In this interview, Annik, the owner of Tissus Du Nord, talks about her transition from first employee to store owner, the recent changes she’s implemented to improve the customer experience, the challenges of managing both a sewing school and a pattern-making business, and her excitement about exploring all facets of self-employment.
What motivated you to start your own business?
Actually, I didn’t start it myself, but almost. A friend of mine launched the business during the COVID pandemic. She needed help. It had become too big. I came to help her before the opening to set up the shop. Then, when the shop opened, I became her employee. I had been working there for four years when she moved elsewhere. So, I bought the shop.
Where does the name of the shop come from?
“Tissus du Nord” (Fabrics of the North) comes from the fact that we live up north, in the Laurentians. So that’s all there is to it.
What do you like most and least about running a business?
Running a business itself! I’ve only been here as the owner for two months and I love it. Before, I was already managing the shop on my own, even though it wasn’t my property. But I had some constraints since it wasn’t my own money, so it was more complicated.
Now, I really enjoy it because I can manage and decide everything. Honestly, there isn’t much I don’t like at the moment. Of course, all the accounting stuff is new, so I haven’t had time to get used to it yet. But otherwise, I really love everything.
Do you have any favorite pattern designers?
Actually, I’m a pattern maker myself. We also sell a few patterns on our website. It’s very basic, because I teach sewing classes here, so it’s mostly the students who use the patterns.
However, I really like Fibre Mood patterns, or rather, the magazines. I like them precisely because they’re magazines, and you have everything at your fingertips. I really like the concept. I also really like Style Arc.
As for my patterns: creating and selling patterns online is a huge undertaking. Initially, I thought I’d do it all myself. And I did make a few, but I’m limiting myself to that. The software is very expensive and it takes a lot of time. If you want it to be professional, you have to hire professionals. You can’t do everything yourself: the patterns, the sewing, the photos… Our shop is mainly focused on sewing classes right now. That’s a large part of the business.
Are there any other fabric stores you admire?
Yes, I really like Merchant & Mills in England. I love it. I’d like to go to England one day just to go to that shop.
Do you have any advice for someone who wants to start their own shop?
I would say to think about the customer experience as much as selling fabrics, haberdashery, or accessories. Since I’ve been here, I’ve added a lot of decorations and atmosphere, and it makes a big difference. I see it immediately with the customers.
Do you have any future projects that particularly excite you?
Honestly, I just bought the shop, so it’s already a big project. I have a lot on my mind. I’m also 53, so maybe I don’t think as far ahead as someone who’s 24.
But I’m very happy with what I have right now. Maybe I’ll think about the bigger picture later, but for now, I’m happy with things as they are.
At the same time, I’m also developing my project to upcycle fabrics and create clothing from recycled materials. I’m very environmentally conscious. Since taking over the shop, I’ve spent my time collecting fabric remnants and scraps to repurpose, either on Marketplace or through designers. These fabrics take up almost an entire wall in the shop. And it’s a huge success. People love it! It’s a part of the shop that I’m very proud of and that I intend to continue implementing.
Replic: the blog 