I recently spoke with Nashville Voyager to share the story behind our journey into the fabric industry. I talk about why we jumped into the fabric industry, how we’re shaking things up, and what it takes to stay ahead in a legacy business. If you’re curious about the work behind the scenes or how we’re rethinking quilting for the modern era, check it out!
Hi Chris, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My wife and I moved to Nashville from Auburn in 2011, so we’ve had a front row seat to the city’s incredible growth over the years. After a decade in finance, I switched careers in 2021 to gain more control over my schedule. We bought Choice Fabrics, a wholesale company, and launched The Fabric Company as our retail brand.
The move has allowed me to prioritize family. I now have the flexibility to be more present for our three children, including our newborn. And the best part is working alongside my wife. Our skill sets complement each other perfectly. I handle the business operations while she excels at the creative and community building aspects.
It wasn’t a random decision to buy a quilting company. I come from a family of quilters. My mom, her sisters, and my own sisters have all been passionate quilters for years. Growing up surrounded by this creative energy, I’ve always appreciated the craft and the community it builds. So, when the opportunity came to switch from finance to fabric, it felt like a natural fit. It allowed me to merge my business skills with a family tradition.
It’s been a fun ride growing our companies over the past three years and becoming part of a community I’ve always valued.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course not! Like any business journey, there have been plenty of challenges.
When we first took over Choice Fabrics, we had to learn the ins and outs of the fabric industry quickly, all while managing the demands of launching and growing The Fabric Company. Balancing these roles with raising a young family was especially tough. We’ve faced supply chain disruptions, learned to adapt to changing market trends, and worked hard to establish our brand identity.
Fortunately, my peers in the industry have been incredibly supportive. Since so many businesses in this field are family-owned, there’s a genuine willingness to help one another out.
But now, we’re settled in, and I feel great about where we’re headed.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Since Choice Fabrics is a wholesale distributor, I’m going to tell you about our retail brand, The Fabric Company.
The Fabric Company is a one-stop shop for everything quilting and sewing. We’ve curated an awesome selection of designer fabrics, sewing machines, batting, thread—pretty much everything you need, all in one place.
What makes us special is our 50,000 square foot warehouse in Springfield. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, we’ve got something for you. Our team is super friendly and always ready to help you find exactly what you need for your next project.
We’re also excited about our newly renovated classroom! It’s a great space for workshops and classes, and we love seeing our community come together to learn and create.
We want The Fabric Company to be more than just a store. We’re a hub for creativity and inspiration, and we’re here to support our customers on the sewing journey.
So come on by and check us out. We can’t wait to see what you create!
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We love collaborating so if you’re an quilter, instructor, or just someone with a creative idea for a partnership, we’re all ears! Let’s brainstorm ways to bring something special to our community together.
An obvious way to support is to shop with us. You’re not just getting high-quality fabrics and supplies, you’re also supporting a local business and helping us keep our community thriving.
You can join a class. Check out our workshops and classes in our newly renovated classroom. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced quilter, there’s something for everyone, and we’d love to have you!
You can stay connected with us on social media! We make silly videos and share updates on new products. Plus, we love seeing what you create, so tag us in your projects!
And finally, you can spread the word. If you know someone who loves sewing or quilting, share The Fabric Company with them! Word of mouth is powerful!
We’re always excited to connect and collaborate, so don’t hesitate to reach out!
Contact Info:
- Website: fabriccompany.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/thefabric.company/
- Facebook: facebook.com/ShopTheFabricCo
- Youtube: youtube.com/@thefabriccompany
- TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefabric.co