Meet Leigh LaMarca: Small Business Owner of Evanleigh Embroidery

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leigh LaMarca and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leigh, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Born in Chicago, IL. Moved every 3-4 years since my dad worked for IBM (I’ve been moved!) lol My family finally planted their feet in Georgia in 1984. Ever since I can remember, my mother was a endless volunteer! She was a girl scout leader, PTA volunteer, classroom volunteer, you name it! My older sister joined the color guard in high school in Maryland, then continued it in Georgia. The band director asked the kids if any of their parents sewed. My sister said, “my mom does” and that’s where my love for creating, designing and business ownership began. I remember when I started high school, I also joined the band program where my mother, along with a few other mothers formed the “Betsey Ross” crew. They made the flags and uniforms for the band organization. The word “no” was not in my mothers vocabulary. Those women were in our basement sewing when I was at school, when I got home from school and even the next morning when I was heading to school again. She refused to miss a deadline! She took complete joy in hearing someone’s ideas and bringing them to life on the football fields. No thank-you’s necessary. She completely enjoyed it. After other schools saw her work, they to asked her to make things for their music programs. She formed Cellar Productions in 1986 and retired her business in 2016. Nothing was off limits! I watch my mothers hard work ethic and talent and the joy on her face when she saw her creations come to life and bring complete joy to the recipient. I knew I was going to try and do the same. I started my embroidery business in 2009. I had the biggest supporter anyone could ask for in my mom. It’s been a slow and steady road. I have added vinyl and in 2021 will add sublimation. Once I learn how to do it. 2020 has been such a strange year for everyone, I get that, but for my business, I put embroidery on the backburner and since I do sew, I, along with my kids, started making masks. I had the material, I had the elastic needed for them, it was the smartest choice to make. I knew it was risky putting mask making ahead of my normal work, but a risk worth taking. To date, I’ve made close to 5,ooo masks. Some personalized with embroidery.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I love the challenge of someone coming to me with their ideas and I design a logo for them. The creative process is so exciting. I don’t know how easy it would have been if I didn’t have 4 kids in different sports and activities and the different schools advertising my work for me. Word of mouth and social media have been very powerful tools for me and my business. I may not advertise all of my talents, but it’s fun to see the reaction when someone randomly asks me, “Hey, can you make my daughters seat covers fit her Jeep? Were giving it to her for a birthday surprise!” and I reply, “sure.”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If an out of towner came to stay with me for a week, I would definitely start their tour of Atlanta in Centennial Olympic park. We would visit the Georgia Aquarium, say hi to the Beluga Whales. Then take a ride on the SkyView Ferris Wheel. If they liked dancing, Loca Luna would be the place for them. The live music is amazing. For food I would take them to a local Mexican restaurant called Pablanos, here in Kennesaw.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my mother for leading by example that I can own and be successful of a small sewing based business. And my sister, Laurie, for always answering the phone when I called stressed out about my kids, work, life!

Instagram: EVANLEIGH_EMBROIDERY
Linkedin: Leigh LaMarca
Twitter: @leighlasharka
Facebook: Evanleigh Embroidery
Other: @leighannlamarca TikTok