The News-Examiner recently sat down with Melissa Thompson, the owner of Cozy B Quilts in Soda Springs. Here are her answers to our questions.
News-Examiner: How and when did you find your love for sewing?
Thompson: I first started sewing around age 8 but then didn’t sew much through high school. As a young mom I picked it up again and started sewing a lot.
NE: How did you come to open a quilt shop?
Thompson: I have been quilting for customers off and on for years. My husband bought me my first quilting machine in 2005. That’s when I really fell in love with machine quilting for others. But my home life changed as my kids were little and time really wasn’t all my own, so I took a break from quilting for a number of years. But it really is simple, I love to quilt and I love to see my customers' quilts finished. I’m at a point in my life with my home, kids and our other businesses where I wanted and could do more with it consistently.
NE: How have you made a quilting shop succeed in such a small community?
Thompson: I’m still trying to make that possible. Every business owner in a small community knows that a business thrives mostly by word of mouth and how those reviews are received. This isn’t my first business to run in Soda Springs so I know that it takes time to establish and that’s where we still are. I saw a need and decided to bring that need to life for the community. It’s a bonus that the need is something I love and want to share with others.
NE: What products and classes do you offer?
Thompson: I knew how hard it was to find even a needle and spool of thread. I stock a number of quilting items and keep various sewing supplies on hand. You can purchase quilting patterns, rulers, scissors, thread, fabric and more. I tried to make this a one stop shop to get anyone started on a quilt including any questions one might have for sewing in general.
NE: What are some business challenges you have faced?
Thompson: Really it’s mostly just getting the word out that I’m here. Those who know the shop is open have been really amazing customers. It’s growing and that makes me happy.
NE: Has sewing for yourself changed the way you look at manufactured quality goods on the market?
Thompson: We live in an instant gratification world which shows a lot in the marketplace on the shelves to purchase and that is no different with quilts. A quilt you purchase in a store is often manufactured quick and as cheap as possible. I will admit I own a few of those. But will also be the first to tell you those fall apart quick. A quilt you learn to sew yourself will last generations. They are built to last with material invested to withstand time. These are the quilts your grandkids end up falling in love with.
Cozy B Quilts is located at 309 E. Second S. St. in Soda Springs. The business can be found online at www.cozybquilt.com.