SECOND REASON: I have created a POSITIVE and FUN environment with “awards” for finishing a project, attending class all year, and participating in fashion shows, and sew for a cause events.
A small ribbon award that can be attached to their new sewing bag is a BIG thrill for children. That small award means the world to some of my students. It helps them gain confidence, and feel good about themselves that they made something and FINISHED it. I also offer great incentives with very nice awards, plaques, and trophies for those students who sew with me all year. (Our year is Sept.-May) On holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and others, we have a small party where the students can bring in snacks. Our school is a very happy and fun place where children can’t wait to come to!
Even though we do have 1st – 3rd place winners for our special categories in our competition end of our annual fashion show, we also give each and every designer a trophy for showing an everyday collection at our shows. I very strongly feel that if a child is willing to work for an entire year or spend several weeks of summer camp on a collection and learning more sewing skills, then she should be rewarded for it.
Here are four young fashion students showing their fashion design summer camp rosette awards they earned for sewing outfits they made from sketch to the finished product.
Here is eight year old Morgan showing her awards she earned for her 1920s flapper dress she made.
Two happy sewing students showing the hats they sewed!
We also create a positive environment from the moment students enter our studio with fun and colorful displays on our walls that are changed seasonal. We have family friendly music playing in the background each day. We also bake homemade goodies every once in awhile for our students. Just for fun one week I decided to have an “Orange You Glad You Sew” student appreciation party. I wanted to show my students that I appreciate each and every one of them. So I decorated the whole studio with big bright orange tissue paper flowers. I had a food table with a bright and cheerful orange table cloth full of orange treats and goodies for my students to enjoy. We served everything on orange plates and napkins, and even served orange punch.
I always have my newest projects I am working on on display for everyone to see. This really inspires my students to try harder and learn more sewing techniques.
So ask you can see,
4 Responses
CAROL JOHNSON
Thank you for offering this information for free. I would like to teach sewing for non-profit. I was going to do this at my church. I will be asking for donations from people such as those you mentioned. I also would like to ask people to sponsor a student who can’t afford any fees. I just want have an after school program just to keep young people busy with something positive and teach basic domestic skills. I closed my sewing business this past June because I was barely making enough to cover the cost of rent and utilities. I just have a heart for young ladies in the area. There isn’t much for (at risk) kids. I am also thinking about doing private lessons but I am not sure how much I should charge. Again thank you for sharing. It is very helpful.
Judi @ Love to Sew Studio/Teach Others to Sew
Hi Carol,
You are so welcome. I, just like you, want to teach young people how to sew, and I really enjoy it! And yes, it keeps them busy, and out of trouble, and let’s there creative thoughts flow and be utilized! It is awesome to see the results. I love your idea of asking people to sponsor a student who can’t afford the fees. In the past, during our summer camps, we have sponsored a child for a week of summer sewing camp. It is a great feeling to do so. Best of luck in all your sewing adventures!
Mina Omunguye
Very interesting tips Ma’am. I started with a Team to run the school of sewing, a year ago;it has been demanding though…
Janee Connor
Thank you for this website and all the great information. My first student will be starting private lessons with me in just a few weeks, and I am so looking forward to working with her and the others that are sure to follow. I was sorry to read about your health issues in some of the comments elsewhere, and I hope you’re doing well these days. But you’ve left us with a real teaser here: what is the 3rd reason for your successful studio?