Nicole is the one-woman operation behind Blush Stitch Studio, a Winnipeg-based handmade accessories brand built on the belief that everyday essentials should be anything but boring. She picked up a needle at age 12 and never really put it down, eventually turning a lifelong hobby into a business six years ago that now produces everything from quilted makeup bags and totes to scrunchies, coin purses, and bookmarks.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Cute, quilted, and handmade with love — that’s Blush Stitch Studio. From makeup & hair tool bags to scrunchies, totes, coin purses & bookmarks, every piece is stitched with love and made to make your everyday moments even cuter!
Every item is handmade by me here in Winnipeg. I also source many of my fabrics from small businesses across the country and purchasing custom printed fabric, allowing me to support fellow makers while offering customers beautiful, one-of-a-kind designs they won’t find anywhere else.
What made you want to do this work?
I started sewing when I was 12 years old, and what began as a hobby slowly turned into a passion. About six years ago, I decided to turn that passion into a business. There’s something incredibly rewarding about taking a flat piece of fabric and turning it into something beautiful that someone gets to use and enjoy every day.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
I wanted to create functional accessories that beat out boring! Life is full of everyday essentials, so why not make them cute too? My goal is to create products that are practical, well-made, and bring a little joy every time you reach for them.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
My customers are people who appreciate handmade quality and unique designs. They’re looking for thoughtful gifts or practical accessories that stand out from what you’d find in a big box store. They also love supporting Canadian makers and shopping small whenever they can.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
Every product starts as fabric, vinyl, zippers, and a lot of creativity! I source my materials from businesses all across Canada and transform them into finished handmade products in my Winnipeg studio.
Each item is designed, cut, sewn, inspected, and packaged by me before heading off to its new home. Handmade means every piece gets the time and attention it deserves.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
While I don’t have a storefront, you’ll find Blush Stitch Studio popping up at craft sales and handmade markets all over Winnipeg throughout the year. If you can’t catch me at a market, you can always shop online—we ship across Canada!
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
What do you specialize in?
That’s a great question! Sewing is a huge skill with so many different specialties. I can make a zippered pouch with my eyes closed… but if you asked me to make a pair of pants, they might end up with three legs!
When choosing a sewing professional or handmade business, look for someone with experience making the type of product you’re looking for. Practice really does make perfect.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part is seeing someone fall in love with something I created by hand. Knowing my work becomes part of someone’s daily life or makes the perfect gift is incredibly rewarding. The hardest part is that handmade products take time—there are only so many hours in a day, and every item is made one at a time with care.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
People think I just sew all day… but really I’m also the designer, photographer, marketer, customer service department, shipping department and accountant.
Where can we follow you?
You can find us on Instagram and online at our website.
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
There are so many amazing local businesses in Winnipeg, but two of my favourites are Happy Cute Nails, an incredibly talented handmade press-on nail artist, and Tasty Food & Sweet Bites, home to what I confidently believe are the best cheesecakes on earth!
Supporting local is something I’m really passionate about, and I’m lucky to be part of such a talented community of makers.
