BIG STONE GAP, VA – SEPTEMBER 6, 2024 – For Adam Patterson, fashion design has been a way of life and a way to make a living, but now, translating those designs into custom clothing using his own patterns and manufacturing it here in Southwest Virginia is his goal through Jones-Hurst Designs, LLC in Big Stone Gap, VA. Patterson’s vision is “to redefine the way Southwest Virginia experiences fashion by offering accessible, customizable designs that celebrate individual expressions and creativity.”
Jones-Hurst Designs, LLC is a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant. Seed capital grants are funded from regional funds received by VCEDA which are paid by the natural gas industry.
“Jones-Hurst Designs LLC, offers a unique clothing design and manufacture service to its customers and clients in Southwest Virginia,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel. “The business projects two full-time and two part-time employees within five years.”
“We’ve been very successful since we opened,” Patterson said, noting he sews daily and four times a month, does a Pop-Up Shop at 323 Shawnee Avenue East in Big Stone Gap to market those pieces and to meet future customers as well. “Those have been successful and as a result, we have accepted pre-orders on clothing pieces.”
Currently, Patterson focuses on designer women’s and men’s clothing, but said in the future, he hopes to add a children’s clothing line.
Ultimately, Patterson’s goal with Jones-Hurst Designs – named using the maiden names of his grandmother (Jones) and his mother (Hurst), both of whom sewed – is to open a full-time brick and mortar store where he can design, manufacture and sell clothing bearing a Jones-Hurst Designs label. Plans call for the location to offer both off-the-rack shopping and personalized design consultations.
In between the pop-ups he now holds, he stays busy planning new clothing designs, many of which use repurposed denim and creating the patterns and sewing fabrics into the designs he has envisioned.
“Jones-Hurst Designs distinguishes itself by offering personalized, handcrafted garments that reflect the individuality and preferences of each client,” Patterson noted. “Unlike mass-produced clothing, our designs are meticulously crafted to fit both the body and personality of the wearer, ensuring a one-of-a-kind experience.”
Patterson noted he is already looking to hire an apprentice to help with the sewing or pattern cut-outs. He has been working with six models to show the clothing he makes and has someone working part-time to help with the basic bookkeeping of operating a small business.
Patterson spent 25 years in Atlanta, Ga., working for a design firm, but returned to Southwest Virginia to help care for his mother.
He has plans to use the seed capital grant for the purchase of new commercial sewing equipment.
“The grant definitely gave me a leg up and really helped to legitimize my efforts,” Patterson said. “Along the way, I’ve met a lot of people who have helped me, believed in me and supported me. It’s made me even more determined.”
Patterson worked with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) in developing his application to VCEDA and received a letter of support from the Wise County Industrial Development Authority.
“Adam’s creativity was evident from the moment he walked through the doors of Mountain Empire’s Small Business Development Center,” said Becki O’Quinn-Purdie, SBDC director at MECC. “The SBDC has thoroughly enjoyed working with Jones-Hurst Designs to support its business goals and to see Adam’s dream become a reality. Through the VCEDA Seed Capital Fund, Jones-Hurst Designs will be able to purchase additional equipment, expanding its design offerings. Unique to the region, their custom clothing and seasonal off-the-rack designs provide patrons with more style choices. MECC SBDC eagerly anticipates the growth and evolution of Jones-Hurst Designs in the coming months.”
“The Wise County IDA was proud to support Jones-Hurst Designs in its application for the VCEDA Seed Capital Grant fund,” said Wise County Industrial Development Executive Director Brian Falin. “We are excited to see Mr. Patterson’s passion for his work and trust that Jones-Hurst will be a great addition to the growing Big Stone Gap economy.”
Jones-Hurst Designs may be found on Facebook, or may be reached by calling 276-395-4612.
About Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Southwest Virginia’s e-Region: The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 to enhance and diversify the region’s economy and help create jobs, markets Southwest Virginia’s e-Region and its focus on electronic information technology, energy, education, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. VCEDA is a unique economic development organization that manages funds for economic development projects from a percentage of the coal and natural gas severance taxes paid by coal and natural gas companies that operate in the region. Located in southwestern Virginia, the region includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. www.vceda.us or www.e-Region.org.
About the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority Seed Capital Matching Grant Fund: VCEDA region for-profit businesses, within qualifying business categories, one year and under with less than 10 full-time employees are eligible to apply for dollar-for-dollar matching grants up to $10,000 from the VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Fund. Applicants work with the Small Business Development Centers at Mountain Empire and Southwest Virginia community colleges to prepare the applications to VCEDA that include detailed business and financial plans. Businesses must be located in or plan to operate in the VCEDA region in southwestern Virginia that includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton.