Consistency is key, “If you’re going to do something a certain way, do it that way every time.
1.Tell us about your background journey and company.
I grew up in Cornwall, New York, with my parents and older brother, Tommy. I never really knew what I wanted to do with my life career wise, so I chose to go to college and become a teacher so I could have the summers off. Seems like a legit reason to choose a major, right? After I graduated and obtained my teaching license, I quickly realized I wasn’t a huge fan of kids. I eventually found myself working at a tailor shop that my former husband owned, fell in love with it for seven years, and became a seamstress.
After my divorce, it was time for a change of environment and leaving that job left me with an expired teaching license, a skill that didn’t lead to many career opportunities, and a severe “Oh Shit,” moment. This was all happening at the beginning of a pandemic which just made it even more stressful.
After days of crying out of panic, I put on my big girl panties and decided on a whim to buy a little tabletop embroidery machine and start an Etsy shop making baby blankets. I figured since people are always having kids, blankets for babies would be a hot commodity.
Funny how I decided I didn’t want to work with kids and then decided to start making products for them, isn’t it? This had some minor success, enough to keep me afloat, but certainly wasn’t providing me with a lifestyle I desired.
A previous client of mine from the tailor shop, and owner of a local premier Screen Printing shop, named Chris, reached out to have me sew some of his patchwork and found out I was doing embroidery at home. One magical day the stars aligned, we decided to open an embroidery business together, and boom Mixture Embroidery was born.
2. How did you come up with this idea of Screen Printing, Embroidery and go about executing it?
Chris, my business partner who owns Mixture, has been doing screen printing, embroidery, patchwork, etc for almost twenty years so it was a great starting point for me, rather than having to start fresh from nothing. I moved my supplies into his main location and started solely doing all of the embroidery and sewing.
The only thing we didn’t have were embroidery machines. I bought two commercial machines, which were much more involved than my little table top machine at home, and it was definitely a learning curve starting up but thankfully I picked it up very quickly.
3. Tell us about your website Mixture Prints.
The website is my partner’s site that explains all of the services he offers, some background about the company, a portfolio, and also an online shop. There’s also web stores on the site where companies have their merchandise stocked for customers to order.
4. What has been your biggest challenge that you faced and how did you overcome that?
Personally my biggest challenge was the funding to purchase the machines. Luckily with some gracious help from family and friends I was able to make that happen. I thought one of my challenges would be a business partnership, as almost everyone advises against it, but thankfully Chris and I work really well together.
5. What do you think are the most important qualities of a successful entrepreneur?
Definitely patience and drive. I think it’s important to understand when you start a business that it’s not going to become a multi-million dollar company overnight. There’s going to be loss and it will be a struggle but as long as you keep your eye on the long term goal and hustle and focus, you can make it happen.
6. What are some of the most important factors for running a successful business?
Working your ass off and devoting yourself to making it what you want. You can’t half ass starting up or running a business. You have to show up, put in the work, and make it happen. Also consistency is key. Someone I used to work with once told me, “If you’re going to do something a certain way, do it that way every time,” and he was right.
7. What are your tips for first time and aspiring entrepreneurs?
Definitely have all of your goals organized with a business plan prior to starting anything. You need to have your vision set and in place before you can efficiently execute your dream. Also don’t give up and don’t doubt yourself because you might want to but you can do anything you put your mind to it.
8. How can one overcome a hurdle of lack of funds when starting up?
As I mentioned before, this was one of my biggest struggles. I would have started sooner if I had the funds but because I didn’t it took me some time to strategize how I could make it work.
In addition to loans or investors, the beautiful thing about the world we live in today is that social media provides a free source of marketing and advertising. If you have an idea or product, and you put it out there for the world to see, you can skyrocket your success with a small budget.
Keep in mind you may have to have a side hustle while you’re starting up. I started growing my TikTok account as a comedy creator for extra money and have had great success building my social media platform on the side while running my business.
9. Who is your inspiration?
Definitely my mom. She worked multiple jobs when my brother and I were younger to provide us with everything we could ever want; she lived for us and still does. As we got older, she decided to start her own dog walking business, called Doody Calls, and was the first in our area to do so.
It got so huge that she ended up selling it because she had no free time anymore. At 74, she still works and volunteers just to keep busy and stay young. She was my example of a true entrepreneur growing up and I am so happy to be following in her footsteps.
My husband also inspires me every day. He is an incredible chef who truly loves what he does and unfortunately you don’t see too many people these days who are so passionate about their work.
10. Which is your favourite book and why?
One of them would have to be “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero. It inspired me to find my inner badass when I needed it the most.
- Claudia Chiavaroli
Claudia Chiavaroli (Wolf) was born January 7 th , 1989, in Orange County, NY. After years of not knowing what career path she wanted to take, she finally found her passion through embroidery and comedy, all in the same year. Taking entrepreneurship to the next level, she opened a successful business during a pandemic.
- Linkedin: Claudia Wolf
- Website: Mixture Prints
- Interviewed By Pearlina Marie Rein
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