Success Stories

"I joined CABS three years ago because I wanted to be part of a professional group of creative entrepreneurs."

The connections along with the education I have gained through being part of the CABS group have helped me to lay out a very specific plan for my needlework design business which has set me on a path to greater success.  Twelve months after joining joining CABS I made the commitment to be part of the Master Mind Group.  Here I found that small group coaching and weekly accountability calls really raised my awareness of how to fine tune my  business and marketing plan.  Seeing other business owners in the group succeed and then learning in detail how they run their businesses has been a powerful tool to motivate me to improve my business.

Building friendships with other creative business owners in the group has been very rewarding.

AnnaLee Waite, AnnaLee Waite Designs

"I highly recommend the Mastermind if you want to see big changes in your business and your life."

I have definitely put my business on a better path after being part of the Mastermind for the past 2 years.

I joined the Mastermind just after I bought out my business partner and I was not sure how I would go forward as the sole owner. For the first few months I operated in a very scattered way. But when I joined the Mastermind I learned to developed systems for many recurring tasks. This allowed me to focus on what I love best – designing, writing and publishing patterns. I published more patterns that year than the company had in the previous 3 years!

The sharing of other members has been a great benefit to me. I have learned more about social media, ways to stay connected to my customers and fans. This has resulted in increased sales of patterns and invitations for teaching engagements. 

I really feel that I have more balance in my life now. I have specific goals and ways to track my progress. I can spend more time with family and friends, including scheduling a regular golf outing with my girlfriends each week. 

Morna has so much knowledge, is continually learning new ways to approach our creative arts businesses and so willing to share this knowledge to help us be successful. I highly recommend the Mastermind if you want to see big changes in your business and your life.

"... my professional accomplishments seem to be on an accelerated track that I fully credit to your events."

Thank you for another fabulous Creative Arts Business Summit. This was my third CABS and along with my one year Mastermind group, [I] want to applaud you for creating such dynamic, safe and creative environments to focus on my brilliance. It’s not always easy to step away from work, but the time and money is so well spent. Since attending CABS, seems each year my business focus becomes more acute and energetic.  In fact, my professional accomplishments seem to be on an accelerated track that I fully credit to your events. Thank you for sharing your brilliance, your knowledge and enriching my professional confidence!

Rhonda Pierce, Euro-notions.com and SCHMETZneedles.com

"For every question I asked her she [Morna] had at least two or three great action ideas or resources to consult. ... Her wealth of knowledge of the industry and business in general proved to be invaluable to me."

I was definitely at a crossroads. Business was down and I was trying to figure out what to do and questioning whether I should even continue with my current business structure. I had way too many ideas and lacked direction and focus. I really needed help.

Everything changed! Right before I started coaching with Morna, I switched to a newly designed website and platform, and business started to explode. She went from coaching me on "how to increase business" to "how to handle the business explosion." Morna helped me figure out who my core customer was, where I should be focusing my time and resources, and how to handle the increase in business. For every question I asked her she had at least two or three great action ideas or resources to consult. Her skills, knowledge and objective point of view allowed her to point out considerations to me that many times I hadn't even thought of. Her wealth of knowledge of the industry and business in general proved to be invaluable to me.

Just do it! It will be well worth your time and money!

Christine Sholtz, BacksiderFabrics.com

"Small business retailing in Northwest Ohio can be challenging but I feel like I am creating a fun, friendly environment in Sonflower Quilts. I look forward to seeing what other ideas come about as a result of brainstorming with Morna!"

Before working with Morna, I wasn’t really seeing the whole picture of how my business worked. She encouraged me to keep track of each day’s sales in a weekly format so I could see how my revenue came in That would help me plan events, merchandise reductions and incentives to encourage customers to come in at those slower times. Then I noticed that other businesses were having special deals during those same times which helped me realize that they also had difficulties during those same times. I started getting ideas about what incentives I could use as I saw what other businesses were doing. What a boost in being more and more creative!

Morna also encouraged me to sponsor some events to create excitement in the shop. One of the things I came up with was “Scrap Happenin’s”. These use some of our Vine Designs patterns in a new way. 

The class participants come with precut scraps to create a quilt that has more than one setting possibility. I serve lunch or dinner and we sew for 5 hours. What fun we have! I hand out a small goodie bag and include the pattern in the class. As a result of using their scraps, my customers feel good about buying more fabric, batting etc. Some of the patterns require a background; others require a ruler set. Either way the participants see their scrap piles going down giving them permission to start new projects as well as buying thread, batting, extra  fabric and so on. I even created a Tshirt with Scrap Happenin’ on it at the suggestion of one of my customers. Small business retailing in Northwest Ohio can be challenging but I feel like I am creating a fun, friendly environment in Sonflower Quilts. I look forward to seeing what other ideas come about as a result of brainstorming with Morna! .

"It was amazing the way she could see to the core of what was working and not working for me."

Meeting Morna made such a difference in the way I viewed issues in my business that I was attempting to deal with on my own. I call her "The Distiller" because she was able to quickly (!) condense what had been swirling around in my head and put them all in perspective. It was amazing the way she could see to the core of what was working and not working for me. I was at a point where I was not sure if I should continue in my business or look for "a real job". She gave me pointers on how to make that decision and then directed me to a foundational issue. If I made the decision to stick it out I needed to regain an understanding of why I started this business which in turn restores that passion. I believe Morna not only understands the practical side of building a business but has a real empathy and understanding of the emotional side of it. This balance between the two is huge, making her an extremely effective, well-rounded coach. She doesn't tell you what to do, she leads you to see the possibilities. If you are struggling you need Morna. If you are having a meteoric success you still need Morna to help juggle all of your balls. You don't have to be a one man show if Morna is on your team.

I decided to attend the Creative Arts Business Summit because I wanted to focus on business growth for Poorhouse Quilt Designs, away from daily distractions. What I came away with, after attending the Summit was much more; I found clarity in my vision for my business, renewed enthusiasm for my business processes and a new view of my brand. All of the attendees shared experiences and knowledge and understanding that I couldn’t have imagined, had I not been there to witness it! Morna and the guest speakers inspired us to move beyond today and see the next step. Marketing through social media has been a big “block” for me personally; after discussing this topic, I am using new strategies to accomplish my goals that are “do-able” for me, and I am seeing results! When I returned to my studio, I had a list of actionable items and I am moving forward every day. Just seeing this progress one month after the Summit is exciting! I will definitely return next year! Thanks, Morna!

Kristine Poor, PoorhouseQuiltDesigns.com

Before working with Morna, I had a website that was static and boring, I used email to take orders and snail mail to take payment for those orders, and I stood in line at the post office and bank to handle business transactions. As a result of working with Morna, I have a fabulous website that I maintain myself, with payment integrated into it which allows me to print pack slips and postage with one step. I now publish a monthly newsletter that generates interest in my website and classes. And by making my website more nimble and reducing the time to fulfill orders, I have been able to add more products to my offering. I have also converted my guild class into a webex based online class, which allows me to reach clientele that was not reached by guild events. Morna's skill at motivation, knowledge of business tools, and marketing savvy make her an unbeatable coach for creative arts business owners. I could go on longer, but then I would be avoiding work and I would have to answer to my coach!

Lois Hallock, clearview-designs.com

It has been incredibly helpful to have someone who knows our industry to act as a sounding board and to hold me accountable for getting things done. Worth every penny and more! I hope others will take advantage of your great service. I consider it a great investment in myself and my business.

Shelly Stokes, CedarCanyonTextiles.com

I have the best job in the world as a creative arts professional!! But sometimes, you can feel isolated. Sometimes you need to talk things through with someone who understands what you are going through. Sometimes you can use a different perspective or a reality check. Sometimes you just need to vent. And sometimes a good swift kick in the pants is exactly what you need to take action. Morna provides all of the above in our coaching sessions, and my business has benefited enormously since I started working with her.

Joan Ford, Hummingbird-Highway.com

f you are struggling with growing your creative business, or like me, struggling to complete the vision and follow-through, I would highly recommend working with Morna.  She was able to guide me to find something

that was already in me, but I just couldn't see!  She helped me stay on task, be focused and take the action necessary to open the business of my dreams.  After 20 years of trying to make this happen on my own, six months with Morna took that dream to reality.

Michelle Kitto, UrbanSpools.com

I started my quilt business in 2012 as a longarm quilter and wanted to publish patterns, only I had no idea how to get my patterns published. I had so many questions and no one to answer them. I found Morna's website online and decided that the only way to be successful doing what I love was to make a commitment and invest in my business.  It was the BEST thing I did!

I am planning on having a booth at Spring Quilt Market to display my designs.  I have all the tools I need to get my business profitable ... I just need to get the work done.  I hope to continue coaching in the future.  I will continue my membership with ICAP so I can stay in touch with all the incredible information Morna makes available to her members.

If I could advise anyone else thinking about coaching with Morna, I'd say, Don't hesitate!  We are all willing to invest in tangible items like business cards, machines, fabric, etc. However, we are less willing to spend money on something less tangible like coaching. However, the investment you make in coaching will get you farther much faster. I can't believe where I am now after only 6 months of coaching. I have a distributor, patterns are in stores and I am about to become a vendor at Quilt Market. Morna is very knowledgeable and has many contacts in our industry.  I truly am in debt to her.  She has given me focus, direction and confidence.  Thanks so much!!

Joanne Hillestad, FatQuarterGypsy.com

Before working with Morna I was stuck. I knew what I wanted to do but didn't know how to get it done. I had no knowledge about the quilting industry or how to get into it. As a result of working with Morna, I was able to set and work toward specific goals. As I moved forward, she was able to guide me into reaching those goals in a way that was natural FOR ME, more right brained, rather than systematic and it made a big difference in my productivity. In addition, I was able to make great contacts and see the Quilting Industry as a "big picture" I could fit into which also boosted my husband's confidence in the potential success of my new business in pattern design. The weekly "reflections" also helped steer me as I saw challenging issues that kept coming up repeatedly and figure out how to overcome them and get out of the "overwhelm" zone. Working with Morna is like a focus lens on your camera. You can adjust it from "micro" to "macro" focusing on very small aspect of your business and zoom out to see the big picture. Morna will do this for you and "hold your hand" along the way. I especially appreciated her encouragement, shared resources and expertise in the quilting industry. Without her coaching, I would still be stuck with a business idea and no action plan.

Elaine Perez, www.summertimecrafter.com

For over two years, I balked at the monumental tasks of revamping my website and becoming tech savvy with social media. I felt overwhelmed and didn’t know where to start. Being accountable to Morna on a regular basis has kept me on track as she has guided me through the steps of seeking profession assistance with web design and an on-line store, starting a blog, writing a monthly newsletter and building a list of subscribers, maintaining a Facebook page, and using Pinterest. I am proud of what I have accomplished with Morna’s help, and I am now seeing pay back for my investment. I highly recommend Morna’s one-on-one coaching program. Morna has such extensive knowledge of the quilting business and will help you manage your “to do” list and to identify the most important tasks to maximize the benefits for your business.

Maggie Ball, www.dragonflyquilts.com

I decided to work with Morna for a couple of different reasons.  One reason was that I knew I needed guidance if I really wanted my business to grow and other programs I looked at were not specific to the quilting and textile arts industry.  The other reason was the caliber of her clientele.  During the monthly PQ Cafe calls, I started to recognize names of people whom I would consider to be in the “big leagues”.  Gosh, if Morna was helping them, surely she could help me!  I am so glad I made the decision to hire Morna as a business coach.Working with Morna has resulted in my business growing much faster than I anticipated.  Marketing plan is in place, sales have increased by 65%, virtual assistant has been hired, and expansion of products and services is happening!  All in all, it’s been a rewarding learning experience.  Morna has taught me how to prioritize, focus and COMPLETE projects that move my business forward.  If you want to take your business to the next level, I recommend you take advantage of the programs Morna offers through IAPQ.

Elaine Huff, Fabric406.com

I decided to work with Morna to make sure I was heading in the right direction.  Morna helped bring my business into better focus.  She listened to my needs and then coached me with the right business tools for me to be confident in moving my business forward.  Working with Morna has been good for me and good for my business.  If you need some motivation and help with your business Morna is the right business coach.

Tracy Reeb, BeThereSupportSolutions.com

I started work with Morna in early 2012. I have had my Beginner-Quilting info business going since 2009. I hadn't made a dime until I started working with Morna. She helped me focus (I can be all over the place) and get a plan in action. She was patient while I was unable to do anything (severe vertigo) and she always has an encouraging word. Morna knows her stuff and if you are struggling to figure out what direction your quilting/sewing business needs to go, talk with her. She will help you figure it out. I still have a ways to go, but the focus is there and I am driving myself toward a very specific goal, thanks to Morna.

Eileen Thomas, Beginners Quilting

Today marks one week from my first day at the Creative business summit 2013. My husband commented "I've never seen your work so hard!" He doesn't know that I'm working smarter, too! Now I have to improve how I work systematically – the days since I got home have been spent somewhat scattershot, as I move from one ‘bright shiny object’ to the next. I’ve started Tweeting; uploaded a video to YouTube and opened my Etsy shop with eight hand-dyed, textured shibori scarves. I’ve downloaded the newest shopping cart software and started adding inventory items to my website, and I’ve got hubby set up with a free lecture and a Craftsy class on photographing my products. I’m going to be keeping him busy too! Now I have to block out time to get back to my newsletter and blog, and then, following Morna’s advice, set up scheduled posts putting that content out there through social media. Then I’ll be back to the dyepots!

Lisa White Reber, DippyDyes.com

Membership bestows credibility. Being a member is a signal both to myself and the industry that I treat quilting as business and not a hobby. As a teacher, author and the sole-distributor of TAP (Transfer Artist Paper), I find the information packed Professional Quilter, tele-classes, support and services IAPQ provides invaluable in maintaining and growing my business. (And the membership pin is really gorgeous)."

Lesley Riley, LesleyRiley.com  

"I have listened to most of the tele-classes offered by the Professional Quilter and enjoyed them, so it was a relief to see them included in the annual membership of the newly formed IAPQ.  This means I won't miss signing up and paying for any of them!The teleclasses are informative and of interest to my business.  I am not able to travel to the big quilting shows, so my continuing education is done via these classes, training DVDs and Internet classes. Positive thinking and ideas (maybe even old ideas heard in a new way) are warmly welcomed. I am re-charged after a teleclass. Positive reinforcement is the best!"   

Linda Vopat, FlyingHeartQuilts.com  

I have been a member of the International Association of Professional Quilters for 2 years. Morna and the association have been instrumental in narrowing and focusing my niche to be on target. Morna personally consulted with me on a marketing plan that has been quite successful and has given me the ability to create success for others. The association’s assistance, quality products and information are top notch.

Nisha Jackson,Owner/CEO of Financially Brilliant Women, www.FinanciallyBrilliantWomen.com     

I had been subscribing to The Professional Quilter magazine for a number of years before IAPQ was formed, so when the invitation came to join I decided to give it a try.While the magazine had certainly provided me with an abundance of useful business information, all the benefits of IAPQ have helped me increase business income about 30%. Tips on brand creation, and focusing on benefits to customers, as well as having an organized sales plan has made our last two Quilt Markets our best ever with a nearly 50% increase in the number of orders written at market.As a result of practicing timely follow up suggestions learned from IAPQ, I have gained a 30% increase in after Market reorders. Promoting the benefits of our Build Your Own trunk shows, resulted in nearly triple the number of trunk shows booked at Market. I haven't begun to tap into nearly all the IAPQ benefits, but I can say from experience, this is a very helpful association to belong to, answering your quilting business questions with expert advice.

Laura Estes, Laura's Sage Country Quilts  

I have been a subscriber to Professional Quilter since 2004 and when Morna developed the International Association of Professional Quilters (IAPQ), I joined immediately. I knew that Morna would provide quality opportunities to help me develop and grow as a textile artist and business owner. I have continued to find value in the Professional Quilter journal and monthly calls featuring other quilt business professionals. I hope to be able to participate more often in the IAPQ coffee break discussions as well as take advantage of the other benefits offered by IAPQ in the years to come.

This is my second year of membership with the International Association of Professional Quilters. I am very proud to display the member logo on my website.  This value added feature of membership has given me great credibility and sets me apart as a professional in the quilting business. As a result, my long arm quilting business has grown steadily in the past year. The magazine is loaded with articles that keep me up to date with the most recent trends and business information. One low price for so many benefits is a fantastic value! 

Beth Cardozo, WillowsCharm.com  

As a Professional Quilter member for over 10 years I have thoroughly enjoyed the in-depth articles on topics that range from computer software, accounting, marketing, to self-publishing, etc... It’s absolutely amazing how timely the articles are! They always present the answers to just the questions I am looking for! With the addition of the e-zine, PQ Café Virtual Coffee Break and PQ Café Business Series, there is even more information to help keep me focused on my business’ goals. Although I think I push myself pretty hard, I realize that I could and should be doing even more to market myself and my business. Thank you for keeping me on track and inspiring me to reach for higher goals. 

Karen Eckmeier, The Quilted Lizard Fiber Art Studio   

In the interim of having a business that was not well-recognized in my current situation, being a member of IAPQ has given me the opportunity to have one of my favorite quilts displayed on the front cover of their 2011 quarterly Spring issue as well as having my beautiful quilting studio showcased in the magazine. Since this time, my business has become widely recognized, not only here in the United States, but overseas as well. I have been invited and will be teaching in New Zealand at the Taupo Symposium in 2013 and also have great possibilities in the works for other countries.

Why join IAPQ? IAQP is a well-respected association with world-wide advertising to make your businesses boom, gives you advice and assistance for running your business more effectively, fills you in on the in's and out's of publishing, access to current happenings in the quilting world, and a plethora of information coinciding with everything involved to make your business life better not only through the magazine itself, but through webinars to discuss any issues you might have regarding your business.

Lastly, I would like to say "Thank you!" to Morna Golletz, the Founder and CEO of the International Association of Professional Quilters for her kindness and willingness to help me to become recognized as a professional.

Patti Hempen, Quilt artist and designer, teacher, quilt show judge and aspiring author, Owner, "Free-Form Symmetry" at PattiHempen.com 

"The price of IAQP membership is a bargain..."

"When I got the invitation to join IAQP, I didn't think twice. I took Morna's Boost Your Quilt Business Profits with Internet Marketing in July, and it was fantastic. Morna helped me understand the importance of putting my blog posts and customer newsletters on a regular schedule - and it works! Our site traffic has doubled and the number of unique visitors is up by 35% - with the bulk of the visits on our blog. In my opinion, the price of IAQP membership is a bargain - it's less than the cost of the Internet Marketing class. I'm very excited about getting the magazine, the guest interviews, and the coffee sessions at a single price. Now I don't have to 'decide' each time she has a session I'd like to attend."    

Shelly Stokes, CedarcanyonTextiles.com 

"It's essential to have a business organization dedicated to the quilting professional!"

I've been a member of IAPQ since the beginning and have enjoyed the information packed publications, the e-zine and website. It's often challenging and isolating to work either from home or on the road as an author and teacher so the topics that Morna covers are very often the ones I need to hear just at that moment!I have found the articles on professionalism and teaching to be particularly useful. In starting up a small textile arts website and business I've used many of the ideas and articles that have been featured in the IAPQ publications.Thanks to Morna and all the other members of IAPQ for making this a very successful industry.

Susan Purney Mark; Designer, Teacher, Author Website: SusanPM.com  

"I want to Thank IAPQ for kicking me into the 21st century!"

I want to thank IAPQ for kicking me into the 21st century! I just downloaded 4 videos onto my Facebook page showing the project I did for my mom. My Dad was a Curler and he had patches on jackets and sweaters from his 60+ years of Curling all over the world. I took the patches that mother had removed and put them into a small hanging that my mom can put by her door in her new apartment!I have gotten more contact from these videos than anything I have done on my regular website!I look forward to reading more articles about Facebook and the other social media.Thanks for the kick in the pants!

Mary Will Sussman, MaryWillSussman.com, Webster, NH  

"My advice for those thinking of joining is to take advantage of all the resources available to you through IAPQ"

Before joining the International Association of Professional Quilters, I had a lot of questions about the business of being a professional quilter. With the membership I received insight and advice on various aspects via the café meetings and industry expert conference calls and as a result, I have set clear goals and have seen my business grow. My sales during the 1st half of my 2nd year were equal to all of my sales in my 1st year.

My advice for those thinking of joining is to take advantage of all the resources available to you through IAPQ. Here you the opportunity to tap into the minds of experts and it gives you an instant network with others who just might be the connection you need to take your business to the next level.

Marlene Oddie, KISSed Quilts  

"After joining with IAPQ I was receiving more hits"

I was not getting enough exposure when I started 8 years ago with my long arm quilting for customers. After joining with IAPQ I was receiving more hits.  Just having the contact with new business ideas I was able to give my customers what they are looking for in  long arm services.The public contact is up and I am getting better business ideas to expand my business knowledge.  To do better for my customers and for myself. Thanks keep up the good work and keep this type of help out there.  

Lynette Ruta, stitched-art.ca stitched-art hand guided machine quilting. Canada   

"The International Association of Professional Quilters keeps me up-to-date on what's happening in the industry on a professional level."

I started my pattern design company and fabric shop based on my passion for sewing. I quickly realized that in order to be a viable business I needed skills and knowledge to make my business profitable. The International Association of Professional Quilters keeps me up-to-date on what's happening in the industry on a professional level. I especially like the in-depth business profiles of successful women in the industry, they are inspiring and chock full of wisdom. I also utilize the downloadable seminars and classes to further my business education. I like being able to access those at any time of the day or night!

Kathy Mack, Pink Chalk Studio