Today I’d like to introduce Caroline. Caroline has been helping me behind the scenes for several months now, and it’s about time I introduce her properly. Meet Caroline!
(not the same Caroline who wrote about sewing waterproof outerwear)
Caroline helps me with sewing samples, answering emails and handling wholesale orders. If you’ve had a question about your order in the past few months, you’ve likely chatted with Caroline already! Business has taken off so quickly that I’m not able to keep on top of inquiries as well as I’d like. You guys deserve excellent service, to have questions about your orders answered quickly! Caroline is here to help.
Caroline also sews samples, including muslins for new designs. With Caroline’s help, we’ve already started working on new designs for 2013! She works remotely, which is perfect as we’re not trying to fit both of us into my little space here.
She also works for Télio and helps pick out fabric for sample garments – so much fun! It’s nice to have a second opinion when choosing fabrics for samples.
While I was on holiday, Caroline helped take care of the administrative stuff. Just knowing she was here taking care of things meant I was able to relax while I was away. After I came back, I knew it was time to start getting help more regularly so I’m able to focus on other parts of the business. As a one-person business (solopreneur, I’ve heard people say) I’m always switching roles. It’s such a relief to have help, and know that not everything depends on my immediate action.
Caroline’s help has made it possible to put out four patterns so far this year. I have a feeling that the next year is going to be even more intense, so I’m thrilled to have her as part of the team. Let’s officially welcome Caroline!
I was beginning to wonder about your secret to having so much energy and doing so much ;-) Hi Caroline!
I made my first Renfrew this past weekend. I want to live in it, and am now upset that a) it had to go in the wash and b) I won’t have time to make another one for ten days or so. So, I can’t wait for the other surprises you two have hidden!
Ha! The secret is out now. :)
I am so glad you love your Renfrew! I feel that way about my cowl neck Renfrew, it feel so cosy in this cold weather.
Lots of surprises coming up.. maybe even sooner than you think!
Welcome Caroline! I’m looking forward to the 2013 designs. It’s nice that you’re busy as well.
It’s wonderful to see your business taking off.
WOW, it’s amazing how fast your business is growing! You’re an inspiration. I hope one day I have my own sewing/pattern-making business :)
I’ve already had the pleasure to meet Caroline. She’s been a great help for me, to :) I’m happy for you that you have somebody to help you out!
That’s wonderful, I’m glad she was able to help you! I’m so happy to have help too. There’s only so much I can take on alone!
Hi Caroline!! Nice to ‘meet’ you and can’t wait to see more fun patterns from The Sewaholics.
I “talked” to Caroline when she replied my email about the sewing patterns. She’s very friendly, helpful and gave very thorough and detailed answer …
An all around nice lady … :)
Thrilled to hear it! Thanks for the feedback.
Welcome Caroline!! I just have to say Sewaholic’s customer service is awesome and I can’t wait to see what’s coming out for 2013. I’ll start saving my $$ now!
That is so wonderful to hear! I am so glad you’ve had only good experiences with us. Thanks for the comment and I can’t wait to share the new designs for 2013!!
Hi Caroline! I’m sewing my mother a Renfrew for Christmas, and looking forward to the new patterns in 2013.
Hi Caroline,
You are just as adorable as Tasia! Everything I’ve made from Sewaholic has been perfect and I’m glad you’re helping that process.
It’s great to “meet” you.
Another milestone. Welcome Caroline. After watching your experience from the beginning Tasia, I feel like you are certainly the perfect example of how hard work, even in a floundering economy, can inspire all of us. Recognizing the need to add a helper is also a great indication that you are on the right track. Delegating some tasks to Caroline will free you to design more. May the coming year bring you even more success. Best wishes and may you have a wonderful working relationship that enhances skills and talents for both.
Thank you so much for the kind comment, and thanks for reading along all this time! It’s been an exciting two years, nearly two years exactly since the launch of my first pattern. Wow!
It’s true, the economy is floundering as you say, but I think that also means we’re choosing more carefully what we spend money on. If we only have a limited amount of money to spend we’re choosing to spend it with businesses we like, or that best meet our needs, or that we feel good supporting. And also it looks like more and more people are learning to sew!
Hi Caroline! So glad Tasia is getting some well deserved assistance with the business. Look forward to hearing more from you.
You’ve doubled your workforce! :) Look at you creating jobs!
Welcome, Caroline. Did you have to sign something saying that you wouldn’t tell people what patterns are coming up in 2013? If you didn’t, can you tell me? :)
No I didn’t get her to sign a secrecy document.. maybe I should have! :) Haha!
My lips are sealed! :)
Welcome Caroline!
It’s hard to give up total control but Tasia it sounds like you’ve found the perfect fit with Caroline. Congratulations to you both. I adore your blog and look forward to it. As a more mature follower with a renewed interest in all creative things possible (and fellow Canadian in London, Ontario) I am very proud to watch your success. Continue flourishing my dear, you’ve done good!
Yes, yes! It is hard to give up control of anything, I’m very much a control person. I like to do everything myself but if I did then I’d never be able to keep the business running. Or I’d just never leave the office – neither is a good thing!
Thanks so much for the kind thoughts! I agree, Caroline is the perfect fit and I couldn’t be happier to have her help. It’s going to be an exciting year coming up!
Thank you all for welcoming Caroline! It’s always a little unnerving to announce any sort of changes as I’m never sure what the reaction will be. And yet you guys always respond so positively! Thanks for reading and for following me along this great adventure. :)
Welcome Caroline! What wonderful news that there’s another person on the Sewaholic team. Looking forward to what the future will bring for this wonderful company!
Welcome Caroline! I can’t wait to see what Sewaholic has in store for 2013:)
Nice that it is going so well for you! :)
Hi Caroline. *waves*
Hi everyone!
Thank you for welcoming me so warmly and for all of the kind comments. Working with Tasia has been a dream so far, and I’m so happy and proud to be able to contribute to this amazing business that she has built.
Happy sewing!!
Welcome Caroline ;p
Hi, Caroline! How cute are you?! Wonderful that you’re getting help. You work SO hard!!!
Oooh, welcome Caroline! How cool to be working with Tasia you lucky thing ;o)
Welcome, Caroline! I look forward to seeing Sewaholic grow even more in 2013!
I love that you have help now. All is right in the world. Welcome, Caroline!
Welcome, Caroline! It’s wonderful to meet you and see the growth you’re making possible for one of my favourite local businesses ^_^ XO