The FINEST and most ORIGINAL Custom Performance Apparel
Satin Stitches designs and manufactures the FINEST and most ORIGINAL custom performance apparel in the US for dancers, skaters, singers, cheerleaders, and many more!
Keywords: Satin Stitches, Deborah Nelson, Deb Nelson, custom costumes, costume design, costumes, designer, dancewear, performance wear, professional costumes, design, costume manufacturer, Twin Cities, Minnesota, dance costumes, dance uniforms, cheerleading uniforms
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Satin Stitches has been in business for 38 years, now.
What is your primary product or service?
We custom design performance costumes of all types of dancers and entertainers (plus brides) and work with groups or individuals.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
My background, as founder, owner and head designer for Satin Stitches, is that I have a BFA degree from the Minneapolis College of Art & Design - with a Fashion Design major. I worked in the women's clothing manufacturing industry in downtown Minneapolis for nearly 5 years, culminating as assistant designer, head patternmaker, and head of the cutting department, of a high-quality woman's fashion house before I worked at Satin Stitches full-time. I also taught patternmaking/design and worked with men's and woman's alterations departments, so I have a very expansive apparel industry background. I started creating custom apparel for myself and clients while I was in High School, and continued through my college and employed days. I was creating custom doll clothes from before I was in elementary school. Fashion/costume design has been my life!
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Satin Stitches is a real, totally custom business, where we work with clients from all over the US and in Canada. We offer a huge size range of our garments that range from XXS Child to 6X Adult and we offer Short, Medium and Long torso/sleeve/pant/skirt lengths, to be able to fit EVERYONE, with correct proportions. Our men's costuming also includes a full size range. We have 2 designers on staff and have been using CAD pattern-making and cutting for the last 15 or so years.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We have only our one location, with no plans to expand our facilities.
Provide detailed directions to your location
We are located in the suburb of Coon Rapids, near the city of Anoka, on Round Lake Blvd NW and the intersection of 119th Ave. We are located in a strip mall at 11894 Round Lake Blvd NW. We are located just off Coon Rapids Blvd., and open by appointment.
What type of payments do you accept?
We accept cash, checks and most major credit cards.
Which areas do you service?
We work with HS, College and professional dance/cheer/pom teams, HS, College and community show choirs, skating teams and individuals, ballroom dancers, singers and other various entertainers, and solo dancers. Occasionally we work with other unique groups and individuals and are currently working on a healthcare therapy product.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
I own the business, with my husband, and I run daily operations. My name is Deborah J. Nelson and founded the business.
What are your hours of operation?
Our showroom/production facility's hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with specially arranged evening or Saturday morning appointments available, in addition to appointments during our regular shop hours.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
"It's just how I imagined and hoped it would be!" in reference to any custom designed costume, along with "I feel so incredible in this costume!" for an individual client.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain."