About this episode
Designer, author, educator, and entrepreneur Jessica Barrera is our guest in this episode of Sew & So. Born and raised in Wisconsin, she learned to sew at an early age. She studied entrepreneurship at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. When not running her growing company, she enjoys coffee, being a mom, coffee, home decorating, travelling and black and white movies! (1:20) How did she learn to sew? Her mom taught Jessica when she was 5 years old. The first thing she made?! A quilt for her American Girl Doll! (1:56) Who/What inspired her to sew…and keep going? It was her mom who worked for Nancy Zieman! And all of her many moms who worked for Nancy. (3:12) In college she started her pattern and supply company on the side. Learning marketing and teaching she was aiming for a “real job” ...but she also wanted to follow her heart. When she graduated her business was so strong she could continue. Hear how her mom’s suggesting charted her new course! And how supplies grew as an offering! (5:12) Entrepreneurship was her area of study at UW…which course meant the most to her? She tells us here! (6:10) What’s the Puppy Pillow? This pivotal project helped her company grow, and it was her first pattern. (7:05) How did she name her business Sallie Tomato? She shares that story with us here! (7:36) Jessica loves black and white movies and Cary Grant! (7:51) She uses her patterns to attract new generations of makers while still serving an older demographic. She walks us through how she does this. (9:09) Jessica talks to us about the uniqueness of the new generation of sewists. Pinterest and Instagram are notable drivers in how they make decisions. Fabrics and upcycling too! (9:58) Sallie Tomato is successful and growing. To what does she attribute this to? She tells all here! It all boils down to community and collaboration! (11:13) What unique things does Jessica bring to the table. She shares her special niche. (12:05) In 2018 Jessica switched from selling items she created to selling instructions – this changed her life. Listen as she walks us through this evolution. (12:58) What would she have done differently? Well…not much. And the toughest part of her business…?! (13:57) She believes very strongly in sustainability and shares seventeen tenants on her website. Jessica walks us through a few of these. (15:50) She provides suggestions for all sewists on how to support sustainability. (16:12) Jessica LOVES her hometown – Fox Lake, WI. Learn why it’s so special and how her business has helped it flourish! She events invites all of us to visit. She also tells the story of how she acquired her location and dreamt of it since she was a little girl! (18:30) Jessica loves to travel. As a family they camp in the Midwest and enjoy all that’s around them. She shares this love with us. (19:26) She loves many things…what don’t we know about her?! Besides being a mom of two boys…?! (20:35) What’s next for her? Learn it here! (21:20) What didn’t I ask? The pride she feels about the two books she’s written! (22:10) Cork fabric is important to her. What is this and why does it mean so much?! (23:21) You can find Jessica on Instagram and YouTube…all social media too! If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website. Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.