Well, it finally happened. I am turning 65 this weekend and am officially a senior citizen at last. I don’t feel like a ‘old person’ but I am sure a twenty-something person would think differently, ha. I signed up for Medicare and AARP, and how appropriate that it happens on Small Business Saturday.
As you may know, I worked in the garment industry after I got my design degree, and experienced much of the trauma that Corporate America has to offer. During those years I became a freelance designer, eventually traveling back and forth from New York to Asia (on Pan Am Business Class – those were the days!) and racking up miles and #metoo stories until I finally left the fashion industry in disgust.
I found my way to the quilting world in 1990, and we opened our business in March 1999. That’s 33 years that I’ve been hanging with the Quilting Tribe, and I’ve never looked back! I’ve been some version of self-employed since 1982, and I married a man who also came from an entrepreneurial family business background, which is why being business partners with my spouse has been such a success, and a blessing. In the process Paul has become a Quilt Maven which has deepened our marriage in ways I could not have imagined. He’s a Keeper, for sure!
On this Small Business Saturday, I am grateful that all 3 of our kids have been able to work in the family business. Currently Sam, our middle child, is handling our social media and writing descriptions. Mason and Sophie both worked for us during the pandemic, but now they are off in other jobs. Our office manager Dijana has been with us for 17 years, and we have a mix of old and new employees throughout the company. Most are mothers or grandmothers.
As I start another trip around the Sun, I am so grateful for the opportunities and friendships this industry has offered to me, to us, and in particular it has been a place to explore and expand my creative expression. Now that my caretaking role has been lifted, I am planning to return to my art studio and design work in 2024….which is very exciting.
sharing your love for fabric,
Luana and Paul
Travel/Quilt Dates:
Feb 21-24, 2024 – QuiltCon in Raleigh, NC – eQuilter is a GOLD Sponsor.
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