Meet Jordan Martindell | Owner · Sewer · Hoarder of Fabrics

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jordan Martindell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jordan, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started SewBo to bring my love of fabric and sewing to a new generation. I grew up with a mother who was an excellent seamstress. She showed me commitment, determination, creativity, and of course sewing skills through the love she expressed with a needle and thread. Whether she was making costumes for a school play, whipping up our Halloween costumes, or guiding me through my very first quilt when I was in high school, she planted a seed that blossomed within me as I became an adult. I believe that anyone can learn to sew and am eager to help make sewing and fiber arts approachable (and enjoyable) for anyone with a healthy curiosity to learn.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
There is an incredible makers movement happening across the country and it has been amazing to see people drawn to working with their hands and learning new skills to express their creativity. I believe that anyone can learn to sew—whether you are interested in designing your own clothes or just want to make gifts for friends, I want SewBo to be a gathering place for anyone interested in sewing, fabrics, and learning or trying something new.

I believe that all of my previous work has led me to this point. I was a major participant of the “gig” economy while I was a part-time stay at home mother for my two children. These part time jobs (bookkeeping, marketing, social media, retail operations, merchandising), along with my previous experience in customer service and retail management have come together in an incredible way, serving me well in my new business.

As a new business owner, it is certainly a roller coaster and keeping constant confidence and trust in your vision has got to be the most challenging part of this new venture.

Overall, I want people to feel inspired when they come into SewBo. I want them to linger and explore the nooks and crannies of the shop, in hopes of discovering a new craft, reigniting the passion in their dormant sewist, or just giving their existing hobby a delightful jumpstart.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Eat

The Kitchen, Oak, Bar Taco, The Buff, West End Tavern, Avanti, Cafe Aion, Moxie Bread Co.

Drink
I don’t drink alchohol, so have no idea about bars and such. However, there are a ton of restaurants embracing mocktails and I am grateful for that!

Visit
The New Local, Suti and Co., Jones + Co., Lula Faye Fiber, Neptune Mountaineering, The General Store at Chautauqua (or a concert there), Sweet Cow, Farmer’s Market, NOBO Arts District

Hiking all over… Skunk Creek, Royal Arch, Lion’s Lair

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My previous boss at Après Group, Stacey Delo, was a total inspiration to me. She started a company and co-wrote a book to help women return to the workforce after a career pause or break. Her commitment to this cause and my involvement with the company had a massive impact on my decision to start my own business.

Website: https://www.sewboco.com/

Instagram: @sewboco

Facebook: @sewboco

Other: Our sewing classes can be found here: https://www.sewboco.com/classes