Episode 68: Abby Riba – The Clothes Horse Goes Snoop Shopping
(2:25) Abby shares why she initially didn’t like sewing when she took her first course in high school. But reading Vogue magazine turned this around for her as she wanted the fashion she saw in the magazine – but couldn’t afford. She also talks about how her children were the genesis of her learning to sew for uniquely sized people.
And she talks about how her unique talent for doing what “just made sense” helped her get through tough sewing situations.
(5:48) Listen as Abby shares what it is about sewing that means so much to her.
(7:44) She is a wizard at creating tips and tricks for sewing. She shares just a few of them here.
(10:43) Abby founded Kandi Corp in 2001 by identifying the need for DIY hot fix crystals. She shares the story of founding this company and, how it all started with her own cancer diagnosis.
(15:520 After selling Kandi Corp, Abby saw the need to create better lighting for sewists, so she founded ViviLux Lighting. Hear how she identified the need for these products and how she and her husband Dave founded and grew the company!
(20:49) What’s it like to work with her husband? Easy and hard at the same time…hear why!
(23:28) Abby tells us how she named her products ViviLux. Then she explains her unique technique for identifying the need for and developing new products.
(25:25) Abby introduces us to the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals, their charter and how they help each other.
(29:43) She tells us about her love of “snoop shopping” and how this serves as her inspiration.
(31:30) What’s her dream? Going to Japan has long been a burning desire for her to visit to learn their ancient sewing techniques.
(32:50) Abby shares the story about her own personal battle with cancer and gives some very wise and pointed health advice for all of us.
(33:35) Abby gives great credit to her husband for all she’s accomplished.
(34:41) To reach Abby you can email her at Abby@abbydesigns.com and be sure to put PODCAST in the subject line.
If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website.