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Shannon Graupman opened the doors to She Shed Quilts in North Branch in the fall of 2024, fulfilling a dream she had carried since childhood. Shannon learned to sew at her mother’s side when she was eight years old. Over the years quilting became not just a hobby, but a way to connect with others and Shannon looked for a space that was more than a retail store. She wanted a place where people could gather, learn new skills, and find encouragement among friends. Not from a business background, Shannon knew she needed help turning that vision into a viable business.

In those early months, She Shed Quilts operated out of the smaller side of a duplex, with Shannon and her family living in the other half. The  classroom was a converted kitchen and inventory began with just a few bolts of fabric and basic supplies. 

From that modest beginning, Shannon worked to create an inviting environment where crafters could take classes, participate in quilt challenges, and use tools like irons, cutting mats, and rulers at no extra charge. 

By late 2024, Shannon realized in order to grow beyond a fledgling startup she needed a better location and solid business plan. She found a space in the Shops of Gateway North and took the leap into a bigger footprint. The move required planning, strong financials, and access to capital. A meeting with a local banker confirmed what Shannon already suspected: she needed guidance to sharpen her projections and prepare for a loan. 

This is when she connected with the North Central Small Business Development center and professional business consultant Kathy Lindo, who worked from the North Central SBDC Satellite office at the Chisago County HRA-EDA. 

Working with Lindo became a turning point for Shannon and her business; as she was guided through the process of building realistic financial projections, setting achievable sales goals, and developing a strategy that made sense to lenders. What could have felt overwhelming became manageable because Lindo took the time to explain the “why” behind every number and helped Shannon translate her passion into a business plan that worked. With newfound confidence and clearer targets, Shannon was able to articulate her vision— and demonstrate both sustainability and growth potential to her bank.

The results were meaningful. She exceeded sales goals set and gained clarity about her business. More importantly, she built self-assurance in her ability to run a business with discipline and purpose, not just enthusiasm. After balancing entrepreneurship with a full-time job, Shannon now works in the business full time, side by side with her mother, nurturing a growing community of quilt makers and creatives.

A Gathering Place

Looking ahead, Shannon plans to broaden her class offerings, host special events and retreats, and introduce a line of sewing machines that customers can test before they buy. Her customers have formed a community of their own, returning again and again not just to purchase fabric, but to share stories, learn new techniques, and support one another. 

More than a store, She Shed Quilts is a place for creativity and connection that reflect Shannon’s value and vision.

Shannon encourages other entrepreneurs to seek out mentors and advisors because she stated, “...no one builds a business alone.” 

For her, the team at the North Central SBDC and Chisago County HRA-EDA became trusted partners who provided encouragement, expertise, and accountability right when she needed it most. 

Her story is a powerful reminder that passion alone is not enough; long-term success comes from truly understanding the financial side of a business. When creativity is paired with clear projections, a dream becomes sustainable. 

The North Central Small Business Development Center is hosted at Central Lakes College and provides no-cost, confidential business consulting, training, and resources to entrepreneurs and small business owners across an 11-county region. 

The North Central SBDC supports clients at all stages of business, from idea development to growth and transition. To learn more and register for consulting, visit www.northcentralsbdc.com

Submitted by 

SBDC Staff

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