Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Miller.
Hi Christina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always found peace through my creativity. Working on art projects has been a lifeline throughout my life and helped me through some really dark times. I believe there is much to gain in letting your mind wander and working with your hands. I’ve tried my hand at many different types of art projects over the years and surprisingly, quilting is what I found myself drawn to the most. As a 20 something year old, it seemed like an unlikely hobby but I found so much joy in creating and working with such beautifully designed fabrics. When I started, I didn’t feel accepted into the quilting community. I found that I was significantly younger than the average quilter and had vastly different taste. I was told there were a lot of “rules” surrounding color and design and I didn’t understand why other quilters were actively choosing to stifle their creativity in this way. I loved using bright colors and fun fabric prints, setting aside the color wheel and working with the fabrics that made me happy.
I mostly kept my new hobby to myself believing I was “doing it wrong” but after gaining some confidence in my work, I started posting my projects online and that’s when I found my creative peers. Apparently I wasn’t alone in feeling a bit out of place as a quilter and I was thrilled to hear that I was inspiring others to not only try quilting but to allow themselves to be unedited in their creativity.
I started my online fabric shop in 2021 with the goal of showing that quilting can be modern, fun and full of color.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I never imagined myself starting a business, let alone quitting my full time job to work for myself but I was so passionate about what I was doing and wanted to share it with the world.
I don’t have a college degree, but I have determination. I’ve had to figure out everything from bookkeeping and inventory management to marketing and public speaking. I’ve had many moments of stress, confusion and doubt in my journey but it has been the most rewarding experience of my life. The most fulfilling part of this business is when I’m able to inspire someone to explore their creativity.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Fabric Pop?
I run an online fabric shop called Fabric Pop. I am known for stocking the most fun, bright and colorful quilting fabrics. My shop specializes in sourcing the most fun fabric prints that make you instantly smile, like cats on bicycles or bears wearing party hats. I encourage everyone who crosses my path to let their creativity roam and to not take it so seriously. I’ve branched out my business from selling online to now bringing my shop on the road to display at local quilting events, teaching sewing workshops and traveling to speak to quilting groups from all over about having fun with their fabric choices and to create without the worry of perfection.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Reach outside of your comfort zone. I’ve pushed myself to do things I thought I’d always be too scared to do. Starting a business without a degree seemed like a bad idea but I’ve come to realize how often we underestimate ourselves and the things we can accomplish. I went from being very shy and reserved to someone who can speak for an hour in front of a large crowd. I’ve been able to grow my business because of this determination and willingness to try but I’ve also grown on a personal level and for that I am so thankful I decided to take a chance on myself.
Life is short. Try the new thing, visit the new place, buy the cute fabric and “keep makin’ stuff!”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fabric-pop.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fabricpop/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fabricpop
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@fabricpop5593
