What do fashionable tops, luggage tags and stuffed animals have in common? Jennifer Berges Meyer, founder of Central Park Designs based in Sarasota.
Sewing since she was a child, Meyer would make pillows and clothes for her dolls when she was growing up. Meyer currently works full-time at
WUSF Public Broadcasting as an associate development director. She says she loves her job and being active in the community, and she loves sewing, too!
Upon graduating with her master's degree in business administration a few years ago from the
University of South Florida-Sarasota Campus, she found herself with some extra time on her hands. Not being one to sit around in front of the television after work, Meyer would sew. She sewed stuffed animals, handbags and even trendy tunic tops.
"For me, sewing is a real sense of accomplishment. Every time you finish a project you have something to show for yourself," says Meyer. "Whenever I have a bad day, I lock myself in the sewing room and it cheers me up."
After making 90 luggage tags for loved ones and friends who attended her wedding, encouraging fans who loved her products pushed her into entrepreneurship.
Incorporating the name of the street she lives on in Sarasota and the inspiration from the stylish streets of NYC, Central Park Designs launched in September.
"I think it's part of the culture now. The DIY (do-it-yourself) culture," says Meyer when explaining her passion to make things for herself and others.
Having someone like Meyer who loves to create, make and has the DIY mentality,
Central Park Designs will be a great stop for those who will skip "DIY" and opt for shopping her creations instead!
Writer:
Nancy VaughnSource: Jennifer Berges Meyer, Central Park Designs
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