Mail order costume supplies
Rhinestones, stretch fabrics, appliques for skaters, dancers, horse show riders.
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Since 1984
What is your primary product or service?
Retail sale of rhinestones, stretch fabrics and decorations for costume, for skaters, dancers and the horse show trade.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
Was figure skating myself, and could not find the kinds of costume supplies I needed for myself, and decided that other skaters probably were having the same problem. So I did a lot of research and found suppliers at the wholesale lever for the products I wanted to use, and sell to others.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
I try to keep my prices very competitive and show a lot of interest in my customers and their projects. Helping them with suggestions on "how-to" if a big plus, I simply take the time to talk to my customers.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
Just one location in Port Huron, MI, and am trying to keep this business viable in our current economy.
Provide detailed directions to your location
I am mail order only right now, not open to the public.
What type of payments do you accept?
I take cash, checks, and PayPal.
Which areas do you service?
I ship merchandise all over the world.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
I am the only owner.
What are your hours of operation?
Mail order, so no particular hours.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
That they used my products and the costume they were making turns out great! I love getting pictures from my customers of the finished product.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
My favorite quote is "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger". In today's economy, we nearly get killed every day with inferior competitors' goods and offshore pressure, but you learn as you go along and get better and better at what you do.