Meet Sylvia Denslow of That’s Sew Sylvia in Glendale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sylvia Denslow.

Sylvia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’d always go to the fabric store with my Nana Vera and couldn’t wait until I was old enough to sew. My Nana made each of her fourteen grandkids a blanket that will forever be cherished. She taught me how to sew in high school and our first big project together was a blanket for each of my baby cousins Raina & Genesis. It was the most challenging and rewarding thing I’ve ever done. One of my cousins regifted the blanket that I’d made nine years earlier back to me when I had my daughter Emma. That’s when I decided I wanted to sew again. I started off making small blankets, tote bags and found lots of tutorials on Pinterest and tried out quite a few.

In February 5, 2016 I posted a picture of a box bag made with heart fabric. The response was overwhelming! I had 15+ people wanting to order one just like it. So my mom and I went to JoAnn fabric in Mesa to get the last of the heart fabric in Arizona. We made it 5min before the store closed. I started working on the orders immediately. I kept getting comments on how I should start a business because I’m talented and make good, quality products. I love learning new techniques. My dear friend Lynda told me about an event called Front Porch Pickins that was going to happen on April 8th & 9th. That was less than a month away. While at dinner with my parents, godparents and some other family I threw the idea out there. I commented that I didn’t know what my business name should even be. My godparents suggested That’s Sew Sylvia. We had a good laugh but the more I thought about it the more I loved it! I got my business license and fifteen days later I was setting up for my first event. I was and still am overwhelmed by the amount of support from my family and friends and potential customers. My mom, Teresa assists me at all of the events and I could not do them without her. My favorite thing to sew is zipper pouches and tote bags but I love when customers order a product that challenges me. I can’t wait to expand the products I offer.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My biggest struggle has been the loss of my beautiful godmother, my Nina Veronica. She was a big influence on me getting my business started. I took a break from sewing after she passed. I then realized I needed to sew again because that’s what she would’ve wanted. Once I started again my love for sewing returned. Finding the balance between working a full time job, raising a daughter and finding time to sew has been challenging.

Please tell us about your business.
I’m a sewist that makes quality, handmade accessories. I’m most known for sewing box bags and tote bags. I also make zipper pouches, key fobs, wristlets, scrunchies and stockings, just to name a few. I enjoy making custom orders for any occasion. I love seeing what people use my products for. I was excited when I saw a woman at Quick Trip using a pink ribbon key fob I’d made. I take pride in the items I make and use high-quality supplies and have a wide variety of fabric prints.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My Nana Vera, who taught me how to sew. My parents Jess & Teresa. My Nina Veronica & Nino Ray who came up with my business name. My Tia Patty and Tio Michael for helping me with the setup and layout for my first big events. Lynda Shaw for her unconditional support and who suggested I participate in my first event. My daughter Emma, who inspires me to be the best version of me and to be successful. They’ve also all helped with sharing my products either in person, word of mouth or on social media.

Contact Info:

• Email: ThatsSewSylvia@outlook.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/ThatsSewSylvia
• Facebook: Facebook.com/ThatsSewSylvia

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