Greetings, all.  I just did a post to the avatar question by  @rich-brooks  I have a question.  How do you deal with pre-conceived assumptions because of the industry you are in?  I own and operate a quilt fabric store.  Most people assume that there is a woman around fifty running the store.  When they come to my store there is a fully bearded 53 year old man. It just seems hard for some women to think I can help them with fabric selections and quilt layouts.  Peace, Robert.

@robertbaker

I have to admit, that when I opened this thread, Quilting was the last topic I expected to find mentioned.

It kinda reminds me of the “Josephine the Plumber” situation many years ago.

I completly understand the name “Nancy’s Fabrics” and the use of your Mother’s pic in the logo, and I wouldn’t dare suggest you change it.

But that being said, I can see how a first time visitor to your store might be a bit confused.

You might add a line, “Owned and operated in her loving memory by her son, Robert Baker” to your website header, email signatures and newsletters.

Your business cards, and website, might include her in the logo, but also have your pic on them as well.

Just a few thoughts off the top of my head.

@robertbaker It’s interesting to see a man with a similar struggle that women have …I like @warrenveach ‘s suggestion about adding a tagline of sorts. I also agree you need to publicly associate yourself (and your image) with the business. Are you writign a blog with you own picture? How about a quilting column in a local paper? @roguecitrus suggests going the guild route, which I agree with–networking, plus you get people used to you.

You need to establish your credibility

@robertbaker I love your attitude.  My mother and grandmother tought me about quilting, crochet, knitting and embroidery.  My sons (all three military) crochet and do cross stitch for relaxation.  My daughter does basic handy”man” stuff.  I, looking like a plump little mother/grandmother, own and run three businesses in three different markets.  People make judgments on what they see before taking the time to see what you know. 

Do you have a picture of you and your mother?  You could put that in your logo.  Especially if it is a cheek-to-cheek shot.  I agree with the networking with the guild and attending quilting events.  As people get to know you and your store the “shock factor” will lesson. 

Personally, I pause but other than that I would assume that you knew what you were doing.

@robertbaker I totallyll believe you can get over the first impression! We are looking for ways to avoid it entirely – to have them expecting a man before the first time they meet you.

@dextereugenio  Thanks Dexter.  I am not going to change the business name as it was named to honor Momma but I  am working up a tag line similar to “Man who Quilt”.  Thank you all for your help.  Peace, Robert.

@charlottewood  Thank you.  That is the conclusion I have come to myself.  I just had a lady come in the store this morning to show me a quilt she had done where I helped her pick out the fabrics.  She said she was a little apprehensive letting a man pick out the textures and colors but she was really pleased with the way the quilt turned out.  She said she will not judge all men’s color sense because of her hubby anymore.  She said he is not but he may as well be legally color blind.  LOL. I am in the process of starting my blog.Thanks again for everyone’s input.  Peace, Robert.  

@deairby  Thank you.  Yes, I am working on some blog entries now.  Using that same theme, “Real Men Do Quilt”.

This is definitely one of those “you know you’re getting old stories,” but one of my first jobs in high school was working in a fabric store — for a man. In fact, all the fabric stores were either owned or run by men at that time, as well as pert near every other business in town. The fact that we’ve all come so far in the last 30-something years just goes to show you nothing’s impossible if you set your mind to it. Sometimes I chuckle when I hear students in college talk about their future’s now, no holds barred. That’s a long way from secretly cheering on the first woman to major in science at my college and standing in awe of her “courage” to be the only one.  So Kudos, to you, Robert, because I’ve always known “real men really do quilt,” but it’s the courage to stand apart just for the love of what you love doing that shines so brightly in my eyes. I know your Mama is so proud.