Lisa Whelton of Made Just For You By Lisa loved being a SAHM (stay-at-home-mom) but missed having something else – just for her.
So she bought a sewing machine and started stitching for the first time since childhood. She turned her ‘me time’ into a home business.
‘Sew far, sew good’ the mother of three says about her business Made Just For You By Lisa.
Once her three-year-old, 20-month-old and five-month-old are off to bed, Lisa gets down to work.
She trades in the daytime routine of play dates and errands for scissors, patterns and sewing.
“I love the products I can make with a sewing machine,” the Langley, B.C., resident said. “I love that I can get them done in one evening after the kids are in bed.”
Sewing brings Lisa tremendous satisfaction and pride.
“I often sew very late into the night when the house is quiet and everyone is asleep,” the former high school teacher said. “That is my favourite time day.”
The business was born about 7 years ago.
It allowed Lisa to bring in an income, still enjoy family time with her husband and three daughters and fulfil the duties of motherhood.
“I want to spend all the time I can with my kids,” she said. “I could go to work – and some days I really want to — but I know I would regret missing out when I don’t have to. “
The business can make life feel like a bit of a juggling act at times, she said.
The biggest struggle Lisa faces is getting too popular, she said, admitting sometimes it is difficult to find the time to get everything done when she has a wave of orders to fill.
But it is worthwhile when she can deliver custom-made products to her customers.
“I just intended to sew for fun and made some dresses for my girls and some other small things,” she said.
“Then a few people asked me to make things for them and suggested I should start selling. So I decided to take a leap and put myself out there.”
Lisa’s products range from snack bags to blankets and other baby-related essentials using the softest flannels and flannelette, plus minky fabrics which are luxurious.
“Paired with coordinating items like burp cloths or car seat/stroller strap covers, they make deluxe baby shower gifts at reasonable prices,” Lisa said.
Her nursing covers feature a corner terry pocket for nursing pad storage and also to wipe up spills without needing bulky receiving blankets.
Made Just For You By Lisa, which features speciality fabrics and hard to find flannels from the U.S., has grown steadily since she launched it.
Among the list of her successes, Lisa counts having a steady stream of orders as a top accomplishment because it means people want to use her services.
“It keeps me busy about four or five nights a week but isn’t overwhelming,” she said. “I have also had the opportunity to donate to several silent auctions for fundraising efforts like the Run for the Cure and local events to help local moms in need. That is very rewarding.”
Working for other moms is something Lisa doesn’t take lightly.
“I love that I am making products for other moms who appreciate how much time and work it is to have three little girls so close in age,” she said. “They are always very grateful and understanding if I can’t get to the fabric store until the following day or if I didn’t manage to get to the post office within business hours though most of my custom orders ship within 72 hours of ordering regardless.
“Mommies are a great network as well and I love that most of my business has come from referrals and recommendations. I always support other WAHMs and am very grateful when they support me.”
There are other perks to starting the sewing business, she jokes.
“I get to keep all the practice products,” she said.
Lisa started out by sewing dresses and small things for her girls.
I learned that she uses both flannel and minky for her blankets. How nice!
I’ve also just introduced some minky swirl blankets into my line. I’ll have photos of those up next week. Make sure you take a peek!
Lisa has three gorgeous little girls!
Thanks, Robyn! I think they’re pretty cute, too 🙂
She has 3 little girls and used to be a teacher
Like me, she works late at night when it’s quiet and peaceful!
That’s the best time to get most things done!
She turned her ‘me time’ into a home business… which is sooo awesome!!
Is this open to US? thanks
Hi Linda,
Yes our US neighbors are eligible to win.
Katrina
Thanks!
Thanks, Linda! I’m always happy to ship anywhere.
Awesome! I love your products 🙂
i learned that Lisa enjoys being able to spend the extra time with her children and work once they are in bed which is just how i would love life to be 🙂
Thanks, Chris. It’s definitely ideal – even if it means sacrificing sleep sometimes!
Love reading different success stories of what busy moms do to be able to stay at home with their children! Way to go Lisa! I’m sure your three beautiful girls will really appreciate all those late nights you put in to be able to spend more time with them!
Thanks, Kimberly! It helps me stay sane, too 🙂
she has donated to several silent auctions! 🙂
Her business features specialty fabrics and hard to find flannels from the US
She’s only been in business 3 months, but her stuff looks awesome! I wouldn’t have guess her business was that new.
Thanks, Jessica. I really appreciate that compliment!
What beautiful products! Congratulations on your new business Lisa!
Thank you, Sarah!
What a great giveaway! Love that she sews at night. Actually, I love that her kdis go to bed at a decent enough time so she can actually sew at night lol!
Hahaha! Yes, 7:30 is bedtime for all 3 girls (though Heidi does like to sing & shout to herself for a long time before falling asleep.) I need my evenings to maintain my sanity and my girls need their sleep!!
Her favourite time to sew is late at night 🙂
Lisa is a night owl like me! Some of the best work is accomplished in the quiet of the night!
Definitely a night owl! Now if only I could clean at night without waking everyone up …
Her nursing covers have terry pocket to save the need for an extra bag and recieving blanket
I learned that is possible to make it work, be a mommy, take care of my house and be self employed, I am 8 month pregnant and felt a little worried that will have to at some point go back to work, thanks to seeing moms like Lisa I am looking at a different way to bring income to my household and be the best mom I can!
Wow, thanks! That is great encouragement. It takes a lot of time and a big learning curve, but it is possible … especially if you don’t need that much sleep 🙂
I learned that she likes to give back to the community, in the form of donations for fundraisers – that’s great! Sounds like she has made lots of great choices for herself!
Thanks, Rene!
She has 3 adorable kids! 🙂
Thanks, Lenny! I think they’re petty cute, too 🙂
She enjoys to sew very late into the night when the house is quiet and everyone is asleep. Its the Perfect time to do things. I clean the house (unfortunately). Wish I could sew!
I should probably be cleaning more!
Her biggest struggle is getting too popular! ~ love it! What a wonderful struggle to have!
Definitely!
Definitely a wonderful struggle. I’m not complaining! Definitely need to learn how to balance everything properly though 🙂
Learned that she started sewing for her family, but due to demand from friends she started selling 🙂 what a great success story!
Thanks, Mandy!
I learned she has donated a lot to silent auctions 🙂
I learned she sews late at night.
She wanted to make things for her daughters, and her friends saw how awesome they were and told her to sell.
I learned she stays up late to sew and really wish I could do that too!!
As much as Lisa loved being a SAHM, she needed something for her. I’m glad I’m not the only one. 🙂
I love all these cute sewed items!
She has a very busy house with a 3 yr old, 20 mth and 5 month old! I find it hard to sew with a 3 month and 4 yr old!
Her business is fairly new (only 3 months!)
Just like me, she works late into the night when everyone else is (finally) asleep 🙂
Lisa finds time to raise three girls and run a business!
She used to be a teacher like me.
She has three children.