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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
In 1979 Linda Thatcher and her friend JoAnn Olsen of Logan started teaching classes on how to sew blue jeans. Linda's husband gave her $150 to buy denim and they sold supplies three days a week. In 1982, Sew Easy Industries Inc. was created. The demand for fabrics and associated sewing supplies increased significantly and LindaÕs husband Sid joined them as sales and marketing manager. They expanded the retail store and began wholesaling fabric, Sew Easy patterns and sewing notions throughout the United States and Canada.
To fill the consumer's need to be creative and individualize their own apparel, Sew Easy began manufacturing Velvet Iron-ons, a high-quality fabric-fiber transfer which does not crack, peel or fade. The 'do-it-yourself' concept of decorating your own clothing caught on like wildfire and the wearable art craze was ablaze.
The company is now known as SEI and has continued to expand their wholesale products and services. The unique pigments used in screen printing the transfers became the inspiration for Tumble-Dye, a water-based fabric dye for crafts and clothing.
The Velvet Paper used in the manufacture of the Iron-Ons made a natural transition into the Scrapbooking Industry where enthusiastic memory makers are searching for unique ways to enhance their photos. SEI now produces a line of printed, die cut and embossed velvet papers. "Lickety Splits" and "Simple Sets" are additional innovative concepts from SEI in the specialty paper industry.
One of SEIÕs latest innovations is the patent pending "The Candle CozyÑan electric candle warmer." The Candle Cozy is an answer to concerns associated with the traditional burning of candles, making it possible for everyone to enjoy the fragrance of candles without the danger of matches or an open flame. Carbon deposits and smoke damage on the walls, ceilings and furniture are also eliminated with the use of the Candle Cozy.
SEI has a reputation for high quality products, which they supply to independent retailers, chain stores, catalogs and department stores worldwide.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business