Celebrating a Milestone: The Anniversary of Our Business Home
In 2018, we added a new, larger workroom to accommodate our growth. The center photo shows the fabric for our first project in the new workroom.
From Home Studio to Business Home: Crafting Success, One Stitch at a Time.
February 28th marks a special anniversary for my business—the day we purchased a house in 1997 to serve as our dedicated workspace. After eight years of working from home, the business had grown beyond the limits of our home studio. More space was necessary to create custom draperies, pillows, bedding, and other soft furnishings for our customers.
Taking a leap of faith, I started searching for the perfect building to buy. I knew that renting would be an ongoing expense, but purchasing would create an asset for the business. When we found the right space, we acted quickly, and in less than 30 days, it was officially ours. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I could have made.
February 28, 1997, was a cold and rainy day, but we were filled with joy!
As I was inside bonding with the new workspace, Greg, Justin, and Christopher went to see the barn, Greg's home away from home.
Owning this workspace has given me the freedom to expand, organize, and operate more efficiently. It's a place where creativity flows, projects come to life, and dreams continue to grow. And perhaps the most rewarding part? I can proudly say that my craft—creating beautiful window treatments, pillows, bedding, and more—made this possible. By carefully managing pricing and profits and reinvesting in the business, I was able to turn this dream into a reality.
Another view of the workroom in 1997.
The workroom addition in 2018 was designed to allow light to fill the room from sun up to sun down. With eleven doors and windows, light fills the room all day. The LED ceiling fixtures provide added light that is perfect for creative makers.
Here is a shot of the sample room back in 1997.
After adding the new workroom in 2018, the original workroom was turned into a sample room. The light and airy space helps my creative juices kick into high gear.
The sample room is filled with plenty of light to view client project samples.
As I celebrate this anniversary, I'm filled with gratitude for the customers who trust me with their homes, the lessons learned along the way, the students who have trusted me to teach them new skills, and the opportunities still ahead. Here's to continued growth, creativity, and success in the space I now call my business home!
This area is what I call Creation Station. I sketch designs, write business processes and new class topics, and edit videos used for teaching students.
Have you ever taken a big leap of faith in your business or career? I'd love to hear your story!
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Meet Donna Cash – Your Trusted Sewing Mentor & Creative Guide
Donna Cash is the founder of Designs by Donna, an award-winning drapery and soft furnishings studio known for its exquisite custom pillows, bedding, drapery, and detailed embellishments. With over 30 years of hands-on experience, Donna brings a rare blend of technical expertise, artistic flair, and warm encouragement to every maker she mentors.
A passionate educator, speaker, and industry leader, Donna has trained hundreds of DIYers and professionals alike, helping them master professional techniques while cultivating a calm, joyful, and balanced approach to their craft. Whether you're just beginning your sewing journey or running a workroom business, Donna is here to help you grow with confidence.
Through her blog, video tutorials, and vibrant online membership community, she shares time-saving strategies, fabric insights, and real-world solutions that make high-quality results feel achievable—and enjoyable. Donna’s mission is simple but powerful: to help you create beautiful things with fabric, one inspired stitch at a time.
Join the community and explore expert instruction at www.designsbydonna.com.
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