Women in Business: Lisa Shepard Stewart of Cultured Expressions with Susan A. Fogel

As National Sewing Month draws to a close, and Fall replaces Summer, we wanted to share another woman whose business involves fabric. Please enjoy our fashion correspondent Susan A. Fogel’s interview with author/designer Lisa Shepard Stewart.

Give us your “Elevator” Speech as to WHO you are and WHAT it is that you do for a “living,” and HOW we should “know” you.

I’m an author, designer & instructor specializing in the creative use of African fabrics, for decorating, quilting, sewing & crafts. My company, Cultured Expressions, started in 2000, with the release of my first how-to project book, African Acccents: Fabrics and Crafts to Decorate Your Home. The company now offers imported fabrics, beads & embellishments, plus workshops, lecture & special events worldwide. I’m especially excited to host CE’s first Textile & Craft Tour of Ghana, coming up in Sept 2010!

Tell us about your path to getting to where you are with your business today.

I’ve always had a passion for fabrics, and learned to sew at age 12. That interest led me to FIT (Fashion Institute of Tech) in NYC, where I earned degrees in Communications & Marketing. So the combination of personal interest & business education allowed me to custom-design my career. I’ve always held positions in the sewing/textile industries.

What is your personal “motto” or “mission statement?”

“Everything I Need Is Within Me”

Besides your business, what are you passionate about?

Since my business is built on my personal interests, it’s hard to tell where one begins and the other ends I’ve been able to incorporate a variety of interests into my business, including travel, yoga, holistic health, and entertaining. I also love to help others to uncover their own creativity in unique ways.

What advice would you give to other women wanting to follow your career path?

Concentrate on what you are passionate about, and figure out what elements of it could be marketable. Surround yourself with like-minded people. Become an expert in your field so you can develop a following. Use technology! Be willing to put in the work, do the research and take a “calculated risk.” I think it’s also important to be willing to grow the business gradually. It takes time.

Now for some obvious stuff! Be prepared for an opportunity at any time: for example, if you design jewelry, WEAR IT in public! Design handbags? CARRY THEM!!! And at minimum, have business cards with you at all times. Finally, define “success” for yourself and work toward it. Enjoy what you do!

Pimp yourself! Where can we find you on the web (including social networks like Facebook and Twitter), in bookstores, at the movies, on TV, etc.

First, check out my website, CulturedExpressions.com. You can subscribe to my e-newsletter to stay on top of upcoming events, new products & other news. You’ll also find me on Facebook at CULTURED EXPRESSIONS and on LinkedIn at LISA SHEPARD STEWART. I write for various websites & have done lots of guest segments on craft, quilting & decorating shows, so search “Lisa Shepard Stewart” on Google for various links.