470 - When in Doubt, Go to the Library

Running a custom workroom means wearing all the hats—fabricator, business owner, problem-solver, and sometimes… Google detective. But what if you didn’t have to figure it all out on your own? In this episode, Ceil DiGuglielmo (your friendly industry Librarian) shares the real value of having a trusted place to turn for answers. You’ll hear stories from Library members, learn what kind of support actually moves the needle in your business, and discover why community and curated resources make all the difference. Whether you’re a long-time member of the Curtains & Soft Furnishings Resource Library or just curious about what’s behind the doors, this episode will leave you feeling supported, encouraged, and a little more empowered. 🧵 You don’t have to know everything. You just have to know where to look—and who to ask.  

Annette Faber is the owner of Kaylee’s Creations, LLC which provides custom window treatments, bedding, and other soft furnishings to interior designers. Kaylee’s Creations exists to support interior designers by providing exceptionally crafted soft furnishings. They strive to be part of the design team and to make their part of the process both enjoyable and stress-free for their client. They will go above and beyond to make sure that their client knows that they care about their business and how they are a reflection of them. Annette is a resident of Greenville, SC and is a wife, mother to 4 children and 2 grandchildren, and is very active in her church as a member of the worship team and in the singles Sunday school class. Yep! Married and in the single’s class, serving people of all ages and in all stages of life. Annette is on Facebook and Instagram Links and Resources; Scarlet Thread Consulting Overcoming Underearning by Barbara Stanny         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    

  Selina Scott is the owner of Blueprint Custom Furnishings, a custom workroom and upholstery studio in Beaverton, Oregon. While her business is only three years old, she has 19 years of custom fabrication experience from her employment at a workroom in Portland and then working on the side while being a stay-at-home parent. She enjoys sewing all kinds of things for herself and family, gardening, knitting, and camping road trips. Facebook and Instagram Links and Resources; The Artists JD  The Custom Workroom Conference SCORE    The Spruce Uholstery Book by Amanda Brown   (Some of the links I provide, specifically to Amazon and a few others, require me to let you know that if you use those links and make a purchase, I will make some money.  I won't make a million dollars, but I might be able to get a cup of coffee, so thank you!)   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    

Bree Bacon is a dynamic business leader, speaker, and author with over two decades of experience at leading organizations. She holds an MBA from Duke University and a BA in Business/Economics and Music from Wheaton College. A survivor of stage three, triple-negative breast cancer, Bree brings grit, grace, and deep gratitude to her mission: helping people rise above burnout and tap into their personal best capacity. Her debut book, Your Elite Energy, launches June 2025. In physics, energy is the capacity to do work; elite means the best or most effective. Together, Your Elite Energy is about just that — investing in your personal best capacity. Bree is a passionate advocate for the belief that well-being isn’t a luxury — it’s a crucial driver of capacity and potential in every area of life. Through her speaking and facilitation, she equips individuals, teams, and organizations to recharge, refocus, and ignite what makes them thrive. Bree is a proud military spouse — her husband, Neil, serves full-time in the Air National Guard — and together they’re raising their much-loved daughter, Eliana. Learn more at www.BreeBacon.com.   Links and Resources; Your Elite Energy: A Blueprint to Break Free from Burnout and Restore Your Vitality by Bree Bacon   The Choice by Dr. Edith Eva Eger   The Body Keeps Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk MD   You can find Bree on the following Social Media Platforms; Instagram Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Amazon

  When Madison Stauffer graduated from Kent State in 2021 with an architecture degree, she decided to combine her sense of design and love of vintage furniture with her fledgling upholstering skills. Enter Ohio Workroom in Canton, Ohio, where she’s worked for three years. Among her other duties, she helps customers find the perfect fabric for their specific pieces, with considerations given for durability, the furniture’s original character, how it will be used, and how a fabric will lay across it. She also creates vision boards to help customers visualize fabric combinations and help them make confident decisions.  Links and Resources; Adam Hoover - Somehow Furniture Found Me Ohio Workroom is on Instagram and Facebook Main Street Modern is on Instagram and Facebook Custom Workroom Conference The Style Sourcebook by Judith Miller (Some of the links I provide, specifically to Amazon and a few others, require me to let you know that if you use those links and make a purchase, I will make some money.  I won't make a million dollars, but I might be able to get a cup of coffee, so thank you!)   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    

Today's episode is dedicated to our mental health as we work so hard on our businesses.   Resources and Links;   Episode 435 - Setting Boundaries Method Share on the Curtains & Soft Furnishings Resource Library - Calendar Blocking   Mental Health Resources; National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 (Free 24/7 support) Meditation apps; Calm, Happier, Headspace, Insight Timer Ten Percent Happier by Dan Harris (Some of the links I provide, specifically to Amazon and a few others, require me to let you know that if you use those links and make a purchase, I will make some money.  I won't make a million dollars, but I might be able to get a cup of coffee, so thank you!)  

Robin Reynolds started her drapery workroom, R2 Fabric Design, in 2007 when her last child was completing high school.   Robin's clientele has grown principally by word of mouth amongst private individuals and commercial interior designers.  Robin and her husband reside in Norman, OK.   Links & Resources; Basset Furniture YouTube - Scott Weaver Singer(R) Sewing Custom Curtains, Shades, and Top Treatments: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Making and Installing Window Decor by Susan Woodcock Workroom Tech The Workroom Channel Sailrite roman shade calculator   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    

Amy Sadera began Windows By Amy in her home in Phoenix, MD in 2017; focusing on window treatments, cushions, and pillows. Coming off a career in engineering to raise her children, Amy wanted to have a creative outlet, source of income and the flexibility that owning a workroom provided. She builds relationships with retail clients that involve designing, fabricating and installing her luxury custom products. Outside of the workroom, Amy enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time with her husband, two children and pets.   You can find Amy on 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    

Jenny Lilly is an interior artisan and designer specializing in window treatments and other soft home furnishings. She operates a full-service fabrication studio from Hickory, NC known as Grace by Design. She creates one-of-a-kind window treatments, bedding ensembles, table coverings, and pillows, while also offering blinds, shades, and shutters. Her clients are drawn to the inspiration, couture details, and functionality her creations bring to their homes. When Jenny is not creating with her hands, she enjoys a worthy cup of coffee, outdoor activities, and traveling alongside her husband, daughter, and their beloved vizsla, Baby Rey. Website – gracebydesign.net Instagram – jennylilly_gracebydesign Links and Resources; Redeeming Your Time by Jordan Raynor StrengthsFinder by Gallup Speed Adjustable Pleating Template Little Giant Ladder (Some of the links I provide, specifically to Amazon and a few others, require me to let you know that if you use those links and make a purchase, I will make some money.  I won't make a million dollars, but I might be able to get a cup of coffee, so thank you!)   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