In the fall of 2009, Lindy Miller was feeling the pinch of the recession in her local specialty quilt shop.  She was wondering about her future as a business owner and what options were out there for her and her loyal customers. When she heard of the new local Small Business Development Center in Tuolumne County hosted by the Alliance SBDC, she was immediately encouraged.  “I slept better that very night, just knowing help was available”.  Lindy scheduled an appointment and has been working closely with SBDC consultant Lee Ann Fox since that day.   

With the help of the SBDC, Lindy has moved to a new location, changed some inventory, held several successful promotional events, started teaching classes, completed a website and has participated in many regional quilt shows.  Lindy’s business is now thriving in a time when many small town businesses are closing their stores. 

“Lindy is very business savvy”, says Lee Ann Fox a counselor with Tuolumne County Small Business Development.  “She is a pleasure to work with.  We brainstorm and Lindy immediately picks up the ball and runs with it.   She knows so much about her business and the history of quilting, fabrics, and costuming – so we have tried to focus on using her specialty knowledge to improve the business and that has really paid off.”

Today Ms. Miller is looking at securing a new facility specifically for training classes and meetings.  She is providing great products and services to the community; preserving the history of quilting in America while continuing to work with the local SBDC to grow and prosper.