Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Ford.
Hi Courtney, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Like most, the start of 2020 was the start of something completely new. I went from being a cosmetologist in the spa industry to teaching myself how to sew. As my place of work closed, I found myself at home with a sewing machine I had never used and a lot of time on my hands. So I quickly taught myself the basics of sewing and before I knew it, ItsSewBoho was created. I quickly started selling items to locals in my community, which led to starting an Etsy. From there, I started getting sales from around the nation. I invested in an upgraded sewing machine and kept teaching myself everything from how to sew curved lines to how to sew zipper pouches. When the time came, I started selling in person at local handmade markets. Now almost two years later, I’m launching my own website, and I am also in a local store. I can’t wait to see where else ItsSewBoho goes!
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?
Most definitely not! There has been MANY bumps along the way. It’s one thing to teach yourself your craft, but you also have to learn how to run a business at the same time. From marketing to taxes, running a business is a struggle.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At first, I started with scrub caps, which you can still find on Etsy. However, I also make scrunchies and zipper pouches. I’m getting ready to make a line of fanny packs and sling bags. I want to be known for quality handmade items that are made with passion and hard work by someone that’s completely self-taught. I’m most proud of the sewing family I come from. I never thought I’d love sewing as much as I do, but I know the passion runs in my blood because my grandma sewed for her eight children.
How do you think about luck?
Good LUCK has played a huge part. I feel I got lucky with naturally figuring out how the Etsy algorithm works, and that really helped my business grow to the point where I can now launch my own website. Also, more than luck, I am very blessed to be able to do what I do.
Contact Info:
- Email: ItsSewBoho@gmail.com
- Website: ItsSewBoho.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/itssewboho
- Facebook: Facebook.com/itssewboho
