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Conversations with Kim Olson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Olson.

Hi Kim, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In 1996 I went to work at the Bent Needle in Astoria, OR where I learned computerized embroidery. This is where my passion for computerized embroidery started, still as a young adult I went on to explore other things in life.

In 1998 I became a mother to a son and soon after decided to take on working in an office setting as an administrative assistant and gaining many new passions and a whole lot of knowledge while working for Construction Workforce, Inc. (CWI) During that time with CWI I learned graphic design and as part of my employment there, I worked with creating fliers, banners, business cards, magazine and news paper ads using many programs to design the different projects that were asked of me.

In 2001 the company had downsized and at that time I had my son that had just turned 3 and a daughter that was just under a year old. I left the company and went on to working in customer service for a few years. Many of the jobs that I really knew I was qualified for I neglected to apply for because the minimum education requirement would be an associate degree. So, in 2007 I decided that I was going to continue to work as a bartender and get my associates degree in Business Accounting.

In 2011 I went to work for Teevin Bros Land & Timber where I worked as a log accountant until I left in April 2024. Meanwhile, in March of 2023 I decided to open my own business specializing in computerized embroidery, permanent and heat transfer vinyl cutting and application, wood burning and metal engraving. Starting this business was my way of putting my passion and hobbies to good use for the community to enjoy with an excellent quality product that is produced locally.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As with any business you have some hiccups and you learn from them. Mostly my business runs really smooth as I prefer interacting personally with my customers so that I can get a full understanding of the product they are wanting. I explain my process, pricing and timeline right up front before I ask them if they want to proceed.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in commercial computerized embroidery, Direct to Film (DTF), Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) and Permanent Vinyl.
I’m proud of everything that I do. I take great pride in my work and I thrive on getting jobs complete and to my customers in a timely manner.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
I have a huge support team. My family offers to help with large orders and deliveries, which I take advantage of and appreciate their help when needed.

Contact Info:

Two black baseball caps with logo and text, displayed side by side on a surface.

Two black beanies with white embroidered logos, placed side by side on a white surface.

Two black caps with a blue and yellow embroidered letter 'K' on the front, placed side by side.

Two green long-sleeve shirts hanging on wooden hangers, one showing a small logo and the other a large circular graphic with a lighthouse, boat, and crab, and text about Warren and Hammond Marinas.

Close-up of a neon yellow jacket with patches, including a city emblem and a flag with a black and white American flag and red text.

Green hoodie with white logo and three white stripes, hanging on a hook, with part of a person's arm visible.

Black umbrella with gold logo and text for Hotel Elliott, standing on a wooden floor.

Truck door with logo and text, including a window and a small compartment, with a reflective surface and orange lights at the bottom.

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