Finding something that you love doing, that doesn’t feel like work, and that you have a genuine passion for is not something that everyone always finds in this lifetime. Top that off with being able to share that passion in a way that helps others to find theirs and you have found the perfect alignment for sharing your gifts with the world. Noe Cantu of Wild Oats Sewing Company has stumbled upon just that.
Like most of us during the pandemic, Noe discovered new hobbies and began questioning what it is he wants to be doing with his life. In turn, he found himself thoroughly enjoying the interests that he began to pursue. It all began with filling a need in his immediate community. At that time in the world, everyone needed a mask, to travel, to buy groceries, etc., and with most stores being sold out of almost all of them, Noe decided that he would start sewing masks. Equipped with a sewing machine, scrap fabric he received from a quilting friend of his, and his (at the time) limited sewing knowledge, he began making masks. He found that this task was a way to give back, to bring a lightness and purpose back into his life at a time when we, as a society all felt disconnected. As the world began to slowly re-open and remnants of some normalcy started to seep back into everyday life, Noe decided to take a leap of faith and invest in himself and his newfound joy in sewing. He purchased himself a better sewing machine and he hasn’t looked back since.
From helping to provide a need, he unveiled something deeper within his heart. He started taking sewing classes, learned how to use his machine, and then began doing machine repair. When he decided to open his own store, Noe found a ton of backing within the local sewing community from customers and store owners alike and through that support, he has been able to grow his business into what it is today.
Although he may have arrived at his calling late in life, Noe is wasting no time. He has found that his definition of success has shifted in life, and he enjoys being able to work with people, build relationships in his community, share his passion with others, and make his store a place for everyone to explore something that brings them joy.
Weaving his love and dedication into everything he does, one of his favorite things to create is to take items of meaning and repurpose them into something that can be used and cherished again and again. Watching something so small come together to create a bigger picture one step, one process, one stitch at a time is something that he finds meaning and intention in.
Encouraging others to follow what brings them joy as well, he shares that the first step is always the most important “Life is short, and we only get one shot at it, so really, just do what makes you happy. Take the leap and figure the rest of it out later”. Whether it be his Monday Socials, helping someone pick out a new machine, or helping them learn to sew, Noe strives to make everyone feel as though they have a place to belong at Wild Oats Sewing Company. Pouring his enthusiasm, his spirit, and his soul into everything that he does, he is encouraging and inspiring others to follow their hearts and do the same.
Noe strives to make everyone feel as though they have a place to belong at Wild Oats Sewing Company.
Weave love and dedication into everything you do