Life and Work with Melissa Roth

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Roth.

Melissa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I always loved sewing and being creative. While waiting for the arrival of my son, I decided I wanted to make a quilt. I barely finished it before he was born, and decided to make some things that didn’t take so long to finish. Over the next few years, I started some projects and tried to sell a few things as I settled into being a mom. In 2015, chef Jennifer Jasinski asked me to create a specific apron for her. After learning the details of what she wanted, I made her my first apron. She placed the first order for Rioja, and my business took off from there. I started with a home sewing machine and worked at my kitchen table. As my business quickly grew, I learned how to source materials to accommodate the demand for my orders. Eventually, I upgraded to an industrial sewing machine and moved out of my basement and into a studio.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The biggest challenge I have faced is sourcing materials and figuring out how to manufacture large quantities of aprons. I think it is important to ask for help and ask a ton of questions. Being flexible to change and grow with your business is crucial, as well as knowing no one will be more committed to your dream than you!

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Union Stitch & Design – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Aprons for restaurants is what we are most known for. When Union Stitch & Design first started, the aprons were designed for chefs. Currently, we make them for everyone in the business (servers, bartenders, baristas). What sets us apart is our willingness to customize the aprons to accommodate everyone. Our accounts are able to make aprons shorter, longer, and have pockets that are specific to their needs.

What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
My advice to young women just starting out is to remember that no one will care about your business more than you. Learn from your mistakes and then move forward. There will be hard times, but most of them should be spent loving what you do.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.unionstitchanddesign.com
• Phone: 303-588-8133
• Email: melissa@unionstitchanddesign.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unionstitchanddesign/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Union-Stitch-Design-151918574820292/

Image Credit:
Jennifer Olson Photography

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