Lawrence Lady Boss | JULIE MCEATHRON


LADY BOSS PROFILE

Meet Julie McEathron, the owner of Stitch Hill. Stitch Hill provides high-quality, sensory smart solutions for early childhood centers and students including sensory sacks, fidget squares/toys and sensory-sensitive clothing adaptations. Julie has sewn and quilted most of her life. In 2001, McEathron Quilts began create custom quilts and help people complete their unfinished work. "As an early childhood special educator, I became aware of the need for a variety of sensory materials. I would make these for my students. Soon, colleagues were asking for these, as well as modified clothing, and the rest is history." In 2017, Julie rebranded with the name Stitch Hill in order to better reflect her business’s mission, products and services. 

Julie is also an award-winning traditional fiber artist. She combines traditional and contemporary techniques to products that are comfortable and durable. Her work has been displayed in national shows as well as regional and local venues such as the Spencer Art Museum.

What is your goal for the next year?

My goal for next year is to unify my brand and have an active, cohesive social media presence.

Who has influenced you the most?

My grandmother, Helen Peterson, influenced me the most. She was my best friend and the first person to teach me the value of individuality and embracing the path that feeds your soul.

What one piece of advice do you give to other business owners?

Small action steps over time add up. It’s okay if things aren’t perfect, but it’s important to move past our fears to take tiny, slow and steady steps toward our professional and personal goals.

When you are not working, what are you doing?

Most often I am at the gym lifting heavy things or reading. I also enjoy biking, hiking and backpacking in remote places.

What Lawrence hidden gem do you recommend everyone checks out?

Since Covid last spring, our family adventure became systematically walking all of the trails Lawrence has to offer. Although not hidden, the Burroughs Creek Trail has become a frequent favorite as it is paved, long and flat – suitable for walkers and bikers both. History buffs will enjoy the signs conveying local history along the trial.

If you could change one thing about your business, what would you change?

I would like to magically become a competent photographer for selfies and product photos!

Find Julie on Facebook at @stitchhillks and on Instagram at @stitch_hill. Find Stitch Hill on the web at www.stitchhill.com and on Etsy at https://StitchHillKS.etsy.com/. Julie is also on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliemceathronmse/.