Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Tetteh.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Monica. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Coming up on the ten year anniversary of the passing of my mom, on Mother’s Day, I decided to take up sewing in her honor. I thought it would be a great way to keep her memory alive and to bring me closer to her. My mom learned to sew in Ghana, West Africa where she was born, and when I was young, she would make clothes for my siblings and I. I always loved designing clothes and would often time sketch outfits for family members back home to make. In my designs, I love the color and African print fabric known to some as Ankara.
I never thought that I myself would pick up the sewing bug. Through my journey, I met some wonderful women. As with sewing, you bring together pieces of fabric and thread to make beautiful garments. As an event planner by day, I bring together programs for people to make long-lasting memories. I knew that I wanted to do the same for sewing.
Through the help of the Plano American Sewing Guild and the City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department, I started Project Sew. A monthly sewing group where novice sewers of all backgrounds come together for their love of sewing. We share, we laugh, and we sew. With my love for bringing together sewers of all backgrounds, I started an online sew-a-long that encouraged other home sewers to sew monthly called #sewyourview. Every month a pattern is selected and the sewer chooses their views and is then highlighted. With both of these outlets, I help to bring sewing to the main front and show that it isn’t just something your mother or grandmother did.
In the next few months, I have some great projects in line. The first being “On the Road with That’s Sew Monica, where I highlight home sewers, designers, fabric stores and more in the DFW area. This is a chance to show how Dallas contributes to the fashion and sewing community. In addition to that, I have started to take custom orders in hopes of expanding to a full collection in the next year.
I have had the opportunity of collaborating with some awesome brands and influencers and look forward to the many opportunities of bringing at home sewing mainstream.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Honestly, I haven’t had any difficulties. Bringing people together is something I do naturally and to see it come to fruition online is wonderful as well as in person through Project Sew. Initially, At one point I wanted to give up on both Project Sew and Sewyourview, however, I realized quickly that even if one person participates, that is one person that is sewing and connecting in the love of sewing. That is one person that is sharing their talents and gifts. That is what keeps me going and pushing.
When it comes to sewing for others, that has and can be a struggle. I enjoy selfish sewing as we home sewers deem it but the pressure to make custom garments for others can be daunting at times I had to get out of my head and take the leap on faith. I don’t always like the pressure that comes with it, but I love seeing my garments come to life. I am looking forward to selling my makes early next year and to see where that leads.
I struggle with finding time and balance as a full-time Special Events Coordinator, wife, mother of two and an entrepreneur. Finding that work-life balance, and time for my business is something I work on everyday.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the That’s Sew Monica story. Tell us more about the business.
Well, my business is my brand at this time and my social sewing gatherings both online and in person. Though I don’t gain money financially from Project Sew or Sew Your View knowing that I can expose more people to sewing and the love of the craft is priceless.
I launched my Etsy shop early last year and sold my custom clutches. I plan on expanding that shop with more pieces to include clothing in the next few months. I am both excited and scared for this journey.
On the Road with That’s Sew Monica will be launching next month and I am excited to see how it will grow.
What sets me apart from others is my knack for bringing people together. My genuine spirit and love of sewing and others. I love meeting people everyday and with new people, I gain a new interest in sewing and what I do.
I don’t see myself as an influencer (though I am told I am). I think that is what sets me apart because I don’t look at numbers, likes or followers. I look at a person on how they make me feel. I want everyone who works with me to feel my fun personality and spirit just as I see theirs. I am just someone who loves sewing and fashion and wants to share it with the world.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
My luck is my mother’s spirit and being grounded in the Lord and prayer in everything I do. I know that when I officially launch I will have those by my side.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thatssewmonica.com
- Email: monica@thatssewmonica.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatssewmonica/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=that%27s%20sew%20monica
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThatsSewMonica
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