Sew Much More

Born and raised in England, Denise pursued studies in child development and education following her primary schooling. Throughout her life, her dual passions for sewing and childcare have been enduring themes. Today, she is the proud mother of four and a blessed Nana to seven. Life is a gift, and has a way of taking us along a journey that evolves and Denise has learned to embrace that journey through the good times and the challenging times. Denise's love for sewing began in childhood, inspired by her mother's sewing classes and school curriculum in England. What started as a hobby evolved into a full-fledged business, as she recognized her natural talent and passion for textiles. From sewing clothing for herself at a very young age, to creating costumes for her children's theater and dance productions to designing window treatments, Denise's journey into entrepreneurship felt like a natural progression.

The Drapery House

Denise is on Instagram and Facebook

Links and Resources;

The One Thing The Five Second Rule - Mel Robbins The Lost Apothecary Ecommerce Asana Minutes Matter Measure Sheets

Jill Ballew brings more than 30 years of experience in the custom window treatment and soft furnishings industry. She is the owner of High Country Drapery Design and The Workroom Collective, two companies built around craftsmanship, service, and a deep respect for the details that make interiors feel truly finished.

Through The Workroom Collective, Jill partners with interior designers and trade professionals across the country, providing expertly crafted drapery, Roman shades, bedding, pillows, top treatments, and custom soft goods. Her work blends the artistry of traditional fabrication with the structure, systems, and communication needed to serve today's high-end design industry.

Jill is passionate about preserving the craft of custom fabrication while helping designers feel supported, confident, and cared for throughout the process. She believes the best workrooms are more than vendors — they are trusted partners who protect the designer's vision, honor the fabric, and help create beautiful, lasting spaces for clients.

Jill is on Instagram

Links and Resources;

Solatech Quoting

Hubspot

Asana

Traction by Gino Wickman

EMyth Revisited by Micheal E. Gerber

Chester A. France, Jr. is a Veteran Small Business Owner, a Certified Life Coach (CLC), Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master Social Work (MSW), and Offender Workforce Development Specialist (OWDS). Mr. France has more than 30 years of professional experience in sales, sales training, and management in the for-profit sector. For more than 15 years, Mr. France has provided management and technical assistance to nonprofit organizations, particularly in the faith-based community, to include establishing several nonprofit 501(c) (3) corporations. Mr. France is a graduate of Morgan State University with a degree in Business and Marketing. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Howard University School of Divinity and is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Social Work with a Management and Community Organization concentration. Currently, Mr. France is the Lead Facilitator for Create U Network, an Entrepreneurial Training initiative located in West Baltimore, in partnership with New Song Community Church. Mr. France is the Founder of The Chill Station, Inc. (dba) Lifting Labels, a 501©(3) nonprofit organization and the Founder of Lifting Labels Benefit Corporation, both established to reduce poverty by creating careers for Baltimore' Returning Citizens and unemployed veterans, particularly those formerly incarcerated. Lifting Labels Benefit Corporation is certified with Electronic Maryland Management Advantage (eMMA), Veterans Small Business Enterprise (VSBE), Small Business Reserve (SBR), and System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

Website - Lifting Labels

Facebook and Instagram

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; Klimaka Studios The Workroom Channel Scarlet Thread Consulting The WCAA The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library National Upholstery Association Workroom Tech

Over his 40+-year career, Sohn Lewis has reupholstered thousands of pieces of furniture and other items, including antiques, walls, and automobile and boat interiors. One of his more notable projects includes upholstering hundreds of replicated seats for the 2000s renovation of Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. His work also appears in the Smithsonian Institution, a few embassies, and the Maryland governor's office, Senate chambers, and statehouse. He's done work for Joseph Furniture Restoration (Columbia), Johnson Berman (Baltimore), Ibello Upholstery (Baltimore), and Iatesta Studio (Kent Island). He is the lead upholsterer and instructor at The Cavanagh House in Baltimore. The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; Klimaka Studios The Workroom Channel Scarlet Thread Consulting The WCAA The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library National Upholstery Association Workroom Tech

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; Klimaka Studios The Workroom Channel Scarlet Thread Consulting The WCAA The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library National Upholstery Association Workroom Tech

Heidi Wenger Yoder is the owner of Smithland Custom Interiors in Harrisonburg, VA. which is celebrating 20 years of operation. Heidi's husband, Brent, is an invaluable member of her team as chief installer and cornice board fabricator. Her three teenage children pitch in on occasion as directors of recycling, dust bunny chasing, and van loading. Heidi is passionate about helping her clients live more fully in their homes and creating beauty in the process. Heidi is on Instagram and Facebook The website below is currently under construction by Kate the Socialite and should be up and running soon My old site, www.seamslikehomeva.com, is still up. For my 20th business birthday, I re-branded and re-named the business. Links and Resources; (I use some affiliate links and appreciate it if you choose to use them) Profit First by Mike Michalowicz Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans Kanban board Kate The Socialite

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; Klimaka Studios The Workroom Channel Scarlet Thread Consulting The WCAA The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library National Upholstery Association Workroom Tech

Rachel Bristow has been married to her husband, Victor, for 16 years, and together they share a large and close-knit family of 11 children and 13 grandchildren.

She has owned her business, Creative Cousins Sewing for 12 years, transitioning to full-time drapery work over the past two years. Sewing is deeply rooted in her background—she comes from a long line of skilled seamstresses. Her mother, a gifted bridal specialist, had an exceptional talent for altering any type of garment.

After becoming a widow, she learned tailoring from her mother as a way to support her six children. That experience marked the beginning of her professional journey, laying the foundation for the work she continues today.

Rachel is on Instagram

Links and Resources;

Stacy McAleer form the Cavenaugh House

Michele Williams - Profit is a Choice Podcast

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; Klimaka Studios The Workroom Channel Scarlet Thread Consulting The WCAA The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library National Upholstery Association Workroom Tech

Ruti is a Brooklyn-based upholsteress and the founder of Find The Thread Upholstery. Known for her bold use of color and pattern, she helps clients fall back in love with the furniture they already own, transforming pieces in a way that feels joyful and personal. Her process is designed to be approachable and low-stress, while keeping quality furniture out of the landfill through thoughtful, design-forward restoration. You can see her work on her website or on Instagram @findthethread. The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; Klimaka Studios The Workroom Channel Scarlet Thread Consulting The WCAA The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library National Upholstery Association Workroom Tech