Set in the Eastern Panhandle town of Ranson, Boxer Craft House was born out of necessity.
Back in 2017, founder and owner Marie Bressler decided to launch a website for her machine embroidery projects, but had difficulty finding good quality supplies. That’s when she began to source her own craft supplies.
As she grew her online business and social media following, she decided it was time to expand to a brick-and-mortar shop. In 2023, she and her husband, Wayne Bressler, opened Boxer Craft House on South Mildred Street in Ranson.
Marie handles the store inventory, which includes quilting fabric, thread, notions and other sewing and embroidery supplies to customers. The shop also sells Baby Lock sewing and embroidery machines. Meanwhile, Wayne helps with building fixtures, cutting vinyl, packing orders and maintaining the website.
The family-owned store, recently voted No. 1 quilt shop in West Virginia, became a reality with help from the West Virginia Small Business Development Center.
“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Michael,” Bressler said.
In 2022 she began working with WV Small Business Development Center Coach Michael Boyd. Boyd showed her how to take her home-based business and create a business plan, do projections and help secure financing for a physical store.
Likewise, Boyd said he learned a lot of new things from working with Bressler.
“Every client I work with I get to learn a little bit about a business that I’m not personally involved with,” he said. “I got to learn about Baby Lock sewing machines, for example, and quilting and embroidering and all the mystique that goes along with that kind of creative crafts.”
Bressler said her favorite part about being a small business owner is the community. The people who frequent her shop are happy to have their own little clubhouse where they can socialize and sew.
“This is a safe space for everybody and I am truly grateful for everyone who has continued to support Boxer Craft House,” she said.
WV SBDC is an accredited partner program with the U.S. Small Business Administration, and a division of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development. It helps small businesses at all stages of development by connecting owners to programs, resources and coaches.
For more information about WV SBDC services and coaches, visit wvsbdc.com.