Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruth Lloyd.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have been sewing since I was 8 years old. I learned to sew from my Mother. I learned to use patterns and would sew Barbie clothes by hand. After taking homemaking in Junior High School, my mother allowed me to use the sewing machine. I began making my own clothes from that point, and became very proficient at sewing with her help. Through the years I went from sewing clothes to sewing curtains, draperies and all types of interior design items. I am able to make just about any type of craft. Once I see something I can usually figure out how to make it. I had seen T-shirt Memory Quilts and thought they were really cool, but was not really interested in making them. In 2004 one of my friends told me about how she had saved several pieces of clothing of her daughter’s, who was killed by a drunk driver at the age of 15, and could not bear the thought of getting rid of them. It was very painful for her to even look in the box. A light bulb went off in my head. I told her about the Memory Quilts that I had seen and that I could make one for her out of her daughter’s things. I first had to figure out how to make them and practice before I would attempt to do hers. I made my first Memory Quilt from my own t-shirts. Once people saw my quilt I began receiving orders. It took my friend a year to finally decide that a Memory Quilt was the way to preserve her daughter’s memories. She can now display the quilt in her home rather than keep the items tucked away in a box.
One of my neighbor’s husband suddenly passed away at an early age. She requested that I make a quilt for each of her 2 children. They picked their favorite shirts from their father’s collection. I made a customized quilt for each child that they will always treasure. I have expanded from doing only T-shirt Memory Quilts to Photo Quilts, Baby Quilts, Pet Quilts, Memory Pillows and Memory Bears. Each quilt is customized to my customer’s specifications. There are no 2 quilts alike. Each quilt is machine sewn and quilted. I offer other services such as embroidery and quilting only. Lloyd Enterprises is not only a business it is a calling for me. Not only do I make quilts, I make memories! I get great pleasure in seeing the face of a customer when they see their quilt. They bring me a bag of shirts and receive something much more meaningful.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No business is smooth sailing all the time. I started out making all my quilts on a regular sewing machine. It was very tough to get the quality I wanted and it was very tough on my body. I would have to stop and rest my neck and arms about every 15-20 minutes. After a few years I was able to purchase a Mid Arm sewing machine, which greatly improved my quality and speed. I am always on a learning curve. The more I learn the better my quilts become. I am a self-taught seamstress. The average customer has no clue what actually goes into make their quilt. I use 4 different type machines to complete the quilt.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Lloyd Enterprises – what should we know?
Lloyd Enterprises has been in business since 1995. I now specialize in all types of Memory Quilts. Every quilt is unique in its own way to my customer’s specifications.
What I am most proud of:
After making a quilt for one of my son’s friends, his father, who worked for Arlington Star Telegram, was so impressed with my work he had a journalist come to my house and do an article on my business. They did a full page article in the Sunday paper in 2005.
What sets me apart from others:
My service and quality sets me apart. I let my customers pick their own fabric for their quilts. For local customers. I meet them at a fabric store and assist them in picking the best fabrics for their quilts.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Customer Service is the most important thing that makes me successful. I listen to my customer’s needs. We work together to achieve those needs. I always keep them informed on the progress and always meet each dead line. I have never disappointed a customer by not getting them their quilt on time. I have gotten calls from customers wanting a quilt 2 weeks before Christmas. I was able to meet that deadline.
Contact Info:
- Address: DFW Area
- Website: www.ruthlloydenterprises.com
- Phone: 2143844910
- Email: frlloyd@sbcglobal.net
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