa.

[@sewgatormomm]

Wow! That was very interesting. Congratulations on all your hard work, talent and luck. I think it takes all three to be a success. It also shows how important friends and family can be, not only for support but for contacts and connections. When we finally get to visit London next year, your shop is one of the first things I want to visit!

[@lisafenn4238]

WOW! Your enthusiasm for the wonderful business you have grown is positively infectious. It is evident when you speak, as to just how much of your heart and soul you have put into this venture. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I think what you have created is simply amazing and you, my dear girl, are just lovely. xxx

[@SewNaturalDane]

Thank you so much for sharing your story and your growth as a business woman. It's great to hear these types of stories for us aspiring and growing business owners.

[@DanaDeeBee]

What an amazing story of success. I enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you for sharing!

[@131dyana]

I started hand sewing when I was 8 years old. I got my machine in 1963 still using it. I made all my children's school clothes until 8th grade and they all wanted store bought clothes. I still love to sew every thing I am 78 now and still making Christmas presents every year for my family. I start in July. Thank you for your story.

[@brigittelm6054]

Wow as to the book it goes out into the universe and boomaranged right back to you. That is such a blessing.

[@sandrabrowne6501]

Dear Lisa thank you so much for all you have done in promoting Sewing, as an independent i appreciate how much hard work you have put into making your business so successful, I love stocking your patterns and doing your on-line courses. If you are ever in Harrogate would love to treat you to tea and cake. Thank you once again and congratulations on the birth of your beautiful little girl.

[@htj194]

Amazing, such an inspiration

[@qormi1000]

What an interesting story. Thank you.

[@peachycheeks4394]

Came across your feed today and this is absolutely inspirational! Will look for more of past and present updates.

[@karenball100]

Oh, Lisa! You really are an inspiration - what an amazing amount of hard work and determination. Hard, hard work! I admire your candour around redundancies and how that made you and others feel. I can't wait to see what the future holds for you.

[@jennistevenson796]

That was so interesting Lisa. Congratulations for everything.

[@sewsomuch2289]

omg imagine having Lisa comfort come and teach you to sew! heaven

[@kategrey2147]

I'm a brand new sewer - started a couple of weeks ago. Your channel is my favourite. It is really helpful, and really friendly, and often makes me smile. You're a natural storyteller, and your well spoken charm makes it a pleasure to learn from you.

[@MV-uh7kr]

Love the behind the scenes details on your business story. May You Continue to grow and serve your town with the love of sewing!

[@thenorthernsewist]

Oh Lisa, I could talk to you for hours. Your story is very similar to mine, albeit that my shop became interiors based but it evolved over the years, and I had my business for 20 years. I sold my business 18months ago as I was suffering from early stages of Fibromyalgia. I wasn't clever enough or didn't have the energy to make it global as you have done. I so admire you. I follow you and have done since I finished work, I think your amazing and sewing is so wonderful and you have done so so much to bring it to the forefront. You really are amazing and wish for you everything good that life can bring you... I feel that so strongly. Lots of Love and thank you so much for sharing your story.... it was really fabulous to hear. 😘😘🌸

[@charliefleet7752]

Amazing to hear! Thankyou!

[@jenwren6648]

So interesting and so inspiring. I love your videos. Nice to hear about how you started. As newby at sewing I find your tutorials brilliant. thankyou

[@ChicCuteCreations]

Amazing story!

[@KarenHowatt]

so inspirational, i love your patterns as a new sewist, I really appreciate the effort you put in for us all x

[@PinsandNeedles]

What a fantastic insight in to your business. Your hardwork and passion are undoubtedly the root of your success! Here's to many more brilliant years of Sew Over It!

[@thenorthernsewist]

Just want to add Lisa that yes, you are lucky and yes, you have had some lucky breaks, but that's because you had the foresight to see the trends and ALSO, you have worked so so hard and DESERVE every good thing that comes to you. I can't praise you highly enough and I empathise with your journey, so much. Much admiration and love. 😘😘🌸XX

[@fionaparker3234]

O Lisa I SO enjoyed watching this video! You are so inspiring and your passion for what you do really shines through. 'Sewing is not sad!!!'

[@sewsmall6020]

I have loved listening to your story! This has inspired me so much! I would love to have my own sewing business and your story has given me drive so thank you so much! I would happily listen to a business update story, you are such a great storyteller! So again thank you so much! :)

[@jo-annbousquet5705]

Greetings from Boston, USA Wonderful story. Hope you keep up updated for more stories about your business and life in general I started watching your videos about a year ago and really look forward to watching them and waiting for your pattern releases. You really are a role model for young girls. Take care of yourself so you are able to keep doing what you enjoy and please post pictures of your little one. Stay happy, safe and healthy. 👍👗👚✂️

[@bluejay5531]

Thank you for sharing your story Lisa...I have been watching your videos in the past days from the start, and enjoying them all, still catching up till the present day...You are a testimonial to how unwavering passion, hard work and values are essential ingredients to being able to create our dreams! Wishing all the best to you, Matt and baby Jasmine! and to all the Sew over it team as well!

[@hannahgrace6857]

I love your video. It was great to hear in detail from start to present what you have done . I would love to view more videos like this from you!!

[@lesleydeeming9479]

Such an interesting video...you deserve the success you have, you have worked so hard for it! Long may it continue to grow and still bring you the joy it does now. 😀

[@laracrews6916]

I love that I found your shop. Your story is inspiring to me.

[@amyc271]

Thank you so much for doing that video and sharing your story, the highs and the lows! As a 27 year old female with similar ambitions, right at the start of my own journey, I found it very moving and incredibly inspiring! Congratulations on everything you've achieved so far, I'm excited to see what you do next!

[@amaliaheretis1]

Very interesting to hear you speak of all of this! Thanks!

[@soniabutler6280]

Enjoy your baby and don't drain yourself. Having set up in business myself, and been aware of the struggles and the time and energy it takes,( in another sphere) I admire your skill and determination. Keep growing and moving on in your life. All the very best as a wife first, from that a wonderful mum, and a business women third. This evolution will obviously be more painful and challenging on the learning curve, but IT IS ALL WORTH IT. It's weird but as your 'drivers' change, I found my business determination deepened and if anything toughened, and for a while I had to re identify my goals, so I could hold onto progress and let go of some old targets. All the very best, oh and thanks for a great product, and rejuvenating sewing as a positive 21century skill and craft.

[@hazelspalton44]

Lisa thank you for sharing your story, I would love to see more of these types vlogs

[@lynnfrench4969]

Inspiring story! All success to you xx

[@dorabami5974]

Hey Lisa!!! I was so moved and inspired from your story!!! You should write a book about it!!! Such a beautiful story! You helped me a lot in so many ways! Thank you so much for sharing! It takes a lot of courage and energy!!! Thank you! :)

[@kathymcconville6428]

Great to hear your story. Thanks!

[@chareseshinabery]

Hello Lisa! Your story is incredibly inspiring and I am so happy that you were able to over come the struggle and make Sew Over It what we have all come to know and love. I have only recently joined the sewing community and gotten to know Sew Over It and yourself. I am super excited for the possibilities and all the fun to have creating my own clothes. I adore your style and love your patterns :) Thank you so much and keep up the fantastic work :)

[@shelleyjones2102]

Hugs from 🇨🇦. Your story is inspiring, thank you for sharing it! Just found your lovely online store during this COVID19 isolation time, which is also taking place here. I ordered and received 2 beautiful patterns and am excited to make them up while I am home-based. May send pics when they're finished!

[@sewagnes6706]

Thanks for sharing Lisa. You're story is definitely one for telling x

[@lailanilsson6553]

I salute you! You have done a great job and working hard. All the best.

[@annecain3301]

Thank you for telling your story. If only Textiles and Sewing was still on the school Curriculum then we would have our own home grown talent. Perhaps now that there has been a renewed interest in Sewing this might happen, it would be wonderful.

[@jodie2773]

What a wonderful story. Congratulations on all you have achieved so far. Thank you so much for telling us some of your story, it is so inspiring! Good on you Lisa. xx

[@carolinebanquet7426]

Thank you and well done you! What a fantastic business you've built with all your hard work and flair! Amazing to share the story and makes me like Sew Over It even more!

[@royaleighresidence3555]

Lisa, thank you for sharing your experience of starting your "Sew Over It" business. I have signed up for an online class. There is no class that I could take around where I live, to sew in the comforts of my own home is very exciting. Good luck with motherhood, it has been the most rewarding experience in my life. Canadian Sewing friend.

[@DixieGirl9876]

Lovely to hear your journey, wishing you continued success.

[@tiptopsewing]

Thank you so much for sharing such an inspirational story Lisa!

[@deannmcdonald1432]

Thank you for your story! It's great to hear the back story! Makes it more like a family for all of us!

[@antoniette8love]

Thank you Lisa! I also want to open a small sewing studio in my hometown and I'm truly grateful for this inspiring video

[@sewingfromthestash4558]

Really interesting and heartfelt story. Thanks so much for sharing. You're inspirational to so many sewists and young businesswomen!

[@susanjackson1616]

You make your own luck , with the hard work you put in ... well done :)))

[@dlsgl407]

Really loved hearing your story and would love to hear more of your business experiences.

[@TheHsallaway]

Oh my goodness, 43 min went by so quickly- this was super interesting! Please continue these types of videos, LOVE hearing about the business. How did you learn to buy/sell fabric? Also loved hearing about all the kindness that people showed you along the way (while you were working your backside off), so inspiring.

[@rhiven_]

Really fantastic to hear how it all started. I'd be interested to hear more on how it developed and what the future ideas are if you can share them. I always find stories like yours fascinating.

[@Eva-dy9qy]

Such a great story, and you fully deserve all your amazing success!!

[@annadaniell4374]

Thanks for sharing! Loved hearing all about the SOI beginnings - very inspiring, well done! :) (Also, loving the longer videos!)

[@ruthlanwarne8978]

Wow so inspiring Lisa. This was amazing. You have done so well and worked so hard for it.

[@Angie7266]

I enjoyed your story!

[@jordynr6716]

Lisa, you are so inspiring! I wish where I lived had more interest in sewing because your story makes me want to help and inspire others to create!

[@carolclaibornemumey8919]

Fascinating! Loved hearing it. More stories? Bring them on!

[@brigittelm6054]

Yes do a part 2 and another video sbout second shoppe...

[@whatmandymadenext8120]

Loved listening to the sew over it story, I love the fabrics and patterns xx

[@eugeniaaranda3401]

Thank you for sharing Lisa! Very inspiring story 😀

[@callygunney2685]

thank you for sharing your story x

[@victorialucilleanne5483]

This video is just so so inspiring and informative. Thank you for sharing. I loved every minute of it and I definitely have a lot to learn. I am looking forward to starting something one day in good old north Alabama. We need young, modern sewing down here! There are definitely people here but haven't found classes yet!

[@absewlutelyfabulous880]

Very interesting, thank you. Would be interested in more details on the rest of your business journey. I think the key to your business growth has been your ability to delegate, hire good people, keep those people and change your role through the lifetime of the business...as well as all the hard work and a dash of good fortune (which you were wise enough to make the most of). This combination of talents and skills is rare. Your daughter has a great role model for a mum! 🌻

[@RenataRz]

Great story! Thanks for sharing!

[@VG-cz7yg]

Hi Lisa, really enjoyed this video, you have determination and a great work ethic to make your business succeed.

[@ReyDayami]

Lisa, you are a great person. How you think of your employees, and their security for their own families...its just amazing. The Lord will continue to bless you, your family and your business, I have no doubt about that. I had to watch it again because I was able to see the Lord behind it all, I was able to see how your believe, and your positive thinking got you through when your friend told you about the challenges but you said, "No, this will work" and so you did not hear the negative, instead, you stayed focused and BELIEVED and you SPOKE the positive. Read Mark 11:22-24 slowly and you will see your story there. God has established laws that will work if we just believe. Also, how you were given an amount of $ and instead of wasting it, you put it to work, to grow, that is also in the Bible. Your story has blessed me because I have seen the Hand of God behind it. He is always there, guiding us...even when we don't even acknowledge Him. Anyway, I would love to hear all about the 2nd business, etc. God bless you!

[@judeleese7783]

Thank you for sharing the story of your journey. You seem like a lovely person and surely deserve much success and even greater success in the future..:-)

[@michellesimmons7981]

I am inspired by your story. I live in an area where there are no fabric stores or places where one can learn to show. I have been thinking seriously about opening a consignment fabric store where classes are offered.

[@pelagie_gr]

That was so inspiring! You deserve all of the success and happiness brought on by your hard work and dedication!

[@moniquedespins3574]

Oh my gosh...You are amazing! I had moments where I felt emotional during this story. You are very inspiring! All the very best to you and Sew Over It!

[@rebeccaeddison442]

Thanks so much for sharing this, I would love to hear about opening the second shop or more about the running of the business I find it so fascinating. Thanks for taking the time out to share it. xx

[@WinMichele]

Thank you thank you thank you! This is so helpful hearing your story. It shows so much and very inspiring.

[@MsHighpeaks]

What an amazing success! You have worked so hard and yes luck does play a part but if you hadn't had the drive and commitment none of this would have happened. What a shame you didn't get the sewing Bee job... but their loss! I wish you continuing success and a happy healthy baby Liked the less "Cheesy" thumbnail this week too xx

[@gordanaivljanin2016]

greetings Lisa. I have to thank you for what you have inspired me with your story. Now I close my dream come true. Thank you, thank you, thank you ...

[@gordanaivljanin2016]

😘

[@brigittelm6054]

it us such a beautiful thing to hear about your passion and the lessons learned. Being real and scaling you down from teaching, sounds it was a hard choice but it is all about balance. ☺ Plus on top of it all you a biss , the boss...lol

[@SugaryAmy]

Great video Lisa! Very inspiring. :)

[@andreahauser1235]

What a great story, thanks for sharing! Really enjoyed listening to it. Would love to hear how you managed to write your books next to running your shop and the process of it. Xxx

[@ameliacregan4057]

this was so interesting to listen to! I could have watched so much more! xx

[@ceciliafletcher3099]

You are an amazing young lady I wish you well in your business and in your personal life too! From Cecilia, sewing tutor in the North West UK

[@anavujakovic1903]

I loved this video! Thank you for sharing

[@evasaker2476]

Wow, I so admire your enthusiasm and willpower and this video really shows how passionate you are about your business and everything around it! There wasn't a boring second in your story, it was so so interesting! I was one of the people on Instagram asking you to tell us about how it all began so I'm so pleased, thank you so so much! I wonder when you got the time and how you went about doing your accounts, paying bills and all that administrative stuff in the beginning when you were on your own? I'm also curious about how you found your way into the fabric world, how you found your retailers and so on? I live in Sweden but if and when I come to London nothing is going to stop me from visiting one (or both) of your shops! Thanks again 💖

[@jennifersimpson255]

I am about to launch an online fabric store in Australia and this video has inspired me so much. I appreciate your openness to share your experience along with the highs and lows of business. I hope I have a fraction of the success you have been able to achieve. One aspect I am struggling with is how and where to find wholesale fabric from reputable people. If you have any advice on this I would love to hear it. Congratulations on the birth of your daughter! As a mum of 3 I can tell you it is one of the most amazing journeys you will embark upon (probably something akin to opening your own business 😉).

[@face-in-the-crowd]

This is so inspiring and has come at the perfect time, 4th Jan, thank you so much x x

[@cocoandflora6542]

That was so interesting! Thank you for the insight and well done xx

[@Zakasnow]

Lisa, I have been following you for quite some time from the United State and love what you do. Your story is amazing and so inspiring. Once again proves that hard work , dedication and extreme determination leads to success. You deserve it and so much more. Nothing is achieved "overnight". Thank you for sharing your heartfelt story and going where others have chosen not to, nor had the fortitude to do so. You are amazing and I can't wait to see what the next "chapter" brings for you. I know it will be amazing All the best , Karen

[@IntegrityMatters77]

Great video

[@abundantlyinspired]

So super inspiring, I loved your honesty and candor about the ins and outs. 💗💗💗 As someone who has always dreamt of having my own brick and mortar shop this is so encouraging!!!! You are so lovely and I wish you all the best with yours shops..... and the baby!!!! 😘❤️💗

[@brigittelm6054]

It is horrible that you were teased as a child. Wish I knew you then... we could have spent nights and weekends hanging out sewing and having fun ! I love fabrics and colors and patterns...I learn to sew in junior high school.

[@MissVintageRose]

Hi Lisa, I've completed many sewing classes at Sew Over It! Would you ever consider an evening seeing cafe? I live in London and have a sewing machine but not much space and no overlocker! I'd love to pop in after work and work on my projects!

[@teresaholland1943]

What an inspiring story! Thank you for sharing. I'd love to hear how you set up your inventory, that is, how and where you bought the fabric you carry, notions, etc., especially the fabric. Did you contact the fabric salespeople or how does that work? Did you start out with just a few bolts or did you just go ahead and fill the shop?