Debbie Riddett said her business, D&K Embroidery, grew out of a personal hobby. In the 1990s, she began making country bunnies and other dolls and selling them at craft shows and festivals. Then she got more creative with a small home embroidery machine, making items for her daughter and by request for other people.

“Word of mouth really helped launch my business into what it is today,” she said.

In 1997, she opened D&K Embroidery at her home on Hickory Fork Road in Pinetta. The business offers embroidery services while subspecializing in screen print transfers on a variety of textiles, from hats and jackets to shoes, sports bags, and purses. Products can be ordered for customization, or she can work with customer-owned items. She provides services for individuals, organizations, and corporations.

Riddett said that everything she does is self-taught. She pored over instruction manuals for hours and hours to learn the computer applications for design and embroidery mac...