Today we’d like to introduce you to Shankari Paradee.
Hi Shankari, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m originally from Canada, born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario.
My parents moved to Canada from India in the early 1970s. Both are seamstresses and have done well for themselves. I grew up around sewing machines and learned how to hand sew from the time I could pick up a needle and thread. Now, my father owns his own upholstery business and is known for his impeccable work.
My mother retired recently from her tailoring job. She always told me, “Sewing is in your blood.” I moved to Oklahoma in 2006 when I got married to my amazing husband.
At the time, I wasn’t able to work just yet, I needed a green card and other things to be in place. My parents gifted me a 1960’s Viking machine. So I decided to start sewing on it. I made my first quilt and worked on it for several years, doing one piece at a time. I really enjoyed creating my first quilt and sent it off to my sister as a gift.
She still cherishes it to this day. As my love for sewing grew, I ventured into longarm quilting and ended up purchasing a used one to learn on. I’ve learned so much since starting this quilting journey. I created more quilts and entered them in local contests and ended up winning!
This gave me the confidence to continue and create the business I own today, Sewl Sister. My mission is to create a world with no landfill fabric. So, I aim to waste as little as possible when it comes to fabric and pattern design.
I currently work with Villa Rosa Designs to create easy-to-make quilt patterns. I am also an influencer for Riley Blake Designs and Sew It Yourself. This Fall, I’ll be featured in Quilter’s World Magazine. I am currently working on a submission to Modish Quilter Online Magazine. I have also been featured by various podcasts as well as interviewed by the American Sewing Guild.
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?
As with any journey, there are some bumps in the road. I remember wanting to do a local handcrafters’ show, something along the lines of a fair for handmade goods. The cost to have a booth was high and I scrimped and saved to pay the fees. I was so excited to be a part of such a big show!
There were 3 show days and I was to be present for all 3 days. I thought I’m going to get so many quilt orders! To my surprise and sadness, I made no sales that weekend. I felt totally defeated and wanted to stop doing anything related to sewing. I wanted to give up. My husband encouraged me and gave me the strength to continue. I made a few great connections.
Those connections led to other people in the industry and I grew my confidence to build my own business brand. The lesson is to continue even in the face of adversity. Now, I’m booked for quilting jobs and I create beautiful art pieces for my clients and their families. It’s been an honor to serve people in this way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I enjoy the process and love to teach others about sewing and quilting. One of the things that people say about me as a teacher, is that I’m patient. Patience goes a long way in teaching people a new skill. It’s a lot to handle the machine and then also want it to do the things you want to create your own quilts.
I also love to create quilt patterns that are easy to make for beginners and have minimal waste. In order to create beautiful work with a sewing machine, all you need are the basics of sewing a straight line. The rest is extra! I’ve also installed art pieces into my quilts. I had a client whose father was a stained glass artist.
I took one of his pieces and installed it as a fabric rendition into the quilt. The client was so pleased and ecstatic when they saw the finished quilt. I’m most proud of how far I’ve come and the brand I have created with Sewl Sister. It’s a unique brand and my style sets it apart from others.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My husband is my biggest fan and even on my darkest of days, he will support me and give me the strength to keep pursuing my dreams. My kids are big supporters as well, they each have at least 2 quilts made by me and will probably have more in the future.
It’s such a great feeling to see them all snuggled on the couch with quilts that I have made. I’m happy to leave that legacy for them. Some of my supporters also own their own businesses. For example, my friends at Journey Quilt Company are amazing and I love how they lift me up! They are a true blessing to me.
My clients are always so supportive as well. As they receive their quilts, they share with others about my work, and word of mouth goes a long way! I’m grateful for them sharing about what I do.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.sewlsister.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/hellosewlsister
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/hellosewlsister
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkQQexkq0S1B1JC2yOVTCIQ
