Meet Emi Takagi Stapler of Emi and Ko Studio

This month in the Longarm League, we published a coaching call featuring Emi Takagi Stapler of Emi and Ko Studio. I sat down with her to talk about balancing her quilting business, which consists of pattern design and longarm quilting, with being a mother of four, teaching piano lessons, and adapting to military relocations. We talked about her experience at Quilt Market in Houston, thoughts on potentially starting a podcast, and how to best leverage social media for her business.

While League members have full access to the recording of the call, we asked Emi to share a little more about herself and her business with our blog readers.

Without further ado, let's meet Emi...

Emi Takagi Stapler, Emi and Ko Studio.

Located: Colorado Springs, CO
In business: Since 2018
Machine and software: Bernina Q24 and Bernina Qmatic
In the Longarm League: Since 2022

Where to find Emi
Website: https://www.emiandkostudio.com/
Instagram: @emiandkostudio
Facebook: Emi and Ko Studio
Best way for someone to contact you for quilting? Filling out the customer worksheet on my website or emailing with questions.

Q&A

Tell us a little about your business and the services you provide at Emi and Ko Studio.
I specialize in digital edge to edge quilting services, however, I accept a limited number of semi-custom quilts throughout the year (digital block and border). I offer trimming and binding services, select batting and wide backing, and accept local and mail-in quilts.

Do you have any advice for someone just starting out with their business?
Be confident, organized, and do not undersell yourself. Having clear paperwork or online forms to gather the longarm information can reduce misunderstandings, add to your professionalism, and give you information to reference in the future when coming across a similar project.

It is also important to me to make connections with my customers so they don't feel like just a number. I would rather have a couple less quilts to work on each month than to have a customer feel rushed or anxious about their treasured work. Connection can help customers feel more confident in your services and also be more likely to return.

How did you get started longarm quilting?
As a military spouse I have had to pivot my part time work each time we move. In 2018 we were stationed in Texas where the elementary schools started first, and teaching music lessons after school was going to be difficult without a teenager to hire to watch my kids.

I had followed longarm quilters like Angela Walters for many years, who planted the idea in my head that maybe I didn't have to wait until I was an empty nester to pursue longarm quilting. And that it could be possible to manage a longarm business while I still had kids at home-- but it was our move in 2018 that pushed me to take the leap of faith and turn my quilting hobby into a business.

Could you tell us about a business "win" you've had?
I happened to talk to the right person at the right time when I attended my first Denver Metro Modern Quilt Guild meeting days after moving to Colorado in July, and I was able to longarm a large Amelia Earhart pixel quilt. It has been hanging in the Denver International Airport (Concourse C, upstairs as part of a quilt exhibit) since September 2023 and will be there until February 2024.

Never mind they spelled my name wrong, it still felt amazing to be involved in the exhibit in a small way, and I was able to see it back in October when I was flying to Quilt Market in Houston!

What quilting designs have you been loving lately?
Stellar by Mistletoe Quilting Co. (just above), Calm Waters by Anne Bright Designs, and Midnight Sparkle by Kristin Hoftyzer are always a favorite.

What is your favorite notion for longarm quilting?
Spray mister-- it is perfect for making picked stitches disappear!

What's your favorite part of making a quilt?
The designing and assembly.

Favorite snack while sewing?
Tea and dark chocolate (or a good stroopwafel). I usually indulge over in my computer nook, not near the actual quilts. ;)

What other hobbies do you enjoy aside from quliting?
Singing, baking, and I am a new plant mom growing my little indoor jungle.

If you'd like to watch the business spotlight call with Emi, or are interested in being a guest, we'd love to have you join us! Whether you're interested in starting your own longarm quilting business, or wanting to improve your current business, check out our Rookie Season course! You can see all the details, read about how the course has helped previous students, and get started here.

Thanks so much for talking with us this month Emi!