Today we’d like to introduce you to Theresa Barker.
Hi Theresa, 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 backstories with our readers?
We started in the fall of 2014, primarily out of necessity. Darren was out of work at the time, and the holidays were quickly approaching. We were faced with finding a way to cover bills from a prior adoption and still provide some kind of Christmas for the kids. I had purchased a single needle embroidery machine about a year earlier but hadn’t learned how to use it.
We typically bought custom clothing for our daughter from local crafters, and I thought it would be nice to do that myself. I decided it was time to break out the embroidery machine and see if it could help supplement our income. In the beginning, we made a lot of hooded towels and clothing for children. By winter, it had become a family affair. We formed an assembly line at the dining room table; I embroidered while Darren and our kids, Emma and Jona, cut fabric and sewed hoods onto towels. Danya was still an infant, but she was good to keep us company from her bouncy chair.
As it turned out, we did supplement enough to get by, and the business was born. Soon after this, we expanded into vinyl cutting, adult clothing, embroidered quilts, patches, keychains, the list goes on. We quickly found ourselves needing to formalize this endeavor, so Darren came up with the name 1 Sister 2 Sister in honor of our girls. Before we knew it, we were showing creations at craft shows and large comic conventions.
We set up our social media accounts and an e-commerce website, which enabled us to reach beyond our local audience. As our following grew, so did our offerings and abilities. We now have two multi-needle embroidery machines, updated sewing equipment, and sublimation printing capabilities. We offer embroidered items, shirts, dishtowels, printed items like mugs and tumblers, Minky blankets, jeans, stuffed animals, essential oils, wax scents, and much more.
Until August 2021, we conducted the entire operation from our home. That’s when we opened our first shop. Soon after, we hired our first contract seamstresses. They have been an enormous help since we’re both still working full-time jobs. Darren and I have backgrounds that complement one another while supporting different parts of the business. I have Tax and Finance experience, while Darren’s history is in Graphic Design and Marketing.
We could go on for days listing all the incredible individuals who have, in some way, supported us on this journey. I give a lot of credit to our customers, family, and friends who go the extra mile, not only through purchases but through sharing us and lending an ear. We wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for them. We can’t forget our dogs, Ice and Rosie, and our cat Sandee for bringing some sort of sanity to the mix.
It has been a long, formidable, yet rewarding journey to get where we are today. One aspect that has remained consistent throughout our journey is our desire to create a personal and memorable experience for our customers. This simple principle has been present in every decision we’ve made and will continue to help guide our decisions going forward. More now than ever, we’re eager to see where going forward takes us.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Running a business takes dedication and time. It’s a neverending series of challenges. I think anyone considering owning a business needs to accept this going in. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, just the nature of the beast.
Keeping the mindset that your challenges are part of the growth will make a big difference, and the rewards are definitely worth it. If you have a family, it’s often hard to find the time to give your spouse and children the attention they need. Be disciplined enough to set your work hours and leave it when it’s time for family.
The nights leading up to Christmas each year were the hardest for me. For years, I would be up in the wee hours of the morning getting Christmas orders finished, then I would stitch gifts for my family until 2:00 am on Christmas Eve.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We have a mix of products, some we make, and some we buy. We have a hand in producing most of the items in our shop. All of our Minky Blankets, embroidered items, tee shirts, printed mugs, tumblers, etc., are made by us.
We purchase raw materials and create the finished products right in our shop. So, when you buy these items from 1 Sister 2 Sister, you’re getting something personal from us. The ready-made items we purchase for resale are chosen with careful consideration to ensure we’re offering exceptional quality and a good variety.
These include jeans, children’s clothing, lavender-infused stuffed animals and slippers, scented wax beads, essential oils, and an array of other select items.
How do you define success?
I think success means something different to everyone. For us, success means staying consistent in our efforts to expand peace and happiness in our family’s lives and making continued progress towards worthwhile goals, financial and otherwise.
We perform occasional charitable services. Monetary successes help in that respect, as well.
Contact Info:
- Email: 1sister2sister@gmail.com
- Website: https://1sister2sister.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1sister2sister
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1sister2sister
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/1sister2sister
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNlR5iih7JJxX0d4ty8USvA
Image Credits
David Terry Photography and Darren Barker
