Every Business Has a Story—Here’s Mine
When I started my business, I had no idea how much it would change—not just in name, but in meaning and purpose. Today, I’m proud to reintroduce my business as Margaret & Loom, a name that reflects both the heart of my family and the threads of creativity we weave into every custom-designed piece.
I started this small business on a whim when COVID-19 hit. Like so many others, I found myself unsure of what to do. I had just graduated from college at 22, full of dreams but without a clear direction. One night in April, back at home, I had an idea: What if I started a business? I ran downstairs and said to my mom, “Tie-dye is really popular right now.” The next day, I dipped into my savings and enrolled myself in "YouTube University," learning everything I could. I launched my Etsy shop under the name Allied Dyes, offering hand-dyed, colorful apparel to brighten those dark days. Slowly but surely, the business grew as customers were drawn to our unique and vibrant designs that brought comfort and joy during an uncertain time.
From the very beginning, my mom has been my rock. Over time, she’s evolved into the best business partner I could ever ask for, helping me navigate this wild ride. A year and a half ago, I started a job in Boston that allows me to travel part-time, flying around and seeing the world. Even when I’m away, my mom, Jan, ensures we run the business daily. When I’m not in Atlanta, I handle the behind-the-scenes work, while Mom’s busy embroidering, packaging, and everything in between to make sure your orders arrive at your doorstep!
As time passed, at the start of 2021, my vision evolved. I rebranded as Brighter Dyes to reflect both the brightness of the designs and my desire to expand beyond tie-dye. Along the way, I encountered both triumphs and setbacks. One of the hardest moments came when I trusted someone to help build a website for my business. Despite careful research, the person I hired betrayed my trust, taking control of my domain and setting up backend code I couldn’t manage on my own. It was a devastating loss—both financially and emotionally—but it taught me resilience and the importance of safeguarding my dreams.
Despite these challenges, I kept moving forward. Customers began to fall in love with our custom embroidery work, especially in the bridal industry. Demand for personalized embroidery and custom wedding gifts grew quickly, especially for weddings, bridal showers, and bachelorette trips. I started to love this niche, as someone my friends like to call Ms. 27 Dresses. Hey, in the South, girls get married early—which helped my business thrive through word of mouth in Atlanta and even across the country and world! It was such a thrill to design sweatshirts for a group of girls celebrating their bachelorette—or as they call it in the UK, a Hen party!
The business transformed from selling tie-dye apparel to creating meaningful, embroidered designs that became part of life’s most cherished celebrations. This wasn’t just a business pivot—it was a reflection of how far I had come and how much God had guided me through each twist and turn.
Throughout this journey, I’ve seen God’s hand at work. In moments of doubt, He placed people and opportunities in my path that renewed my hope. I’m incredibly thankful for the unwavering support of my family and friends, who have been by my side through it all—helping create and ship orders, celebrating wins, and weathering setbacks. This business has become more than just a creative outlet; it’s a calling to bring joy, beauty, and love into the lives of others.
Every custom-embroidered piece—whether a personalized bridal gift, wedding logo sweatshirt, or everyday design—represents a greater purpose: to celebrate life’s moments. I’ve been reflecting on the fragility of life, realizing that it truly is like a vapor. My word for 2025 is joy—to find joy in every moment and celebrate it fully.
Fast forward to today: with over 6,000 Etsy sales, a thriving embroidery business, and countless happy customers, our journey has been nothing short of incredible. As the business grew, I knew I wanted a name that would honor both our journey and our creativity. My mother and I share the middle name Margaret, which carries generations of strength, wisdom, and love. The word loom symbolizes weaving stories through every stitch and thread. Together, Margaret & Loom perfectly encapsulates both our heritage and the work we do each day.
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to create beautiful, custom embroidery pieces that celebrate life’s moments. Whether it’s a bride’s getting-ready outfit, a thoughtful wedding gift, or a fun bachelorette trip sweatshirt, our goal is to help you feel uniquely celebrated. Through our work, we get to be part of your story, and that’s something we never take for granted.
Rebranding isn’t just about changing a business name. For me, it’s about honoring the lessons learned, embracing growth, and stepping forward with renewed purpose. Margaret & Loom is the culmination of these experiences. It’s a testament to God’s faithfulness, reminding me that with His guidance, we can overcome any challenge and fulfill the mission He has placed on our hearts. Thank you for being part of this small business journey.