Business & Tech
Meet The Owner of a Fabric Shop
Debora Exum's creative dream has taken flight with Dragonfly Quilt Shop. Yours can, too!
Debora Exum first fell in love with fabrics when she was a girl. Her business, is a feast for the senses. Stop in for a visit and let your creative mind be inspired!
Patch: When did you start your business?
Debora: We opened our doors in January, 2007.
Patch: Why this particular business?
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Debora: I've had a love for fabric and fiber arts my entire life. When I was a young girl, my mom and I were shopping in Stone Mountain, Georgia. There was a quilt shop there and I asked my mom if we could go in, even though neither of us quilted. After browsing a bit I said to my mom, "I could stay in here and be happy for the rest of my life." It became a dream to have a shop just like it.
Patch: What is your favorite thing about the Dragonfly Quilt Shop?
Debora: The customers. Every day, I get the privilege of helping customers select fabric and designs for quilts and other projects. I learn from them as much as they learn from me. Our cutting table has chairs on one side so customers can sit while we cut, design, or just chat. Sometimes I feel like a bartender serving up fabric rather than drinks. There's a special bond among sewers and quilters and I am very fortunate to share it with so many great people.
Patch: What is the most challenging thing about running a business?
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Debora: Deciding what to do next. There are so many talented fabric, book, and pattern designers out there that it is hard to choose. I do my best to select a good variety of products that will appeal to my customers.
Patch: What are your long-term goals for your business?
Debora: I plan to slowly add more fabric, books, patterns, and notions. I want to maximize the amount of product available to my customers while maintaining the open, spacious feel of the shop.
Patch: What advice would you give to someone aspiring to start a new business in Oconee County?
Debora: While everyone in Oconee County is easy to work with, it is sort of like going on a scavenger hunt to figure out the different permits and licenses and where to go for what. Just be patient and ask lots of questions. Also, whatever amount of money you think you need to start your business, double, or better yet, triple it. There's really no reason to set yourself up to fail before you even begin.
Dragonfly Quilt Shop is located at 1260 Mars Hill Rd in Watkinsville's Manders Crossing Shopping Center. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.