Life & Work with Eris Dowell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eris Dowell.

Hi Eris, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Sure, I’d be happy to share my story. It all began during the pandemic when I experienced a significant shift in my career. At that time, my company underwent a restructuring process, which unfortunately resulted in my being laid off. While it was initially disheartening, this turn of events provided me with an opportunity to explore new avenues.

Being a naturally creative crafter with a strong inclination towards creativity, I was seeking a fulfilling and challenging outlet for my skills. That’s when I stumbled upon embroidery, a craft that immediately captured my interest. Intrigued by its combination of artistic expression and technical intricacies, I decided to give it a try.

I started by immersing myself in the world of embroidery, learning various techniques, and experimenting with different materials. I devoured online tutorials and joined embroidery communities

As I continued to practice and hone my embroidery techniques, I discovered a profound passion for it. What started as a fun and challenging endeavor soon transformed into something more meaningful. The act of creating intricate designs with needle and thread brought me immense joy and a sense of fulfillment.

Driven by my newfound passion, I decided to share my creations with the world. Through social media platforms and word-of-mouth, my work began to gain attention and appreciation. It was incredibly gratifying to see people connecting with and appreciating the pieces I had poured my heart and soul into.

Today, I am proud to say that I am building a thriving embroidery business. I continue to explore new techniques in garment decorating and push the boundaries of my creativity. Every stitch is a testament to the resilience and determination that brought me here.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
While my journey into the world of embroidery has been incredibly rewarding, it hasn’t always been a smooth road.

Like any pursuit, there have been challenges and struggles along the way that have tested my perseverance and commitment.

One of the initial obstacles I faced was the learning curve associated with mastering embroidery techniques.

Although I was passionate about the craft, it required patience and dedication to develop the necessary skills. I encountered difficulties in perfecting certain stitches and mastering the equipment and software which at times led to frustration. However, I embraced these challenges as opportunities for growth and invested extra time and effort to overcome them.

Another significant hurdle was establishing my website and building a customer base. In the vast digital landscape, it was challenging to make my mark and stand out among other talented artists. I had to invest time and energy into developing my brand, creating captivating product images, and marketing my work effectively. It took consistent effort and perseverance to attract customers and build a loyal following.

Additionally, the pandemic itself presented unique challenges. The uncertainty and economic downturn affected consumer spending habits, making it harder to gain traction in the market. Supply chain disruptions and shipping delays added further complexities to running an online business. However, I adapted to these circumstances by finding alternative suppliers, implementing efficient shipping strategies, and leveraging social media to reach a wider audience.

Balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with the creative process was another hurdle. As my business grew, I found myself juggling various responsibilities, such as production, customer service, marketing, and being a mom of two and a wife. It required careful time management and organizational skills to ensure that I could dedicate ample time to both creating new pieces, managing the operational aspects of my business, and my obligations to my family.

Nevertheless, despite these challenges, my passion for embroidery and the support of my growing customer base and family kept me motivated. Each obstacle became an opportunity for me to learn and improve, ultimately shaping me into a resilient entrepreneur.

Overall, while my journey has had its fair share of struggles, I believe that overcoming these challenges has made me stronger, more adaptable, and more appreciative of the success I have achieved.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart from others in the field is not only my technical expertise but also the unique blend of creativity, innovative solutions, and extraordinary service. I strive to push the boundaries of traditional embroidery by incorporating technology and convenience. This allows me to create pieces that are not only visually striking but also capture my customer’s vision.

One aspect that I’m particularly proud of is our new innovative solution – Ship & Stitch. This service allows customers to leverage the robust apparel selection of online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, etc. For example, if you are an Amazon Prime member, and you see an item you would like customized for your business or personally all you have to do is complete a free quote form, and we’ll send you an invoice with the mockup of the design, you pay the invoice and ship the item to us. We take care of the rest.

Moreover, I take immense pride in the quality and attention to detail that goes into each of my creations. I am committed to using high-quality materials, ensuring impeccable craftsmanship, and delivering pieces that surpass expectations. It brings me great joy to see my customers delighted with their embroidered company swag and appreciate the dedication and love I put into each piece.

Ultimately, what sets me apart is the combination of my technical skills, innovative approach, storytelling abilities, and commitment to excellence. I believe that embroidery is not just a craft but a form of art that has the power to inspire, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impact.

It is this belief and dedication that drive me to continuously evolve as an artist and business owner and create pieces that are cherished by individuals, organizations, and businesses who appreciate the beauty and intricacy of embroidery.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
Youtube university and positive support system. You can do anything. I’m focusing on the journey the result is the byproduct and will take care of itself.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thedowellembroideryco.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedowellembroideryco?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedowellembroiderycompany?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-dowell-embroidery-company/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/thedowellembroideryco