An ex-bookkeeper spent $375 to launch a sewing business: 'I hadn't felt so sure about something like that in a long time'

In Austin, Texas, Eric Lugo has rapidly established himself as a notable figure in the creative workshop scene through his thriving business, Stitch Lab ATX. What began as a modest side project in early 2025 has evolved into a full-time venture that draws considerable local interest, with a variety of classes filling up well in advance.

Lugo's journey into the sewing studio business is rooted in a lifelong passion. Having learned the craft from his grandmother during childhood and further honing his skills as a teenager, he initially explored sewing through his own fashion brand, Casa Amiré. His expertise also made him a sought-after resource among friends for tailoring and repairs. Recognizing a gap in accessible sewing education, Lugo envisioned teaching others how to mend and alter their clothing, a skill he saw as undervalued yet essential.

The business concept took shape over several years, but it wasn’t until early 2025 that Lugo committed financially, investing $375 to acquire eight second-hand sewing machines. Leveraging a friend’s warehouse space outside business hours, he launched Stitch Lab ATX with an initial lineup of beginner-friendly classes designed to introduce participants to sewing fundamentals.

Stitch Lab ATX’s early period was characterized by gradual growth, hosting a limited number of small classes. However, a pivotal moment came when Lugo was laid off from his bookkeeping position at a local PR firm. This event prompted him to devote himself entirely to the sewing studio, a decision supported by his network and reflected in the business's expansion.

By late 2025, Stitch Lab ATX began gaining momentum, aided by collaborations with local establishments and strategic social media outreach, particularly on TikTok. Monthly offerings increased substantially, now including a diverse range of workshops from basic machine operation to intermediate techniques such as hemming and zipper installation. Special projects and open sewing sessions have also become popular, alongside private events tailored for groups like corporate teams and celebratory gatherings.

Financially, Stitch Lab ATX has become Lugo’s primary income source, illustrating the viability of niche craft workshops even amid broader economic challenges. The studio’s success aligns with a national trend of increased spending on hobbies and leisure activities, reflecting consumer interest in skill-building and community engagement despite inflationary pressures.

Lugo has also initiated community-focused efforts like the Sew It Forward program, which provides free sewing machines, supplies, and classes to selected entrants. This initiative reflects his commitment to accessibility and giving back, emphasizing the role of Stitch Lab ATX as more than just a business but a supportive creative space.

The studio’s atmosphere fosters inclusivity and connection, catering especially to young adults seeking offline social experiences. Lugo highlights the importance of creating a welcoming environment that embraces diversity, with a particular emphasis on serving the Latino and broader communities of color.

Looking ahead, Stitch Lab ATX is preparing for expansion, having recently welcomed additional instructors to accommodate increased demand. Lugo envisions scaling the model beyond Austin to major urban centers including New York City, Californian hotspots, and Mexico City, aiming to replicate the blend of creativity, education, and community that has driven the business’s local success.

While details on broader expansion timelines remain limited, Lugo’s trajectory with Stitch Lab ATX illustrates a compelling example of turning traditional craft skills into a sustainable, community-driven enterprise in the contemporary cultural landscape.