A Stitch in Time: Women entrepreneurs in Botetourt, Patty Truxillo
Business: Embroidery by Patty
A Stitch in Time:
Women Entrepreneurs in Botetourt County
Patty Truxillo is a native of Wise County who moved to Botetourt 3 years ago. “We lived in Vinton for 8 years prior to moving here. We fell in love with our house and love our neighborhood.” Patty is the owner of Embroidery By Patty, a business she started 4 years ago after her embroidery hobby became something she truly loved in life. “I’ve always had a nack for starting new hobbies such as making jewelry, quilting and scrapbooking but this is the one that has stuck and I absolutely love it. But this is more than a hobby.”
Patty was a teacher and choir director for 14 years; most recently at Northside High school. She and her husband had children later in life and was 36 when she had her first. “I got interested in embroidery after my sister received an embroidered blanket from a baby shower. When I had my first child, I couldn’t find anyone to do embroidery or it was too expensive and would take too long.” So, Patty asked her husband for an embroidery machine for Christmas 4 years ago. “It is all self-taught. I watched YouTube videos and learned from the many mistakes I made at first.”
Patty started out adding her daughter’s name to things and moved up to doing patches. When friends and family saw her talent, they started asking Patty to embroider for them. “It has taken off. Its been 4 years since I started – 3 years is when Embroidery By Patty officially started.” It is definitely a family business as her 4-year-old loves to help mommy work. Patty reported that she is very fortunate to stay home with her children and that her business brings money for family fun and spending time together.
Every holiday Patty’s business grows. “People want gifts. At Easter I embroider bunnies and baskets. At Christmas I do stockings and gifts.” Patty also reported that she enjoys partnering with other local entrepreneurs to make hand-crafted items. She works with Kayla Gurley Vinson, owner of Sail Away Bows, to embroider bows. Patty said, “Kayla has such an eye for fabric and detail. She will pre-order specific bows then I give options for embroidery. It works well for us.”
IF you are interested in learning more about Embroidery By Patty, please find her on Facebook and message her. She has items on hand to embroider, or if you have a item you would like embroidered, Patty can do that too. In most instances you can expect only a 24-48 hour turn around time on individual orders. Get ready for this holiday season and remember Embroidery By Patty for that special gift this year.
Robyn Flint Special to the Botetourt Bee. Photo courtesy of Patty Truxillo
Ed. Note: IF you know of a female entrepreneur in Botetourt County that you would like to see featured in an upcoming article, please contact Robyn Flint at 540-588-0243.
