Stay True Stitches
Unwrapped
This time on Independent Worthing, we meet Stephani Sams, the creative talent behind Stay True Stitches.
Stay True Stitches have been going since 2012 and make handmade gifts and baby items. All of Stephani’s items are fully customisable, and can be seen in her Etsy shop http://staytruestitches.etsy.com.
IW: What inspired you to start your own business?
SS: When my Grandad passed away he said I should always do something with my creativity. I was pregnant with my daughter and could barely find any gender neutral baby things for the nursery, so I set about making it all myself- from the curtains to the bedding, dribble bibs and headbands- and it went from there! I had a lot of support from friends and family and built up my customer base that way.
IW: What is the best thing about what you do?
SS: I love creating bespoke pieces for my customers - at non bespoke prices ! I alway try to ensure my products are affordable as well as functional.
IW: What pearl of wisdom would you impart to anyone wanting to set up their own business?
SS: Keep going! It’s so easy to be down-hearted when you don't have hundreds of sales in the beginning, but if you believe in yourself and your brand, others will believe in you too.
IW: What are your ‘go to’ local businesses?
SS: Frankie West for stunning crystal bracelets, The Little Sleepy Tepee Gang - amazing, magical sleepover party tents, Moo Music Worthing- a fun weekly baby group with lots of music, games and singing, Hope and Grey Creative- stunning and unique cards and artwork, and The Little Play Village - children’s role play sets available to hire from home.
IW: What do you get up to in your spare time?
SS: I love going to metal and hardcore gigs, or exploring the world around me with my daughter in tow.
IW: What’s your guilty pleasure?
SS: A bath with candles, a glass of rum and a HUGE bar of chocolate!
IW: What’s your favourite way to start the day?
SS: A large coffee with oat milk (and one sugar!)
IW: If you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 things could you not do without?
SS: Coffee, my daughter and my fiance, who is one of the most creative people I know- he could make us a home out of the sand if he wanted too!
IW: What plans do you have for the future?
SS: To build my business and expand our products.
IW: Anything else you would like to add?
SS: Please feel free to follow my Instagram @staytruestitches, my Facebook : facebook.com/staytruestitchesUK/ and my etsy staytruestitches.etsy.com
