SEW Confident, the UK’s only sewing tuition franchise, is celebrating 10 years in business as they expand into a brand new studio and retail space four times the size of their previous site.
The 360 sq feet site on Great Western Road, Glasgow, will double the amount of classes on offer at the franchise headquarters, now with locations in Dundee and Chorley, while creating several new jobs including a shop manager as a retail offering is introduced.
Franchisor, Jenny Drew, founded Sew Confident 10 years ago with the Dundee Franchise opening in 2018 and Chorley in 2019, running classes for all age groups and skill levels, so far teaching over 10,000 people to knit, sew, crochet, embroider and quilt.
Jenny Drew, Sew Confident Founder said: “Previously located in the Hidden Lane, off Argyll Street, this is not a big move geographically speaking. However, what it means for the business is huge. We are now able to offer more classes, employ more people, stock more fabric, and bring the joy of sewing to even more people. The new store is much more visible and we hope will become a hub where sewers of all abilities are inspired to pick up some fabric and enjoy making some time for themselves.”
A sole trader running the business from the back of her Corsa, Jenny spent two years taking sewing machines to venues all over Glasgow before setting up as Ltd company in 2014 and moving into Sew Confident’s first premises with just one staff member. Today the business has 11 freelance tutors and five staff members, a number expected to rise in the coming months.
As part of the expansion, Sew Confident will be stocking several luxury fabric brands including Liberty of London. The official Liberty Fabric Trade Account means customers will be able to use and purchase the iconic Liberty print.
An entrepreneur with endless drive, Jenny has won the business competition, Scottish Edge, appeared on Take Me Out, won a TV competition to become a new guest designer on a sewing TV channel and is currently writing a book called Stop Playing Small.
Jenny added: “I believe personal and professional growth comes from doing things that are out of your comfort zone. Nothing ever changes if you keep towing the line. I’m constantly challenging myself and taking the leap to move to a bigger studio while introducing a retail offering at the same time is the biggest challenge of my career to date.”
“In addition, I am actively looking for new franchisees to invest in what has proven to be an extremely successful business. With three well established locations we are poised to welcome people who want to be part of a business that helps people learn a new skill while meeting new people and de-stressing.”
The new store can be found at 195 Great Western Road, Glasgow, G4 9EB. For more information about Sew Confident and the classes on offer please visit https://sewconfident.co.uk/
