Inside BERNINA’s Annual Dealer retreat: A Gathering of Passion, Creativity and Community

Just about 40 miles west of Chicago, nestled in a quiet office and industrial park, you'll find the headquarters of BERNINA of America. In one building, the heart and soul of the business hums—sales, marketing, operations, and so much more—where a dedicated team works passionately every day to bring BERNINA’s incredible sewing machines to dealers and customers across North America.

But just a stone’s throw away, in a building filled with inspiration and creativity, lies something truly special—BERNINA’s Creative Center.

On a chilly, grey January morning, we stepped inside and were immediately welcomed by the warmth of community. A small gathering of women from BERNINA dealers across the country had come together, as they do each year, to share stories, sewing tips, and business ideas—all while strengthening the bonds that make this community feel like family.

In this special episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with four groups of these remarkable women to learn more about their journeys, their businesses, and their dreams for the future. Their passion and camaraderie are truly what make BERNINA more than just a brand—it’s a family.

So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and join us as we take you inside the very essence and meaning of BERNINA’s Creative Center.

We started off the morning with a duo eager to be the first to talk with us. Meet Alyssa McDonnel of Aurora Sewing Center, New York https://www.aurorasewingcenter.com/ and Jessica Whitley 0f Byrne’s Sewing Center, Pennsylvania. https://www.byrnesewing.com/

 

(2:18) So, what inspired these ladies to open their dealerships? As in many things BERNINA, it’s all in the family.

(3:30) What gave them each the courage to step in and take over the businesses? Did they each sew?

(4:03) How about some stories about their first days/months in business? Were tears a part of it all?

(5:37) What were their biggest challenges and triumphs? Machines, staffing, anticipating the market and getting enough sleep! Pinterest helps a lot!

(7:06) How has the industry changed during their tenure in business? Virtual business,

(8:35) What aspects of being a BERNINA dealer mean the most to them?

 

(10:55) What is it about BERNINA that makes customers so loyal? Quality, the standards, creativity.

 

(11:55) And what are their hopes/dreams for the future?

 

BERNINA began and remains a family-owned business. And so many families…generations of them…are now part of the BERNINA family. Meet mother and daughter Marilyn Gattinella from Close to Home in Connecticut https://www.closetohomestores.com/  and Denise Lopez from Nuttall’s’ in Salt Lake City, Utah https://www.nuttallbernina.com/

 

(13:47) What inspired each of them to open their dealerships? Hear their remarkable stories and how Denise married within the sewing community having met her husband at BERNINA University.

 

(16:58) What special memories do they have from their days as a dealer? How about the days they had 67 990’s delivered and had to enlist their sons to help get them ready?! 

 

(19:06) What are Marilyn and Denise’s takes on the evolution of the industry? Many things and especially to Marilyn…what’s old is new again! And of course, technology and social media!

 

(21:37) Have they had to adjust in their businesses to keep up with things? Reaching out into the community to different community gathering places to meet people where they are.

 

(22:58) And the joy and fulfillment of being a BERNINA dealer? Well, most of them watched Denise grow up…it’s truly family.

 

(25:15) What are their hopes for the future? For Marilyn, for their sons and their children to continue