This next Dabble Talks is puuurfect. Tish Gance from HISS Studio (yes there is a cat in their logo) and I met when I sat in on a Dabble sewing class at her studio space. Tish has an eclectic vintage style and you want to be her friend immediately. Tish has been sewing for over 30 years, her first project was a cat toy. Her passion of sewing and love of cats have been intertwined ever since. She hosts our extremely popular sewing classes in Denver, which sell out weeks in advance. Visit her studio website here. Tish was kind enough to give us a peek into her her otherworldly, superhuman and rebellious life.
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Well, let’s see, I was sent here when my home planet was self destructing, and given instructions only to use my power for good, and to chew bubble gum and kick ass. By the way, I don’t chew bubble gum.
How did you get started with Dabble?
It was summer two years ago when I was invited to be a Dabble instructor. I think Dabble in Denver was really just getting started then, but they gave me my big break to stardom! I wasn’t sure how it would work at first, but the regular promotions and exceptional handling of the students online won me over really quick!
What do you do when you’re not teaching?
Answer to the ongoing slavedrivers that are the 4 furry cats that allow me to live with them, build and race Italian sports cars, practice marksmanship sports, watch Formula 1 racing, drink scotch, smoke an occasional cigar, and go caving. Sometimes I even sew something for myself. I’m also a Customer Communications Specialist, and assist small businesses with crafting their online presence to gain more customers. Call me!
How has Dabble affected the way in which you conduct business?
For starters, I am able to gain a lot of new prospective students by offering a “dabble” experience with my Intro to Sewing class. The class sells out nearly every time, and it’s a great conversion tool for students who want to go further with sewing by taking my monthly “flight” of beginning sewing classes. Dabble also inspires me to up my game on my social media marketing…when I see the great job you guys do with customer outreach, I am reminded to connect with clients in my other business as well!
Tell me about some of the people you’ve met while teaching.
I designed my class offerings to attract similar, like minded folks who are technical but also crafty, so I’ve met other superhe– uh, I mean individuals who often share a lot of interests with me, like Comicon, action movies, sci fi literature, and more. I’ve taught a lot of guys to sew, which is super fun. All my students are great, and I’ve even made some new friends from teaching sewing lessons! I’ve definitely had a couple of characters. They are all crazy to come and listen to me babble about sewing for an hour! But that’s what makes it fun!
Stop your sewing tragedies and visit HISS Studios at 1136 Speer Blvd, Denver, CO 80204