Interview with: Sew Sweet Bags

Meet the Mom Behind Sew Sweet Bags!

Who is Sew Sweet Bags? Where are you located?
Sew Sweet Bags, designed and sewn by Emily Keaton, is a collection of boutique-style fabric handbags, shoulder bags, totes, baby bags, drawstring backpacks, bags for kids, and bag accessories, all handcrafted from a wide assortment of bright and whimsical prints, classic toiles, and colorful home decorating fabrics. I work out of my home sewing studio north of Boston, MA, and sell my bags through my website, at arts and crafts shows, and at home parties.

How did you come up with your business name?
When I first started my business, I decided right away that I would focus only on making handbags, totes, and purses. So I wanted my business name to reflect that focus and make it perfectly obvious what it is that I make and sell; “bags” or a variation would have to be in the name. Then I started making a list of ways people had described my bags, and one of them was “so sweet.” I’ve always been fond of alliteration, so that struck a chord with me, even though it seemed a little pedestrian. I played with it some more and came up with “sew sweet,” a fun play on words but also a great way to convey the fact that each bag is sewn and handcrafted. As soon as I put “Sew Sweet Bags” together, I knew it was the perfect name for my business!

When and why did you decide to start your own business?
I have worked from home as a freelance editor and writer since 1996, even before my children were born. And I still do freelance work. But in 2004, a few months after my youngest child’s first birthday, I was looking for a creative outlet, a new hallenge, and opportunities for social interactions that I wouldn’t otherwise have. Plus, I’d always wanted to try making something that other people would be willing to buy. I didn’t want to be one of those people who, later in life, looks back and regrets never pursuing a dream. Sew Sweet Bags was born to address all of these criteria!



How did you get started?
I love to sew! I have been sewing since I was in 7th grade, teaching myself new techniques and expanding my horizons over the years. About 12 years ago, I made my first bag, a tote bag. Pretty soon I found myself making more because I never seemed to have enough on hand. I'd make a bag and use it for something, and pretty soon it became dedicated to a specific purpose (like a meeting bag, or library bag, or church bag, or travel bag, etc.). Then the next time I needed a bag for something, all my totes were already in use, so I'd have to make a new one! Then I realized what great gifts bags are, so I started making bags to give to family and friends. Everyone loved my bags! Soon I started making purses for myself, and I got lots of compliments on them. So when I was ready to start a new business for myself, it was obvious that handmade totes and purses should be my product! I worked hard and sewed hard to
establish a starting inventory of three styles of bags, printed business cards, and had my official launch when I exhibited my new products at a craft fair in the summer of 2004.

What motivates you to keep your business going?
I am motivated by the challenges of searching for new product lines and new ways to expand or improve my business. I love to buy new fabrics and find new combinations of fabrics to try out as bags, so that definitely keeps me going. Hearing my customers say how much they like my bags and knowing how proud my daughter, son, and husband are of me for making my business successful is very rewarding!


Do you have a particular product that's unique, a best seller, or that you are promoting on your site?
In general, my shoulder bags and wristlets are my bestselling product categories. However, my single bestselling item is my Princess Drawstring Backpack. There is just something very special about it that makes everyone want one for the little princess in her life!



How do you juggle family and work at home?
During the week, I try to do most of my work while my children are at school or after they have gone to bed. If I sew on the weekends, my kids love to help me! My son, 5, loves to wind bobbins and sit on my lap while I sew so he can remove pins, work the presser foot, and operate the reverse button. My daughter, 9, has learned some basic machine sewing and enjoys helping me sew seams for bag linings. She also is a whiz at attaching magnetic snap closures! Both kids have been very helpful with making bag tags and counting money after craft shows and bag parties. These are great life experiences for them, and I love having their help. Being able to work near and alongside my family is wonderful!



What advice would you give to moms seeking to become a WAHM?
The best advice I can give is to do something you love! When you work away from home, you can leave work there at the end of the day. So even if you don’t love your work, you can at least get away from it. When you work from home, you are around your work all the time; it’s very difficult to escape it. It’s best if you really, really enjoy your work!


Visit Sew Sweet Bags at: www.sewsweetbags.com
Current promotions/specials at Sew Sweet Bags:
Receive a FREE gift with any order over $50 (excluding tax and shipping) placed by January 31, 2008. Type the code “WAHMgift” in the Message window at checkout.