Uniquely sewn: Sarah Bertochi –Handmade designs and prints original accessories
Sarah Bertochi – Handmade is a woman-owned business based in Marlborough, MA. Below, the owner shares some details on their business and the importance of supporting local.
Describe your business:
I am a surface pattern designer and printmaker from Marlborough, MA. I block and screen print my original designs on fabric using all-natural fabrics and water-based inks, which are then cut and sewn into accessories, home decor, kitchen essentials, and handbags.
What makes your business unique?
I am super proud that every aspect of my process is made by hand:
– I design unique fabric patterns that can’t be found elsewhere
– Fabric is screen printed with water-based inks
– Bag linings are made from upcycled and found fabrics
– Items are all cut and sewn by me
Sustainability is at the center of what I do. I am always looking for ways to do my part, including reusing the packaging materials I receive with my supplies to ship customer orders.
What does your business look like?
Sarah Bertochi – Handmade is available online via my website, through my two wholesale portals (Faire and Abound), at shows and markets across New England, and seasonal pop-up shops.
Why is it important to support businesses like yours?
Small businesses are what build community. My success is not only the result of my hard work and effort but also of a small and growing support community that appreciates and values handmade goods. These folks have been invaluable in helping to share my work with new and different audiences; I am so grateful! A small business owner is someone like you or me, someone with a dream. My dream is to open a retail/studio concept store where you can purchase my handmade products and those of other local women-owned businesses. The studio space will be used to host workshops and other community events.
Do you want to say anything to your customers?
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for learning a little more about me and my business. At age 52, I retired from my corporate sales job, took a leap of faith, and reinvented myself – I couldn’t be happier. It is a joy to go to work every day, and I am encouraged by the kind and thoughtful words of support from my customers. I still do a little happy dance every time a customer places an order. Thank you for bringing a little bit of Sarah Bertochi – Handmade into your life and home.
How has your business changed or adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic?
With the cancellation of all in-person events in 2020, my small handmade business was significantly impacted, especially during the holiday. I decided to dive into my wholesale business to recoup some of the financial losses. I recovered a significant portion of my lost show/market revenue by taking on new wholesale accounts.