The Summer/Winter Studio
Superior Woman Turns Lifelong Work Into Unique Business

With a lot of hard work and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Karen Monson-Thompson of Superior has recently achieved a lifelong dream by turning her favorite pastime into a full-time business.  Karen’s business, The Summer/Winter Studio, is a home-based hand-weaving studio in which home textiles such as table linens and coverlets are created for sale at fine art fairs and galleries.

The Summer/Winter Studio was formed gradually over the past several years.  Karen first purchased a weaving loom in 1989 and soon after began to exhibit her work at art fairs.  Over the years she incorporated her art into other areas as well, such as teaching, presenting, and event coordination. 

The appeal of working her own schedule and being responsible for her own success prompted Karen to turn her work into a full-time business.  On recommendation from another local business owner, she contacted the Northeast Entrepreneur Fund, where she met one-on-one with Business Developer Shawn Wellnitz. 

“Shawn Wellnitz was very thorough, helpful, and patient,” says Karen.  “I had never done a formal business plan before.  It forced me to really focus on such things as a target market, how much inventory I really have to produce, cash flows, and realistic goals to succeed.”

Karen immediately set to work completing her business plan, and the Entrepreneur Fund approved financing to help her upgrade and purchase new equipment and materials to expand her designs and inventory.

Karen operates The Summer/Winter Studio out of her home in Superior, selling her products through the Blue Iris Gallery in Duluth as well as through regional fine art fairs.  Karen’s skill, education, and past work experience have helped her in getting her business off the ground. 

“Karen is extremely committed to her work and her business,” states Wellnitz.  “It has been a lifelong dream of hers to be able to do her work full-time.”