This week, I sit down with Jenn Borrell, founder of And Sew On, a stitch studio bringing sewing, embroidery, knitting, crochet, and all things fiber arts to Arlington Heights and beyond.

Jen shares how a childhood of cross-stitch with her mom, a 17-year career in metadata and taxonomy, and one loud nudge from intuition led her from corporate burnout to teaching hands-on creativity in community spaces. We talk honest entrepreneurship - the real rollercoaster, the “burn-it-down” days (hello, pajama-pants-elastic saga), and the power of asking for feedback instead of spiraling. You’ll hear how craft becomes grounding in a phone-addled world, why imperfect stitches can build real confidence (especially for kids), and how starting with beginners can seed a thoughtful path to growth.

If you’ve been craving a slower, more tactile life - or a reminder that mistakes are simply data - this one feels like exhale.

Key Takeaways

• Imperfect > impossible: How letting go of perfection turns “I can’t” into “I made this!”—for kids and adults alike.
• Ride the waves, gather data: A practical reframe for the entrepreneurial lows—survey, learn, iterate—so the next class (or launch) runs smoother.
• Start close to home: Why beginning with accessible spaces, beginner curricula, and community partners (like a park district) builds sustainable momentum.

Jenn has generously created an exclusive discount code for Rising Together listeners, good for 15% off any class or lesson at And Sew On Studio. Use code: RISING15 before December 31st to redeem.

If you want to connect with Jenn’s classes and private lessons, you can find her on social media at @and_sew_on_studio on Instagram, Facebook or on her website at andsewonstudio.com.