Today we’d like to introduce you to Josie.
Hi Josie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started as a sales rep selling wholesale to chain stores such as Hancock Fabrics and JoAnn to Fabric.com selling fashion fabrics to their buyers and showcasing new deadstock and fashion fabrics every season for the independent and chain stores. After Hancock closed, I ventured into my path of selling fashion fabrics as I saw a decline in fabric shops. I also just wanted to see a shop that was inclusive to all sewists and provide access to fabrics to give deadstock gems a new life.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When I first started, it was not easy navigating as a woman in the textile industry. I am a first time entrepreneur and learned made many mistakes. It has been a rollercoaster, but with support of family I was able to bootstrap and make my dreams come true. I started out a decade ago online and fast forward now – in a physical space for local to visit.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about LA Finch Fabrics?
I am a CSULB alum and love Southern California. I never thought I would be selling fabric but here I am. Life of crazy turns! I worked in the schools as a behavioral therapist and switched over to selling fabric. I am proud of how far I have come to learn everything I can from others in the business. It’s a specific niche and I can tell you all about different garment fabrics from touching it. I specialize in fashion fabrics- I love sourcing designer deadstock fabrics that are leftover from production and giving them a new life while proving affordable unique fabrics to my customers. I love denims, rayons, canvas, and shirtings fabrics. I love seeing what my customers are making and the community finding my shop!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I have enrolled in mentorship programs and highly recommend! I am part of Business Class with Sophia Amoruso and it helped me survive through covid years. I signed a lease in Long Beach when covid started and I was scared that I would not survive in business. Having mentors and other business owners to chat and lean on helped me push through and ask for help.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lafinchfabrics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lafinchfabrics_new
