Free small business workshop: One attendee will win $1,000 toward embroidery business

On Feb. 28, decorated apparel equipment manufacturer Ricoma International Corporation will host a small business workshop – and one attendee will walk away with $1,000 to start an embroidery business.

Open to anyone interested in general business knowledge or apparel industry information, the free event begins at 9 a.m. and will continue through 6 p.m. at Ricoma International Corporation headquarters, located at 3450 NW 114th Ave., Doral. The workshop will include business seminars led by Chief Operating Officer and marketing expert Henry Ma, a graduate of New York University’s Stern School of Business.

“People never really stop to think that embroidery is more than just a hobby – it’s a business,” Ma said. “Our job this year is to be the catalysts in our industry – the ones that break the stereotype and make people see the real business opportunities that arise here.”

The event’s purpose is to build business relationships and provide a networking space for the community. Guests are encouraged to enjoy complimentary food and drinks during the various networking sessions throughout the day. All attendees may enter a free raffle, which will include giveaways and a grand prize of $1,000 toward any Ricoma embroidery machine.Technicians will be demonstrating home and commercial embroidery machines at various times during the day.

In addition to business seminars and machine demonstrations, fashion designer and apparel expert Sofia Nicolaidis will conduct several embroidery lessons during the event.

“Embroidery has always been present in everyday scenarios. You see it in school uniforms, greek apparel – everywhere,” Nicolaidis said. “But in 2016, we saw a resurgence of embroidery, particularly in fashion.”

A graduate of the Art Institute’s fashion program, Nicolaidis routinely tracks trends in the apparel industry.

“We are seeing major fashion lines and boutiques increasingly including embroidery and personalization in their recent and upcoming collections,” Nicolaidis said.

In 2016, Ricoma’s 18th year in business, the company experienced a 12 percent growth rate. The above-average growth rate is evidence the decorated apparel industry continues to withstand the test of time. As the primary embroidery equipment manufacturer in South Florida, Ricoma has helped launch and expand thousands of businesses in the United States alone. Such businesses include promotional products companies, custom gifts shops, boutiques, performance apparel businesses and more. With its products being distributed in over 120 countries, Ricoma’s current goal is community engagement. Ma hopes to inspire ideas and foster a business-savvy community.

“We began this global operation with something every business starts with: an idea,” Ma said. “If on Feb. 28, we can inspire an idea – any idea – we’ve done our service.”