Name: Rosie Lees
Job title: director
Company: The Embroidery Barn
Location: Dorset, UK
How did you end up working in the textiles/textile printing industry?
I trained as a watersports instructor when I was 17 and spent five or six years working abroad doing seasons here and there. I decided to come home and see what I could do here. I was very lost and not knowing what industry to go into I ended up being suggested an embroidery and printing business to buy. It was not what I was looking for but I thought I could bring my passion for sustainability into a very un-sustainable space.
What textile printing equipment do you operate?
We have a range of embroidery machines a Roland cutter and a Roland print and cut BT12 DTG.
What innovation/technology in the sector is making you most excited? Screen printing is my favourite and will be an investment in the future however DTG is another exciting one for us.
What is the biggest issue/challenge facing the industry?
Stock levels!
What advice would you give to someone just entering textiles/textile printing?
Research! Asking people within the industry has given me invaluable knowledge to make sure I make the right steps going forward Are there any specific applications/areas you expect to see surge in popularity in the years ahead?
I think DTG will be a lot bigger than expected – clients come to us wanting this day in and day out.
What has been the biggest change since you entered the industry?
The need for sustainable processes and garment options. When I bought the business no one approached us for these options but now I would say 99% of our clients come to us for sustainable options. This has happened in just a few years. So much quicker than I thought.
If you could go back and seize one opportunity you missed, what would it be?
When I first bought the business I said ‘No’ a lot to people helping me but looking back I should have taken people’s help and I would maybe have learnt lessons a lot quicker!
What one thing does the industry need do to ensure its continued success?
Keep looking for sustainable ways of doing things – right at the source!
Do you belong to any industry bodies or trade organisations?
FSB
What are your future goals?
That would be telling!! We have a lot of exciting things in the pipeline at TEB so watch this space …
