Business Spotlight: Meet Melissa Kelley of Sew Shabby Quilting

This month in the Longarm League, we published a business spotlight call featuring Melissa Kelley of Sew Shabby Quilting. I sat down with her to talk about building a successful business by staying true to herself - leaning into her creative strengths and charting a course based on prioritizing time with her family.

While League members have full access to the recording of the call, we asked Melissa to share a little more about herself and her business with our blog readers.

Without further ado, let's meet Melissa...

Melissa Kelley, Sew Shabby Quilting

Located: American Fork, UT
In business: 13 years
Machine and software: Gammill Statler Stitcher and APQS with IQ 
In the Longarm League: Almost 2 years!

Where to find Melissa
Website: https://www.sewshabbyquilting.com
Instagram: @sewshabbyquilting
Facebook: @sewshabbyquilting
TikTok: @sewshabbyquilting
Best way for someone to request quilting? Check out the Quilting Services page on my website.

Q&A

Tell us a little about your business and the services you provide at Sew Shabby Quilting.
I offer edge to edge quilting and limited custom work. I also sell digital pantos.

How did you get started longarm quilting?
My mom opened a fabric store in 2003 and I started longarm quilting for her :)

Do you have any advice for someone just starting out with their business?
Be firm with what you can do and stick to your boundaries.

For someone who's been in business a while and looking to grow their business, what advice would you give them?
Don’t be afraid to let yourself be seen. Put yourself out there on social media. People need to see your talent!

Could you tell us about a business "win" you've had?
I set a boundary with a client and parted ways. Not every client is for me and that’s ok!

What are a few favorite recent pantographs you've designed?
I have used my Groovy Stripes Panto on a bunch of quilts this week! It’s a new go-to for me!

What is your favorite notion for longarm quilting?
Boobie sizzors - aka the snips I hang on my shirt collar for easy access. (They hang in front of my boobs). Lol

What's your favorite part of making a quilt?
The piecing is my boo.

What other hobbies do you enjoy aside from quilting?
Yoga is my everything lately!

If you'd like to watch the business spotlight call with Melissa, or are interested in being a guest, we'd love to have you join us! Whether you're interested in starting your own longarm quilting business, or wanting to improve your current business, check out our Rookie Season course! You can see all the details, read about how the course has helped previous students, and get started here.

Thanks so much for talking with us this month Melissa!