Meet Jesy Anderson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesy Anderson.

Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I first got started in the sewing world in Jr. High, where I failed… miserably; however, something as simple as playing a DS sewing game ignited my want to try; I am a bonus mom to a pretty fantastic 16-year-old, and they were 3-4 when I started sewing again because I didn’t like the clothing options at that time, (4 years old and “juicy” across the back of the sweatpants, shorts, etc. I didn’t like it, so I thought, why not? I can learn this.)

At that time, I was working a corporate job and sewing on my off time. I made custom orders for people in the office, honed my skills, and was having a blast doing it. I was selling items on Etsy, and then BOOM Oct 2011, I was severed from my 11.5-year job. I quickly shifted my focus from a hobby to making and selling online at local shows like Handmade Holiday, ArtFest, and CraftyCon. I sold items on Consignment at Clash Dayton and was making it work.

I opened Sew Dayton in Sept 2012 with Tracy McElfresh, another local seamstress, and we had that business for almost four years in the Oregon District of Downtown Dayton. In August 2016, I opened Needle, Ink, and Thread in Beavercreek, then moved the business to Kettering in December 2020. I have been in the business of teaching the community since 2012, and it’s been amazing!

Moving to Kettering has been a blessing as I am servicing my community; I live three blocks from my studio, and I love being in the center of a space that is building up and starting to breathe a new life of offerable services and stores. I love having basic sewing supplies and products available in the community, so people don’t have to drive to a big box store.

I love being a place people can ask questions or get advice about sewing. I want to be that corner store where the community wants to come to take a class to learn to mend their clothing or demo a cooking class—something to enrich their lives. My goal is to leave my space here better than when I got here. To help make my community more robust and more valuable to each other. Remember, it’s about Collaboration Over Competition.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In business, I am not sure if I can say it’s been a smooth road, I am not sure that exists, but I can say the bumps haven’t been horrible, and they haven’t been detrimental. I feel very lucky to have a background in business from my corporate job and the experience from co-owning. I feel those two gifts are a big part of where the studio is today.

COVID was not easy, but I could adapt to online teaching for my students. Then I worked with the Girl Scouts and taught them virtual projects, and I continue to do so. I signed a five-year lease at my current space and am entering the second holiday season there. I am excited to grow and continue to offer new classes. This is my third space (with each move, I doubled my square footage) and, hopefully, my home for a long while.

I love the location, and moving a business is expensive and challenging. I feel lucky that this space is perfect for what I am doing. I think the longevity of this lease will help the studio build a positive reputation in the community as a creative place and a place where you can learn valuable life skills. If you can sew, you can make money and care for yourself.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I love the creative world of Dayton, Ohio; we are so lucky to have such a talent pool of so many veins of art. I am the owner and creative behind Needle, Ink, and Thread – A Modern Sewing Studio. I am known for teaching the community to sew. I have been teaching the community since 2012, I love teaching people how to sew garments that fit them, and they are proud of it.

Quilting has been a new passion for many people, and it’s been so much fun helping them understand how to make something they can use! Summer camps are the best because we do a Harry Potter-inspired camp, it’s all about the books! We have weaving classes, hand embroidery, plushies, 18″ doll clothes, and much more. Drop-In Sew on the days we are open for retail, which is excellent for a holiday or gift sewing or getting a little help on a project; for a small charge or fee, you can come work on your project and pick my brain too!

I am proud of building a community for new sewists; getting the information you need to succeed is the scariest part of trying anything new. My goal has always been to ensure that I provide that for people. I hope that is what sets me apart, my willingness to help and want to see my students succeed.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
The best advice for finding a mentor or networking with others is to surround yourself with people who love what you do. Surround yourself with those that know more and know less. People that are not only echoing you but inspiring and questioning you. Don’t be afraid of criticism; we all get it, take what will help you and move on, don’t let someone else dull your shine.

Networking is great when it’s natural and built; it’s not about only meeting those who can better you but also those you can help. Networking is gross when it’s not authentic/people aren’t genuine. If you’re a local business owner, find events geared toward meeting others that do the same. We are each other’s community, not competing; there is enough business for all to thrive.

Put yourself out there with people with the same interests, it might take a little time, but you will find your group of inspiration and family. I love hosting Drop-In Sew for just that, a way to sew with others you can meet and become friends with. Sewing is much more fun with others!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.needleinkandthread.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/needleinkandthread
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/needleinkandthread