What began as a personal craft project for Lori Tanner’s daughters has grown into a flourishing small business known as Rosie Posie Stitchery — and it all started with a jean jacket.
“I wanted to make something personal for my girls, and the first thing I did was embroider my daughter’s name on the back of a jean jacket,” Tanner said. “Other people saw it and asked if I was selling them, and it kind of took off from there.”
That was about two years ago. Since then, Tanner has expanded her offerings to include hand-embroidered hats, swaddle blankets, bibs, ornaments, sweatshirts, and more — each piece customized with names, designs, or other personal touches.
“All of my work is hand-embroidered and takes a lot of time,” Tanner said. “Each piece is unique, and no two items are exactly the same. Everything I create is personalized and customizable.”
Her creativity, paired with word-of-mouth promotion and consistent posting on social media, has helped build a loyal customer base in Owensboro and beyond.
“I actually started posting things on TikTok and had a girl from Tennessee message me,” Tanner said. “That was my first out-of-state order, and I thought that was pretty cool.”
Tanner, who works full-time as a special needs assistant at West Louisville Elementary, maintains the business as a “side hustle.” She said it allows her to stay creative and make a little extra money, all while doing something she loves.
“I’m completely self-taught. I just learned from Pinterest and videos,” she said. “When I was younger, I used to cross-stitch, so I’ve always loved using thread and a needle to create something pretty.”
Despite her busy schedule — she has four daughters — Tanner usually has one or two projects going at any time. Most of her business comes through Facebook Messenger, where customers reach out with custom requests.
She recently gained attention when her handmade hats were featured as one of Owensboro Parent Editor Ashley Sorce’s “favorite things” in the magazine. The hats, which Tanner said are her favorite to make, often feature embroidered flowers around a heart or logo.
“I love doing the beanies and hats because that’s where I get to be the most creative,” she said. “The denim jackets are a close second.”
Tanner’s long-term goal is to participate in a craft fair or local vendor event, where she could have premade items ready to sell.
“I don’t know that I’ll ever have a storefront, but doing a craft show would be really cool,” she said. “I never imagined it would grow to where it is now, but it’s definitely kept me busy — in a good way.”
For those interested in placing an order or viewing her work, Tanner recommends reaching out through Facebook at Rosie Posie Stitchery.
