When Shopify Isn’t the First Step — and That’s a Good Thing
Not every new business needs a full e-commerce website right away. Sometimes the smarter move is to start with a solid brand, clear ordering process, and customer experience that builds trust from the beginning. That was the path we chose for Molly Newsome, owner of Threaded & Co. Custom Embroidery.
Molly originally came to me looking for a Shopify website. She was doing well on Etsy and had started selling custom embroidered items in person at vendor events. From the outside, it made sense to think a website was the natural next step.
But after diving into her business and learning more about her goals, I saw a different opportunity.
Solving the Right Problems First
When we looked at where Molly’s business was at, Shopify wasn’t going to fix the issues she was running into. She didn’t need complex tech. She needed clarity and confidence. And she needed her brand to stand out among a sea of Etsy shops offering similar services.
So instead of rushing into a website build, we focused on what would move the needle right now.
Here’s what we did:
- Rebranded Threaded & Co. We built a visual identity that looks professional, polished, and memorable. It gives her instant credibility and helps customers buy in emotionally, even before they click “Add to Cart.”
- Created a custom JotForm order system. Molly needed a way to take custom orders in person that she could fulfill later. The JotForm solution gave her structure and simplicity, without the tech headaches or high costs of a full e-commerce site.
- Refreshed her Etsy storefront. We aligned her Etsy visuals with the new brand, so her online presence feels cohesive and elevated.
Why This Was the Better Fit for Right Now
At Molly’s current stage of business, this approach didn’t just save her thousands of dollars. It also made her day-to-day operations easier and her booth more effective. Instead of getting buried in back-end tech, she can now focus on creating beautiful products and delivering a thoughtful customer experience.
She no longer shows up to vendor events with a blank table or scattered signage. She brings a brand that people notice. Her booth now tells a story. It gives customers a reason to come back.
A Gentle Reminder to New Business Owners
You don’t have to build everything all at once. If you’re early in your business journey and feeling overwhelmed, the right brand strategy and some intentional systems can take you a long way.
Start with what makes sense now. Build the rest when the time is right.
If you’re looking for a brand that meets you where you are, I’d love to help you figure out the next best step.
