I am happy to present to you our eleventh local business spotlighted in the Pay it Forward feature – Stitched Designs.
Our recent Lake County business featured was Tim Biasotti, owner of Barbecue By Biasotti, who chose to Pay it Forward to Jon Martin & Nick Hough, owners of Stitched Designs LLC.
The catch is that I will not choose the next business to interview, but the current spotlighted business will choose who I will interview next. Local businesses will Pay it Forward.
Stitched Designs LLC is a locally owned and operated custom apparel, engraving, embroidery, logo design establishment that caters to and supports our local community – everything from headwear and t-shirts to signs for special events. They are located in Middletown and have achieved a high positive rating from their customers.
1. Why did you decide to start your own business?
To be financially independent and have your money working for you. I feel the best thing you can do is invest in yourself. I have always enjoyed the freedom that comes with being
self-employed. It’s a lot of late nights, early mornings, and sleepless nights but I wouldn’t change it.
2. What advice would you give to someone just starting their own business?
Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. It’s not an easy journey and if it was, everybody would be doing it. Perseverance is key. There is going to be obstacle after obstacle but you just have to keep pushing on. Knowledge is king. Read as many books as you can related to your business and personal growth. Break bad habits and create new routines that help your growth – both personally and professionally. Be patient and practice progression over perfection. Fall down and get back up. We never fail as long as we learn the lesson. Invest back in your business before you pay yourself.
3. What routines do you follow each day?
Routines are hard to come by for us. The workload stays pretty steady so we are usually playing catch up. The response from the community has been overwhelming at times but we’re extremely grateful for it.
4. Where do you see your business in five years? Ten?
We look forward to moving our production into our warehouse area and opening a store in the front of our shop. Adding to our staff is a goal for us to manage our growth efficiently.
5. How did you market your business when it was brand new?
We literally did all of our marketing by word of mouth. We have a strong bond with the community here. Our relationships with other small businesses and schools have helped us out tremendously. Social media has also been key to accelerating our growth. Collaborating with other small businesses in our area for events has helped us reach a whole new audience.
6. If you could spend the day with anyone (living or who has passed on) who would it be and why?
Easy, my grandfather, hands down. I would give up anything for one more day with that guy. He always led by example and taught me to do the right thing even when nobody’s watching.
Jon Martin & Nick Hough – Owners of Stitched Designs LLC
18255 Vintage Court
Unit 1
Middletown CA 95461
Instagram @stitcheddesigns_llc
Facebook Stitched Designs llc
Jon & Nick are Paying it Forward to Bailey Grove – owner of Rock N Rolled Ice Cream.
Stay tuned for Rock N Rolled Ice Cream!
