A Journey of Resilience and Sustainability: From eBay to Queen of Fabric
I am Jodie Windley, and I’m excited to share a little about myself, my story, and the journey that led me to Queen of Fabric.
My Background
I’ve worn many hats throughout my career, but my passion has always been in the world of fabrics and craft materials. Up until 2019, my husband and I ran a successful eBay transport business between Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. However, an unexpected turn of events led to our business facing significant challenges, ultimately resulting in its closure.
We were hit hard by repetitional damage when another business, with a name almost identical to ours, caused confusion and distress for our customers. After a long struggle, we had to close the business and I was forced into bankruptcy.
A New Beginning
Though this was one of the most challenging times of my life, it also opened new doors. Shortly after, I was headhunted by a company and took on a role in national customer service. However, the pressures of everything led me to spiral into a nervous breakdown, and I was off work for two years.
During my recovery, I reconnected with a love I had long held—sewing. A random message from a man offering me 100 rolls of fabric jump-started my journey into recycling textiles. His generosity opened my eyes to the potential of reducing textile waste and created an opportunity for me to make a real impact. From there, I made connections with various businesses, including a bridal shop and a button store, to reclaim and recycle materials that would have otherwise gone to waste.
Transitioning to Queen of Fabric
I soon realised that I had a real opportunity to make a difference in the fabric industry. I started selling fabric on eBay but quickly learned that buyers needed details about the fabric composition. After some trial and error, I decided to make a conscious shift—focusing on fabrics where I could confidently provide detailed information. This decision was crucial in maintaining customer trust and building a sustainable business.
In 2023, I had the opportunity to acquire Queen of Fabric. After several meetings and discussions, I took over the business at the end of June.
The timing was perfect, and it allowed me to take the next step in my entrepreneurial journey. My plan was to transition Queen of Fabric into a fully online e-commerce business, so I could reach not only Australia but also international markets, just as I had done with my eBay store.
Looking Forward
The transition hasn’t been easy, but the feedback from customers has been overwhelmingly positive. Many customers have been supportive of the shift to e-commerce, especially those in remote or rural areas who regularly shop online.
One exciting project I’m working on is incorporating more diverse fabric offerings, such as bridal, bag-making fabrics, and clearance items for other creative uses. While quilting fabrics will remain central to Queen of Fabric, there will be plenty of new and exciting items for crafters and makers in all fields.
What’s Next?
I have big plans for Queen of Fabric! In addition to expanding our online store and reaching new markets, I’m looking at using YouTube as a platform to showcase fabrics. This way, you can visually see the fabrics before purchasing, helping you get a better feel for what we offer.
In 2025, I also plan to start up workshops, so stay tuned for that! These workshops will provide a hands-on experience for makers and sewers of all levels to learn and create together.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this journey. The future looks bright, and I’m excited to share it with you all. Let’s build something amazing together—sustainable, creative, and beautiful.
Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, happy sewing!
https://youtu.be/IA32aMCekHk
Jodie Windley
Queen of Fabric