Today we’d like to introduce you to Ada Simpson.
Hi Ada, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I learned to sew when I was in middle school but did not keep it up. During a time, I was awaiting surgery, I picked it up again with the help of a friend who would come spend time with me. I begin by sewing blankets and then moved onto tote bags. My friend provided great encouragement and helped me find my love of creating and blessing others through sewing.
Over the years, I did sewing jobs here and there for friends and family. When the pandemic started, I began sewing masks for friends and family and started getting more and more requests through word-of-mouth referrals. I got back into doing bags and decided to set up an online store. My sister also began her business, and she inspired me to swing into action. Shortly thereafter, I applied to be a vendor at the Denton Community Market. From there, things took off. I greatly enjoyed the community of supportive vendors and began to have “regular customers” who stopped by my booth. Repeat customers truly bring me great joy. I’ve been able to do this with the help of God, my husband, my parents, my family, and friends. They encouraged me to keep going and my husband took on more responsibilities in our home and with our children. It has truly been a team effort.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Shortly after deciding that I wanted to turn my sewing hobby into a business, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and needed a fifth surgery in three years. My husband and I also began fostering and eventually adopted three kids. Needless to say, there were times where it was difficult to consistently put in the time needed to start and run a business. With a family, managing a house, having a full-time job, taking care of myself, and being there for others, dedicating time to creating products has been challenging at times.
I was lucky enough to witness my dad and brother have their own businesses and know their struggles to make things work. They were able to succeed with the support and encouragement of family and a tenacity to want to get things done. As I’ve mentioned before, I have not done this on my own. While the sewing is all me, my husband, children, parents, family, friends, and other business owners have provided tremendous support and encouragement.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Pineapple Creations makes totes, zipper bags, pouches, scrunchies, masks, and other textile home accessories. We are based in Corinth, Texas near Denton. It is a female, Hispanic-owned business.
I love making items that customers will use to improve their everyday tasks. For example, our zipper bags are made in convenient sizes to help organize backpacks, purses, and luggage. Like the majority of our products, they’re machine washable. We recently added book sleeves, which has made book nerds everywhere very happy. They can also be used for tablets, notebooks, or items you want protected from everyday wear and tear.
Our products are designed to be versatile, and I love when customers come back and share how they’re using them.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I am most happy when I am spending time with my people. It doesn’t matter what we’re doing: having a meal, a cup of tea, running, walking, gardening, or simply hanging out. As an introvert though, I do value my moments alone reading a book, having a cup of tea, going on a long run, and being outdoors.
Time with people allows me to create memories that I can just take with me and laugh at any moment. Moments to myself fill me and help me regroup and remember what’s important.
Pricing:
- $5.00
- $10
- $15-30
- $50-70
Contact Info:
- Email: pineapple.creations2@
gmail.com - Website: pineapplecreationssto
re.com - Instagram: @pineapple.
creations - Other: @pineapple_creations
