Today we’d like to introduce you to Heidi Henrichs
Hi Heidi, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started needlepointing after my home was destroyed by Hurricane Ike in Houston. A friend of mine suggested I learn how to needlepoint and took me to a class at Chaparral. I was instantly hooked and have been stitching ever since my first class on 11/15/08.
By trade, I am a CPA and worked my entire career in accounting roles. After being laid off before Covid, I decided to start working part time at Chaparral. This soon got me thinking about buying the shop which I did on 3/31/21. At the time, the store was located in Houston, and I was the fourth owner of the 60+ year old shop.
After hiring a marketing firm in Dallas, I decided to move the shop to Dallas. I am a SMU alum and was born in Fort Worth, so I was familiar with the area, and I had a good feeling about making what seemed like at the time a huge leap of faith. Chaparral Dallas opened in October 2022 and has been thriving ever since. In addition, we started a wholesale line (March 2023) where we design and sell our line of canvases to other needlepoint shops across the country. Lastly, we started (August 2023) a Painting Service in the Philippines which employs painters to hand-paint needlepoint canvases for designers across the US.
Never in a million years did I think I would buy a needlepoint store much less start two anicillary businesses too. However, I am very happy I did all three!!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When you start new businesses, plus move the entire operation to a different city, there are lots of obstacles. Hiring the good staff and playing to their strengths has been difficult at times, but I finally think we are getting the right people in place.
In addition, learning how to manage a business on the other side of the world, along with cultural differences has taught me a lot.
Lastly, our business model has changed dramatically with online shopping which at times has been difficult to learn how to navigate the selling process in addition to order fulfillment.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I own a company with 3 divisions: retail, wholesale and paint production. All 3 relate to needlepoint, but very different in what they require.
Retail – we are known for providing friendly atmosphere for in store shoppers. In additon, we have a robust online presence and it continues to grow. We also have a weekly instagram live called Saturday at the Shop where we teach a different needlepoint stitch each week along with demonstrating where the stich can be used on various canvases along with thread selection.
Wholesale – We currently represent 5 artists along with our own brand. Our line is described as fresh, young and a LOT of PINK!
Paint – The actual production (hand painting) occurs in the Philippines by dedicated skilled artisans. The business is rapidly growing, and we are constantly bringing on new painters to join our team.
Having been in prior CFO roles, the finance side of the business comes easily for me. In addition, I have experience in implementing processes, procedures and ERP/POS systems which enhances both growth and efficiency.
Even though I work really hard, I still find time to stitch every day and promote/sell everything I stitch. I think I am the most proud of growing the business larger than I ever thought possible. It is an exciting time for us!
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Being flexible and rolling with the punches. Not everyone is going to like what you do, but if you stay true to yourself, this is what really matters. Up until recently, it really mattered to me what others thought, now I have learned to trust my instincts and get input, but to trust in my capabilities. In the past year, the business has almost doubled in size and continues to grow!
Contact Info:
- Website: NDLPT.com, NDLPTDesigns.com, and NDLPTPaint.com
- Instagram: @chaparral.ndlpt @ndlptco
- Other: Tik Tok @chaparral.dallas
Image Credits
n/a
I have more pics too…..just want to know exactly what you need. 🙂
