Q&A With Our Co-op Members
It has been a busy few weeks since we announced our decision to transition into Fancy Tiger Crafts Co-operative, a worker-owned business model. We thought it was probably about time we shared a bit more with you about our first four employee-owners so that you can get to know them and learn more about their ideas for the business.
Christina Patzman
How long have you worked at Fancy Tiger Crafts and what do you do at the store?
I have worked at Fancy Tiger Crafts since January of 2008...almost 14 years, mainly teaching and organizing sewing classes for the majority of that time. I have branched out quite a bit since June of this year and am now part of the buying team, floor staff, hiring committee, and some other roles I'm probably forgetting because it has happened so very fast! I will continue to focus on these roles as we move forward in the Co-op.
When you have free time, what is your favorite thing to sit down and do?
When I have free time, my favorite thing to sit down and do is design and sew garments. I also love to embroider and punch needle.
What motivated you to take on being a part of the worker-owned co-op?
I was incredibly motivated to be a part of the worker-owned co-op as soon as Jaime & Amber presented it to us! I absolutely LOVE being a part of this place and am honored to have the opportunity to play a larger part in its growth. There are just so many possibilities!
What are some of your hopes and plans for the future of the business?
Some of my hopes and plans for the future of the business include: more community outreach to make classes and supplies available for more folks, expanding the types of classes we offer and maybe even opening another Fancy Tiger Crafts location.
In terms of a co-operative, what should our community know about ours?
In terms of a co-operative, our community should know that we are so excited to be able to offer potential business worker-ownership to many people. I think it's a great opportunity to hear from many voices and give those voices a place to exercise their skills and talents.
What were your first thoughts when Jaime and Amber came to the team about this opportunity?
My first thoughts when Jaime and Amber came to the team about this opportunity were...yes please! Let's do this thing!
What do you think works or made this possible when you look at the the team?
I think that our current team of worker-owners is a really good balance of many different skills and talents. We have definitely learned a lot over the past year and know that the work has just begun. I'm honored to serve alongside a group of such amazing people!
If a customer came in and wanted a new project, what is your favorite project that you would direct them to and why?
If a customer came in and wanted a new project, I would steer them to punch needle. It's relatively easy to learn and you can make such cool stuff with different weights and colors of yarn.
Do you have a favorite item in the store that you think everyone should have?
We just got in these really great basket making kits by Flax and Twine that I'm dying to try. I have never woven a basket and am eager to check it out!
My background: I come from a really long line of sewists, so it's kind of part of my DNA. I grew up loving to craft pretty much anything because it was my happy place. Sewing is my go-to and I do it every chance I get. I received a BS in apparel design and have since had a line of clothing and two small retail shops. I learned that I really loved teaching sewing when I started at Fancy Tiger Crafts oh so long ago. It makes me really happy to help people make stuff!
Marta
@_martooth
How long have you worked at Fancy Tiger Crafts and what do you do at the store?
I've been at Fancy for about 6 years (6 holiday seasons, but who's counting?) and when I look back I think my role has evolved and changed a lot in that time, but also somehow feels the same. Making sure our customers have a great experience is always my top priority. Looking to the future I'm most excited to really put into action the equality we believe in and strive for at Fancy, and to uphold our social and environmental goals and values. I'm also really excited to continue to find new and beautiful products to stock our shelves with!
When you have free time, what is your favorite thing to sit down and do?
In my time away from the shop I really enjoy cooking and baking- tasting new things, walking, sewing or knitting things sometimes, a good dance party, cats (and dogs, if I'm honest), drawing and travel- though, like everyone else, I haven't had much opportunity for travel in the pandemic. I'm feeling the need to make a pilgrimage to some hot springs sooner rather than later.
What motivated you to take on being a part of the worker-owned co-op?
On a more esoteric level, I was excited by the idea of becoming a co-op to take part in dismantling capitalism- even if it is just a tiny little bite. I've always felt really aligned with Fancy's values and mission; as someone who feels most capable in the world when I'm making or "thinking" with my hands, when the idea was presented and the opportunity arose it felt shiny and bright and ripe to me.
What are some of your hopes and plans for the future of the business?
There are so many things I'm excited for! First, I'm really excited to even out our pay structure in order to make sure everyone working here is able to earn a more liveable wage in Denver. (Spoiler alert) I'm also really excited by the thought of moving into a bigger space that better meets our needs- plumbing and heating in the studios for dye classes, a larger shipping office, maybe an outdoor space for community events and classes, maybe a little coffee shop nook, easier parking for our older or out of town guests....imagine the possibilities! Don't worry, we're not moving yet, and staying in Denver is really important to us.
In terms of a co-operative, what should our community know about ours?
One question I've gotten a lot is if we'll ever transition to a consumer co-op like REI or some types of grocery stores and credit unions, and the answer is no, at least not anytime soon or soonish. Consumer co-ops are quite different from worker owned co-ops and so a transition like that would be another complete business overhaul. Another question I've found myself answering a lot is what is going to change at Fancy from a customer perspective, and the answer is, not a lot! Our name has changed to include "co-op" or "cooperative" at the end, but basically you can expect the same (beautiful) selection of products, classes, and events, as well as core values and mission from us that you always have, now there are just more heads on the business side of things.
What were your first thoughts when Jaime and Amber came to the team about this opportunity?
It made me a little nervous, but excited, I think. I mostly wondered how a worker owned co-op was different from a grocery store co-op. And when they first presented the idea I think it was really just an idea, so we got to learn a lot along the way with both of them.
What do you think works or made this possible when you look at the team?
For me what works is remembering that, at the end of the day, it's not all on me, or just one person, and that's the beauty of it. We're a multi-headed, kind hearted, beast. We had so much help and insight offered throughout this process, from Ashley and Amy at RMEOC, to Mark at Shared Capital, our lawyer, Jeff Pote, and all of our co-workers who participated along the way, that at the end of the day I just don't know how to pinpoint what or who specifically made it possible (besides maybe a heavy dose of faith) because I'm just so thankful for all of the work that everyone involved put in.
If a customer came in and wanted a new project, what is your favorite project that you would direct them to and why?
Oh gosh, it really depends on what they're into! And where they are in their making journey. For quick, instant gratification, high success rate, craft confidence boosting projects I really like, Shirt No. 1 (of course!) or the Ninni Culottes for the budding garment sewist, or someone feeling stuck in a rut, or a quick Basic Ribbed Beanie for knitters of all skill levels, or an embroidery kit (so nice because usually all of the materials are included!), or a cute needle felting project, we have kits or we can help you pick out colors and materials for whatever you're imagining. I guess if someone came in just wanting something new or fun I might suggest punch needle or macrame! What about sewing up a few three quarters bags using some fat quarters? There are too many good options!
Do you have a favorite item in the store that you think everyone should have?
Sharp shears and snips are a must. Definitely worth a bit of investment. Also a Zirkel is very handy for keeping sharp bits off of the floor and out of feet.
Negley Garrett
How long have you worked at Fancy Tiger Crafts and what do you do at the store?
I have been working at FTC for about 5 and a half years. I do whatever the store needs to do, from customer service, to production, to sales. As a Co-op member and worker owner I will be focused on keeping the shop running efficiently and up to Fancy Tiger standards.
When you have free time, what is your favorite thing to sit down and do?
In my free time I like to hang out with my dog, eat good food, and babysit my niece and nephew. To relax I like to grab a glass of wine, play video games, needle felt, or paint with watercolor.
What motivated you to take on being a part of the worker-owned co-op?
What motivated me to be a part of the co-op was my desire to keep the store the same, but be a part of a team that helped things run just a little smoother.
What are some of your hopes and plans for the future of the business?
My hopes and plans for Fancy is to keep it a fiber mecca for the crafting world. As the main needle felter in the store I would also like to expand the roving and felting options. Also as a male in this world I would like to start including more men and unisex patterns in our store. There are lots of options we are exploring for new patterns to carry and that is exciting.
In terms of a co-operative, what should our community know about ours?
Nothing is really going to change. We are going to stay the same great Fancy Tiger Crafts we have always been.
If a customer came in and wanted a new project, what is your favorite project that you would direct them to and why?
It's nice to try to assess what their crafting level is before I show them what product I think would fit their style, but being a needle felter, I always lean to any of our felting kits.
Do you have a favorite item in the store that you think everyone should have?
I'm a big fan of our Corriedale roving selection. It's my favorite product in our store.
Pink
How long have you worked at Fancy Tiger Crafts and what do you do at the store?
I've been a hanger-on at Fancy Tiger Crafts since almost the beginning, and working here for 8 years. My main task has been, and remains, kit production. When I started it was a relatively small part of our inventory, but we've expanded our selection of kits and packs, particularly during COVID. As more folks have been involved with production, I now have taken on some of our graphic design tasks. I'd like to see us both carrying and producing lots of kits and pre-packed supplies, since they can be a way to introduce people to new crafts and techniques!
When you have free time, what is your favorite thing to sit down and do?
Free time? Don't know her! I actually have lots of other projects. I'm the author and artist of a series of graphic novels, I run a homestead with greenhouses, livestock, and land to manage, and I also love making my own craft projects, of course. My escape from all this is to get out into the woods - camping, hiking, backpacking, and snowboarding.
What motivated you to take on being a part of the worker-owned co-op?
I feel very strongly about the power of the business model, both in potential benefits to the business and employees, and to the community at large! I feel that empowering workers is a path to a more equitable society, and I'm proud to be a part of that with Fancy Tiger
What are some of your hopes and plans for the future of the business?
I am looking forward to returning to some of our community projects with the lessening of the severity of the pandemic. Craft Night was always a touchstone in my week, and I'm pleased for us to be easing into it again, particularly with the remote option! As I now live much farther away I want to keep remote options for all of our events. I'd like us to be able to take part in outreach - crafting out in the community, such as our previous events with Denver MoMa. Being able to spend time making stuff together is the essence of crafting.
In terms of a co-operative, what should our community know about ours?
Running a business includes a lot of moving parts, especially as it grows. The co-op model really allows us to be responsive to change, and make sure that the employees who are doing the work are deciding how to do the work. It actually takes a lot of weight off of owners/managers to let the people who are on the floor/ in the shipping department/ doing the ordering make those decisions, and I think our community is going to see those improvements.
What were your first thoughts when Jaime and Amber came to the team about this opportunity?
I was instantly excited! It made sense in so many ways!
What do you think works or made this possible when you look at the team?
We all have quite a bit of experience at this point, and experience in different parts of the business. Importantly, not everything runs smoothly, and we've all seen some crises in the past. Having the chance to learn from things going upside-down is an amazing advantage.
If a customer came in and wanted a new project, what is your favorite project that you would direct them to and why?
I have been enjoying a bit of embroidery lately, and really digging into a fresh project. Right now we have lots of great kits, patterns, and books in, so I would really hype that!
Do you have a favorite item in the store that you think everyone should have?
I've picked up a lot of tools and accessories over the years, but the most used item is my project bags! They are always full. I have several from Modular Modular, but the Fringe bags are just as useful!
Do you want to talk about your background, education or outside of the store experiences that have led you to where you are today?
I was raised in a crafty household, so I've been making for as long as I can remember. While in college I became deeply interested in historic textiles and the people who made them, and ended up getting an independent degree called Women and Textiles in History. I remain fascinated with ancient textiles and what they reveal about the people who made them, and I think it's very important to keep alive some of those old techniques and traditions.
Leave a comment