Today we’d like to introduce you to Janet McCoy.
Hi Janet, I’m so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story? How did you get to where you are today?
I have been sewing for 50 years. 23 years ago, I started doing alterations as a part-time business. 6 years ago, I decided I needed a way to keep my thread spools dust-free but still out where I could see them. I couldn’t find a cover for my thread rack, so I made one. Once I designed the cover, I thought others would like one too. I began selling them on Etsy. I soon discovered that others wanted clear covers for all kinds of machines. This summer, I decided to have my website. I am encouraged that new people visit my site every day and that I have received some sales due to someone other than me directing them there. I have an excellent website designer who manages my business’s social media. She has been very successful at getting my product “out there.” Sewing, embroidery, serger, and craft machines are the most common covers I make and design. However, I have made covers for printers, monitors, kitchen appliances, microscopes, and more. I like the challenge of custom covers and the satisfaction of designing them.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
An online store has always intrigued me. I seriously considered a website when sales of my clear vinyl covers increased. Since I started slowly, with minimal startup cost, this business venture has been very positive with few difficulties. The most challenging decision I’ve had was quitting my day job. I quit when my business profit equaled what I made at my day job. Now that I spend more time working at home, my biggest challenge is balancing home and business responsibilities. The fact that I enjoy every aspect of my work makes this less of a challenge.
We’ve been impressed with Beautiful Fit Covers, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share about what you do and what sets you apart?
I started selling clear vinyl covers with bias tape trim for sewing and crafting machines on Etsy in March 2018. In 2019, my sales began to increase, and in 2023, I created a website to sell my covers. I previously had an alterations business called Beautiful Fit, so I chose Beautiful Fit Covers for my website. My reviews on Etsy are very complimentary. Most of my customers comment that they like seeing the machines that they love and in which they have invested so much. Quality of the materials and workmanship are also often mentioned, as well as customer service. I sincerely ensure my customers are happy with their purchases. The bias tape trim gives my covers a distinct, decorative look, which sets them apart from other vinyl covers. The fact that I try to customize the fit of each cover. It also gives them a beautiful look. I make all of my covers after the orders are placed, so although I don’t ship in a few days, it means a higher-quality product. I want to widen my customer base to include covers for other items, such as 3-D printers and Lego models.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I would never have described myself as a self-starter or a task-orientated person. However, regarding my businesses (my husband and I have started and operated 2, and Beautiful Fit Covers is the second business I have started on my own), I am highly motivated to work hard, take initiative, and meet deadlines.
Pricing:
- Covers are priced according to size
- Range $17 to $85
Contact Info:
- Website: beautifulfitcovers.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CzoQr_xOjQY/?igshid=N2ViNmM2MDRjNw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=beautifulfitcovers
