Briarcliff Manor Small Business Spotlight: It's From Me, LLC

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

• Business: It’s From Me, LLC
• Owner: Linda Sugrue
• Website/Blog: http://itsfromme.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/its.from.me
• Email: linda@itsfromme.com
• Address: Briarcliff Manor, NY

How did you come up with the name? I truly believe that creativity comes from within, and providing others with the artistic tools to help inspire that inner creativity is the foundation of my small business. With every workshop project, I strive to inspire kids to create not just with their hands, but with their minds and their hearts. When they complete a project, they can truly say “it’s from me.”

Why start a business in this town? I am a Westchester County resident and I run my small craft business from home. I travel to venues throughout the county offering children in grades 4 and up my unique Card-Making for Kids Workshops. I do adult and senior workshops too. For greater reach outside the area, I have an active craft blog where I regularly post project ideas, photos, crafting tips and fun techniques for my readers to enjoy and learn from.

What business are you in? I’m a Registered Nurse by profession, a mom of two, and an avid crafter. I started IT’S FROM ME seven years ago. I specialize in paper-crafting art and offer my creative opportunities through after-school, library and community center programs, scout troop activities and local special events.

What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced as a business owner? Advertising is a full time job. Finding the time to invest in proper and effective promotion can be challenging.

What’s been your proudest achievement since opening? The greatest validation comes from class participants who don’t want my workshops to end, and from venues who invite me to come back again and again.

How does your business give back to the community? IT’S FROM ME sponsorships include collection drives for community organizations, participation in community events on a voluntary basis and complimentary programming to underprivileged and not-for-profit groups. My business is a proud member of both the Briarcliff Manor and Pleasantville Chambers of Commerce.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@patch.com.