Today we’d like to introduce you to Sue McNaughton.
Sue, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am one of those California transplants. I was born in San Francisco and lived in South San Francisco until we moved to the Dallas area in 2013. My husband, Ron, is a Native Texan and was happy to return to his home state.
Our daughter, Angelina and her family moved to McKinney at the same time. A couple of years later, our son William moved here as well. Our daughter, Melissa and her family live in Boulder Creek, Ca and our daughter Jenny and her family live in Middle River, MD. We have five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Growing up, my parents never told me I couldn’t do something because I was a girl. I played the drums, had a paper route, swam on the boys team in high school and was the first female acolyte at my church, My dad taught me to work with wood, how to repair household items, and how to do yard and garden work. I was able to explore my surroundings and my dreams.
I started sewing when I was eight years old. My mom taught me. I started on easy items, of course, and began making my clothes by 11 years old. At that time, sewing your own clothes was substantially less expensive than buying clothes. My mom also taught me money management!
I attended and graduated from The University of California at San Francisco with a bachelor degree in Dental Hygiene. So yes, I am a dental hygienist! I love my work but love crafting a tiny bit more. I love many types of crafts and continue exploring. I save ideas/photos on my phone and have quite a few to work on.
Has it been a smooth road?
Moving to Texas has been wonderful and difficult. Leaving family and friends after 54 years was hard and missing them is still not easy. But we have a new community, which is slowly growing. Starting a cottage business has been helpful for me to get out and interact with new people.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Sweet Sue’s Softies – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Sweet Sue’s Softies:
A couple of years ago, I found that I love making softies! Each animal or doll comes to life, bit by bit. My favorite creation changes weekly, sometimes daily. Some customers want a particular color scheme and other times I get to choose.
My husband, Ron, is a great helper in picking out fabric. He has a good eye for color combinations. I have about 20 animals and several dolls that I make. I display my softies on my Facebook page and sell at several craft shows each year. Many of my creations are from http://DollsAndDaydreams.com/.
My softies are handmade and filled with love. And just like people, no two are alike. I LOVE getting photos from customers with the recipient and a softie. I have made softies for folks age one month to 81 years old. Softies are one of those items that everyone loves to hug- which fits my tagline perfectly: Cuddle Up!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Dallas is an exciting city. We explore mainly with family and friends that come to visit us. While not as ethnically diverse as San Francisco, I have been pleasantly surprised by just how diverse the area really is.
There is definitely something for everyone. From great musical performances to Nascar to museums… the list seems endless! And within minutes, you can be away from it all, driving down a country road, watching cattle or boating on a lake.
Pricing:
- $8.00 – 10.00 Small Softies
- $15.00-18.00 Medium Dolls and Softies
- $30.00-50.00 Larger Softies and Dolls
Contact Info:
- Email: sweetsuessofties@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SweetSuesSofties/
Image Credit:
Evan Marshall Snyder
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
