Meet Susan Smith of Stitched by Susan

This month in the Longarm League, we published a coaching call featuring Susan Smith of Stitched By Susan. I last chatted with Susan in the fall of 2022, when she joined our roundtable discussion on Being Visible in Your Business.

This time around we talked about how to determine and prioritize what's most important vs what to set aside when you're running a business with multiple income streams. We also talked about her newly updated Freehand Quilting Masterclass (registration opens in the next several days), and the longarm quilting cruise(!!) she's hosting next January.

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

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

Susan Smith, Stitched By Susan

Located: Spokane, WA
In business: 9 years
Machine and software: BERNINA Q24, occasionally use Q-matic
In the Longarm League: 3 years

Where to find Susan
Website: https://stitchedbysusan.com/
Instagram: @stitchedbysusan
Facebook: /stitchedbysusan
YouTube: @StitchedBySusan
Pinterest: /stitchedbysusan
Best way to find out about classes and events? On her website, or sign up for Susan's newsletter.

Q&A

Tell us a little about your business and the services you provide at Stitched By Susan.
I'm a longarm quilter, mostly freehand edge to edge. Since the first client quilt, I've loved adding special touches like doing the post-quilting trimming, or pick up and delivery for my elderly clients.

Over the last couple of years my business balance has shifted to being much more about teaching via online courses and a membership, so actual quilting is right back to being my side hustle. But I love every minute of it.

What advice would you give someone looking to expand their business by adding an additional income stream?
First off, look for things you'd be doing anyway - that's the way to love what you do for the long haul. For me, that's explaining...I've always been a talker plus a long-time homeschooler, so practical teaching was a natural fit. Your natural talent may be altogether different. There's certainly an edge or skill that YOU have that could be profitable.

Follow other entrepreneurs (not necessarily quilters!) and do it analytically. What can you learn from how they do things? How could you make this work in your area of expertise?

Can you tell us about a favorite recent project you've completed or worked on?
I am just finishing up re-recording all the video content for my major course - Freehand Quilting Masterclass. It's a bit humbling to look back at the early efforts 😂 but also an opportunity to reflect on growth and be incredibly grateful.

Quilting-wise, I recently completed 4 identically pieced quilts, and it was fun to give them different personalities just by varying the quilting.

What are you most looking forward to in your business over the coming months?
I've gotten a few offers to collaborate and represent other companies. It's a bit like a candy store out there! But it's really fun to brainstorm with others in the industry, and see a much bigger picture than I've seen from my little studio in the Pacific Northwest. Quilters are the best people ❤️

If you'd like to watch the call with Susan, 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 Susan!