Embroidery business grows from home to large showroom

Nancy Camacho started a small embroidery business 15 years ago in a bedroom of her Lake Zurich home. She expanded over the years and now operates from a 3,000-square-foot showroom.

Camacho runs her business, Elegant Embroidery Inc. and Melon Ink Screen Printing, at 100 Oakwood Road Suite B, Lake Zurich.

Adding an array of services over the years, the six-employee company specializes in custom embroidery, screen printing and heat transfer.

All the work is done at the expanded shop. Complete embroidery digitizing services of custom logos; and custom tradeshow wear; custom uniforms for sports teams, clubs and schools are many of the projects the business handles.

The entrepreneur does a lot of work with local businesses including landscape firms and plumbers as well as the police and fire departments. She also stocks letterman coats for Lake Zurich High School.

Another popular aspect is applying custom sequins. "We try to keep up with all the latest technology and trends," she said.

The business also works on smaller orders, such as someone looking to design shirts for a family reunion or for a group of friends holding a golf outing.

Camacho's husband of five years has been a driving force behind the business expansion. She added screen printing and heat transfer about three years ago. Husband Andy and two of her four sons, Derek and Andrew, assist in the newer areas of the business while Nancy focuses on the embroidery projects.

The entrepreneur has always enjoyed sewing. From childhood projects with her mother, she grew skilled enough to sew dresses for weddings and parties.

It was her mother who suggested the embroidery business years ago. Prior to launching the business she was in computer sales, a job that required travel.

In an effort to spend more time with her children, she then ran a childcare center part time from her home while launching Elegant Embroidery. The business eventually took over her home. Four years ago she moved to a 1,500-square-foot facility before moving into the showroom a year ago.

She points to networking as a prime reason she has been able to grow the business. In addition to the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce, she is also part of the Lake Zurich Area Networking Group and Women in Networking.

"Believing in the product and making sure it's right is also important," Nancy said.

The showroom is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday by appointment.

For more information, call (847) 540-8003 or check out www.elegantembroidery.com.