Carolyn Williams

June 21, 2000

Career Analysis

Do I Have What it Takes

To Be an Entrepreneur?

For years I dreamed of owning a business.� The question was what could I do?� What did I know how to do?� I could be a quality consultant or auditor.� These two choices would keep me in the quality field, but many firms want their own employees to hold these positions.� Furthermore, I really did not see a growing future in quality unless it was a federal position.�

What I really have a passion for is sewing.� It's a hobby I have had for many years, and I am quite good at it.� My major is computer-aided drafting and design (CADD).� The two fields do not seem related in the least.� In fact, sewing seems to be a long way from drafting and design, but there are several dress design programs available that use the auto-CADD format.� With the training I am receiving in my course study, I will be familiar enough with the way the fitting programs work to create perfect fit patterns.

Sewing is a dying profession.� It is no longer taught in schools.� According to You Can Make It, Inc., there is a need for sewing instruction.� People are contacting them via the Internet looking for sewing instructors in their surrounding area.� Now that I am a "You Can Make It" instructor, I receive many calls and referrals for sewing lessons.� My students range from 11 to 45 years of age.��

Many people cannot do their own alterations.� Some of my sewing customers bring items for alterations while others need specialty items sewn to fit.� These can include wedding and prom dresses, vests, suits, costumes or whatever is needed.�

Pricing seems to be the biggest task.� How long does it take to do the job?� There are guidelines on how to price your work.� The objective is to charge enough so that it covers what you want to make an hour without cheating the customers.� Custom fit clothes do not come cheap, but if they are well made, it will be worth the cost.

Right now my business is home-based.� My sewing classes are small enough to fit in the studio in the back of my house, and my sewing customers come by appointment only.� Business is relatively slow right now.� I am not beating the bushes for customers, because I am still in school.� I receive customers through my yellow page advertisement and word of mouth.� Sometimes this is more than I can handle, and I still have to turn some customers away.

It is always a pleasure for me when a customer is pleased with their custom made garment, or a student who knew nothing about the sewing machine three weeks ago takes home the trouser shorts he or she made in class.� That is always a thrill.

Works Cited

"You Can Make It." You Can Make It, Inc. Last updated 10 May 2000. <http://www.youcanmakeit.com>.

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