Let's just cut right to the chase. What made you decide to open an on-line fabric store?
Well, finding pretty fabric in Canada (let alone in the Ottawa Valley) can be difficult. I like designers like Amy Butler, Heather Bailey and Valori Wells. They create fabric that is vibrant and colourful often with bold prints and florals (which can be hard to find in quilting stores and large distributors) but there aren't many stores either online or storefront here that carry their fabric. So what's a girl to do? Create her own fabric store!
We love the name Dutch Girl! Is there a reason you chose it? We mean, besides the fact that you're a girl and we're guessing you're probably Dutch.
Well, you guessed right. My parents are Dutch. Every time I visit the Netherlands I am overwhelmed by the amount of time and thought people take to make things cute and cozy. Many of the fabrics I carry remind me of all those cute Dutch things. My Mom always sewed clothes for me when I was a kid and my grandmother and aunts would send fabric from Holland. The name Dutch Girl Textiles encompasses all of that for me.
What is your business philosophy for Dutch Girl?
Even though Dutch Girl is an online business I still want to create a personal atmosphere. I try to email each customer to see if they are happy with their fabric and have started a blog so that they can have a peek into my life. I also wanted to start a small business that included my hobbies. I don't want this adventure to be stressful, in fact I want it to be quite the opposite. I want it to be something to look forward to and so far it is.
How do you find balancing 3 small children and an on-line business?
I can't say for certain that I've succeeded at balancing anything yet! I generally feel like someone or something is constantly neglected. Now I don't know if it's actually the case or if it's all in my head but I'm getting used to the feeling. There are many things I wish I had more time for but I guess sometimes you just need to choose the important things to focus on. I often wonder how other people do it but maybe some people think the same about me...I'm not sure. I've always been a person that likes to have something on the go. Kids certainly provide that but now two are in school and I wanted to have a little something to focus on other than the usual home related stuff.
What merchandise do you sell at Dutch Girl? Do you plan to grow into other product areas?
At the moment I am selling fabric only. Soon I will be expanding to fat quarter bundles, handmade items, patterns, DIY kits (like quilt tops) and home decor fabrics.
What makes Dutch Girl special over other online fabric shops?
I am really hoping to appeal to Canadian buyers. I know there are people like me out there who have an interest in designer fabrics and don't want to pay high shipping, duty and tax when they shop for fabric at online stores in the US. So I guess what makes Dutch Girl special is that we're Canadian.
We thought you said you were Dutch.
You know what I mean.
What can shoppers expect to see at your booth at Handmade Harvest?
Well, there will be fabric for sure and I'm hoping to get my hands on some Amy Butler patterns so that people can get some ideas of the things they can make. I'll also have Aprons, Place Mats, Napkins and maybe a few Pillow Covers. And of course you can expect to see me!
Come see Jody and all her beautiful fabrics and creations at Handmade Harvest May 7th.
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