My Vision

My vision is for Queens Fabric & Designs to become the premier independent fabric resource center in Tampa Florida. We will house competitively priced apparel and upholstery fabrics including trims and notions. We will offer sewing classes and host fashion networking events to inspire everyone from the curious onlooker, to the young and old creative artist, to finally, the experienced designer.  With your support this will be a power house where fabric, high fashion, mentoring, and networking will merge, taking Queens Fabric & Designs to all new Heights.

Introduction 

I am Elizabeth Carson Racker - Founder, Owner & Designer of Elizabeth Carson Racker Designs LLC, otherwise known as, ECR Designs. I have been designing ready to wear and evening wear for over 13 years and have been blessed to have established a strong book of clients for custom garments ranging from Bridal, Evening, Resort, and Ready-To-Wear. I am amazed that my small storefront/studio space has already been in operation for six years. UNBELIEVABLE! In 2018, I was blessed with another opportunity to purchase a local fabric store called Queens Fabric. Queens Fabric has been in the Tampa Bay area for over 20 years. It is a staple in the community. I purchased the inventory and the name and combined both businesses, ECR Designs and Queens Fabric, as they compliment each other.  I redesigned my current retail space and made it work, despite numerous challenges. The space is  not adequate to accommodate the volume of fabric needed to meet the demand of a retail space.  In addition, the existing space is not centrally located. It does not have adequate parking and is generally not appealing to retail clients. 

During this time, our world is changing day-to-day. People are acting on their “Now.” People are not waiting to pursue their dreams and aspirations. My clients, many of whom have been forced to rethink their careers and learn new trades, are spending more time at home.  They are exploring their creativity and potential to earn income. They speak about making protective gear to assist with easing the shortage supply to our frontline healthcare professionals.  Grandmothers are dusting off their sewing machines to make masks for their families. Young designers began launching their own brands. Newly home-schooled children now need safe activities to occupy and stimulate their minds. Recently, a mother came in shopping for fabric for her daughter who is making a clothing line for her doll collection. We are finding that many young people, both male and female, are exploring fashion and related activities during the pandemic. People are now taking that next step to truly develop the hobby they love. This speaks to the heightened interest of the business model of Queens Fabrics & Designs. 

Opportunity 

The Tampa Bay and surrounding areas do not have a variety of quality fabrics, trims, and notions for a  jurisdiction of its size and population. Queens Fabric is one of three fabric stores in Tampa Florida. The closest fabric and notion resource center that has affordable quality fabric is in Atlanta. Artists are limited in options, settling with what Tampa can provide, traveling 8 hours outside the city, or ordering fabric online unsure of what is going to arrive.

My mission is to elevate Queens Fabric & Design into the the premier fabric resource center in the Tampa Florida region. It will encompass a large inventory of affordable fabric and trims, building a chic, contemporary, and modern upholestry fabric selection. It will also provide unique and essential services, such as, fabric printing and scissor sharpening.

Fabrics are expected to account for the majority of the fabric, craft and sewing industry revenue, representing an estimated 60% of total sales. With an investment of $50,000 Queens Fabric & Designs will be able to meet the demand with a major expansion. Your funding would afford me the opportunity to execute my plan, which is:

•         SECURE LARGER LOCATION better suited to support vision

•         EXPAND INVENTORY

•         Develop and launch WEBSITE FOR GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION

•         EXECUTE Specialized MARKETING STRATEGY highlighting-

  •             Weekly Community classes- onsite and virtual

  •             Inventory Expansion

  •             Philanthropic Endeavors supporting local community

  •             The Design, Production & Distribution of Fashion     Forward, High Quality Affordable Garments

Your support will help Queens Fabric & Designs grow to new heights. Thank you so much for contributing and sharing this campaign.  

Just a little more about the Me...

I’m a native of Tampa, FL, I found my passion for fashion at a young age. I first acknowledged this love at age twelve when I attended my first fashion production at an Ebony Fashion Fair show. My love for fashion continued through high school and finally blossomed in college. I attended and Graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design. After earning my Bachelors in Fashion Design, I began my career with Ebony Fashion Fair as their Wardrobe Assistant and featured designer. After leaving Ebony Fashion Fair, I continued to push my brand traveling from coast to coast showcasing my designs and continued to learned about the fashion industry.