Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Calderon
Hi Jacqueline, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Velvet Sunshine was born during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. I was always drawn to the art of sewing but had never gotten a chance to use a sewing machine. Once the world went into lockdown and with nothing else to do I finally decided to order a sewing machine. However, the beginning was a little rough, as I misread the description and accidentally ordered an embroidery machine. At the start I had no interest in embroidering items and I could not return the machine so I left it untouched for some months. I had to wait yet a few more weeks for my sewing machine to be delivered. Without any guidance or experience I created my first project, a hair scrunchie.
On May 28th, 2020 Velvet Sunshine made its first collection. My first launch included three different colored scrunchies. Since this date my business has evolved into 95% embroidery based. Something that I did not plan on exploring has become another passion alongside sewing. Since opening my business it has expanded to both online and in person sales.
August 2021 marked the first in-person event that I did and I have not stopped since then. I have sold my items throughout The Valley, LA, the OC and most recently in San Diego as well as Bakersfield.
I truly had no intentions of creating this as my full time job. I had just graduated with my bachelors from CSUN when I started Velvet Sunshine and had extra time on my hands during the lockdown. I am extremely grateful and blessed to be able to have the opportunity to have my passion turn into a job for myself. I thank God, my family and my friends for keeping me motivated throughout all the highs and lows of running a business.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of my biggest challenge is being a perfectionist. I am my biggest critic and I’m always too harsh on myself. Especially with running a business I want everything to turn out perfectly and have learned that things will not always turn out how I want them. Perfectionism also translates into imposter syndrome and makes me second guess myself when making business decisions. Being a full time entrepreneur is already difficult but being a first-generation entrepreneur has even more challenges when learning how to run things smoothly without anyone to help.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Velvet Sunshine?
Velvet Sunshine is an embroidery business offering custom apparel as well as original premade designs. Clothing is not the only product that can be customized. I have worked on various college graduation sashes, sorority and fraternity apparel and accessories.
My customs and website will be reopening Mid-November for the holiday season.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
While working on items I love listening to some of my favorite podcasts: Rotten Mango, Just Trish, and Bailey Sarian’s Dark History.
Pricing:
- Custom Crewneck Sweaters $40-$100
- Graduation Sash $40-70
- Original Design Crewnecks $50-60
- Accessories $5-30
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.velvetsunshineco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/velvetsunshineco?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA==
- Other: https://linktr.ee/velvetsunshineco?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY-vbPsGLWUPIFl7YYo0odB0V9mAJSK8bMjxhOHSFkL5oP6zvtoz0c9_Eg_aem_EGYaBmlb2KFuyocG46_xdw
