Today we’d like to introduce you to Shankevia Mitchell.
Shankevia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In 2011, I decided to quit my job and stay home to raise and homeschool my two boys at the time. During that time, I had started quilting which uncovered my love of fabrics. Also, I discovered my love of woodwork after refinishing a wood table and a failed attempt at exploring the boy’s interest in woodwork. They were not interested at all. However, it was instant love for me. I took a beginner’s re-upholstery class at Atlanta Tech and learned woodwork from YouTube and trial and error. Many many errors. As I began to do more people began to ask me to make things for them or reupholster things I oblidged.
After a while of that, I discovered that I could not afford this as a hobby but that I needed to make money if I wanted to continue to grow. Before I decided to take the leap I remember knowing deep in my spirit that this was going to challenge me in ways much deeper than my craft. There was a burning passion in me to be a better person and making the decision to become an entrepreneur has challenged me in every area of my life and shown me myself, in ways only Gods grace can. My strengths and weaknesses. As I try and stay dependant on Gods leading I have been fortunate enough to still be in it and growing.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I don’t think it has been or will be smooth for anyone on the path of entrepreneurship. For me, it has definitely not been smooth and there have definitely been obstacles. Honestly, I think my biggest obstacles have been myself. My lack of experience and deep deep lack of money. Sometimes my own laziness and poor habits.
Sawdust + Fabric – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Sawdust + Fabric is a company specializing in intentional customized furnishings and accessories that aids in telling the overall story of an individual, family, or businesses journey and values. We take pride in the fact that the goal is not to just produce something for a client that is going to get money in my account. But that S+F is contributing to the elements of there home or business space that will convey the real path that they are on. Not the look of what’s trending. I feel that what sets S+F apart is that we are not going to just build or re-upholster something that you feel is aesthetically pleasing and only minimally functional. We are going to get to know a little bit about you, your, family and goals to make sure that those details are taken into consideration when designing a custom piece or for sourcing fabric for an upholstery project.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I personally define success as being true to the person and path that God has set for me. My criteria are humility, building lasting working relationships with the hope that some of them will be lasting friendships. I am looking to make an impact on peoples lives that go beyond the services that I provide but one that touches their spirit because of the spirit that I carry. This passion for furniture making and upholstery is just the vehicle that gets me in the room.
Contact Info:
- Address: 448 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd, SW
Atlanta, GA 30310 - Website: sawdustandfabric.com (It will be live within the month of October 2019)
- Phone: 6783681543
- Email: info@sawdustandfabric.com
- Instagram: @sawdust_fabric
Image Credit:
Photos by Chioma of @parkerosefilm and Carmel Moore of @carmelandcompany
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