An Interview with trimgoddess

1) How did trimgoddess come to be?

"Over 12 years ago my husband and I joined the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) dedicated to recreating the middle ages. So distinctive trimmings for our costumes were a must. It all started that way, I searched for ideal Jacquard woven trimmings and found a textile mill still manufacturing traditional ribbons on antique Jacquard machines. After creating costumes for both of us, I made some for others using these trimmings. After a very short time I realized that the trimmings were in high demand by other costume makers and I started selling them from the back of my van on a card table at SCA events. In a matter of 6 months I went from selling off one card table, to 4 6ft tables under a pop up tent, then to a 20ft tent with 10 tables and shelves. As this was back-breaking work, I started to sell my trims on line through ebay. Then a little later I created my own show-case website http://www.continentalstitcherytrims.com and in 2007 I added to it a shopping cart and full e=commerce capabilities.

When ebay raised their fees and changed their outlook, it was time to move. I first sold on ebid for 3 months then I moved to etsy in mid 2008 at http://www.trimgoddess.com and the rest is history.

My business logo was a naked woman rising from the sea holding a shield with a crowned rose. And nearly everyone called her the trim goddess ! So that was the name I chose for my etsy shop."

2) What do you like Most about selling Supplies?

"I love finding the right trim for the right outfit or use. I love seeing what others do with them. I love the feel and colors of the rich textiles I specialize in. I like fashion and design and working with designers. I visit museums and exhibitions for my continuing education in my field. During the New Years break I visited the Textile Museum in Washington, DC to view the "Colors of the Oasis, Central Asian Ikats" exhibition. It was amazing and inspirational. http://www.textilemuseum.org . I love doing historical research.

Then most of all, I like commerce in general. Buying and selling is something I enjoy. It is never boring, and you get to know so many interesting people."

3) What are your Goals for your Supply Business for 2011?

"I will be adding some wonderful new trim patterns by Kaffee Fasset in the coming month. I am so looking forward to presenting these, as Kaffee Fassett is such a great contemporary textile artist.

Optimizing social networking is also one of my goals. I have a FaceBook business page at http://1url.com/wh2 that keeps me in touch with my customers and where I let them know what is going on in our little TextileTrim world. My FaceBook posts get automatically posted to my twitter account."

4) Are you an artist and do you work with the supplies that you sell? What is it that you make with them and do you have any tips for using your supplies?

"I use my Jacquard trims to adorn my medieval outfits, then I also use my bolt remnants to make a small line of bookmarks, and from time to time I create quilts and wall hangings with them."

5) What do you do when you aren't selling supplies?

"Selling my trims is a full time job, all my other activities are second to it. I create bead-woven jewelry and collaborate in my husband's lapidary business. Our etsy shop is http://www.crownrosegems.com  "