Feb 6, 2013

Mom-Owned Business Takes Monogramming to a New LevelBy Caitlin BowlingSmokyMountainNews.com

Hazelwood, NC – Customers have asked Katie Seymour to monogram just about everything — from the typical towels or cloth purses to the completely abstruse car mats or sports bras.

“There is a huge market for embroidery, and it’s a competitive market,” said Seymour, who owns Lily Belles in Hazelwood.

Seymour is just one of a dozen business owners in Hazelwood who have contributed to its revitalization during the last seven years. The gift shop is named after Seymour’s daughter, Lillian, and her father is her business partner.

Lily Belles sells many locally made items, such as bags, jewelry, knit dolls and aprons, but specializes in embroidery — a talent Seymour learned from a friend. Seymour, for a while, worked making custom bags at a friend’s shop and learned how monogram. Then, about three years ago after her friend’s store closed, she decided to open her own place.

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