Dell’s “Take Your Own Path” campaign

Recently, Dell Computers announced its selections for business owners to be featured in its “Take Your Own Path” campaign.  In the campaign, Dell spotlights inspiring entreprenuers from small and medium sized businesses around the world.

Megan Duckett, President & Founder of Sew What? Inc., was selected as one of seven “inspiring entreprenuers” in the United States – a group that Dell calls “Trailblazers” that includes founders of companies as well-known as Lonely Planet and LinkedIn. 

Here we are, a small company making custom stage curtains for churches and schools, rock tours and special events.  Most people have never heard of us, at least not in the way that people have heard of Lonely Planet, for example. What an honor for Megan, and for all of us here at Sew What? Inc., for her to be included in such company.  

But even before the Dell campaign, those of us here already considered Megan an inspiration – she never stops thinking and planning and dreaming of ways to make this little company become the best it can be!

Make sure to read the stories of all of the U.S. Trailblazers selected for the “Take Your Own Path” campaign – they truly are inspiring.

Nice to Meet You

I am often asked how it is that I ended up doing what I am doing, that is being the founder and President of Sew What? Inc. – a Concert and Special Events Softgoods Supply Company.  I usually respond with “wrong place at the wrong time.”  Well, in all honesty it was not planned nor do I think it was preordained.  Rather that it was the result of not having a real job and wanting more for myself than a studio apartment and a diet of cigarettes and peanut butter.

I knew not of digitally printed backdrops and the equipment required to produce them.  Nor did I have any experience in theatrical drapery manufacturing of grand drapes or sharkstooth scrims.  I could not even sew!  I seem to recall that from an early age sewing made me nauseous.  (Don’t you recall the clickety-clack of your mother’s knitting needles while you were trying to watch the Cosby Show?).

My move to California from Melbourne was mostly inspired by some amazing and dedicated roadcrew whom I met in 1989 in Australia.  Steve Gomes, Dave Agar, Bobby Thrasher – just a few of the friendly faces who were touring with Billy Joel on the Storm Front Tour.  I got to meet lighting designer Steve Cohen, and as production driver for the crew and band I had a great gig – traveling the Southern states of Aus with them inspired me.

I would go to America, be an electrican – or failing that possibly a rock star.

Yes – you have my permission to laugh loudly.

So enough of my reminiscing – or there will be nothing for next time.

Fast forward 20 years later….now a stage drape selling, karaoke-loving wife, mother, and seamstress, who is very proud of her Sew What? family – I am contemplating enrolling in the next round of Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp.  I am figuring it could only be good to get my “rock and roll” energy out – and belt out a few Meatloaf tunes while I am at it.  If I do, you will be the first to know.  I promise.  (Really).