Marin Magazine - March 2013

adlib marin advertisers speak up sophie Boero kurnik, owner at Bluebird Yarn and Fiber Crafts

Bluebird Yarn not only stocks beautiful
yarns, but provides customers with
great service, fun classes, private
instruction, social knitting times and
more. When you enter the store you
will be in awe of the colors and textures
that surround you. We have knitwear
samples for inspiration and plenty of
patterns to pick from. We have a great selection of needle felting supplies,
including jars of roving.

Briefly describe your business philosophy.

Gratitude is more of a life philosophy than a business one. People have so many choices on where to spend their time. I appreciate anyone who takes the time out of their day to share time with me.

What is your competitive edge?

People knit and crochet for enjoyment. If all they wanted was a scarf or a sweater, they would go to a store and buy one. Knitting is an experience, so

robin mcroskey azevedo, president at mcroskey mattress Company

A staple of San Francisco manufacturing since 1899, McRoskey Mattress’ aims to produce the most comfortable mattresses and box springs that money can buy. Our products are all handcrafted with pride and the experience that comes from more than a century in business. Our buyers can choose the mattress that’s just right for them and buy directly at our two local area showrooms with the help of our “comfort consultants.”

Briefly describe your business philosophy.

We maintain integrity in everything we do, from crafting the best products for our customers to using locally made materials whenever possible. We also take pride in being fair and honest with our employees and vendors.

What is your competitive edge?

Comfort, plain and simple. Our mattresses are handcrafted in the same way they were in 1899, with the addition of certain refinements we’ve made along the way. We have never mass-produced mattresses. At our showrooms, we offer a highly personalized shopping experience that focuses on customers’ needs.

Which product or service is your favorite?

The McRoskey Classic Extra Gentle mattress and box spring with percale
coming to the shop should be one, too. The colors in the store are amazing.
I stock the store with a variety of well-priced yarns and fibers. Having
instructors on staff and designers allows us to help people of all abilities.

Describe your dream customer.

I don’t have a dream client. I love the diversity of the customers that come to the store. It makes my day interesting and my life rich. A good attitude is always appreciated.

What (or who) did you want to be when you grew up? I grew up in San Anselmo and have an extremely artistic mother. The truth is, I wanted to grow up to be like her. I’d like to think that I have some of her creativity and strong work ethic.

Which product or service that you offer is your favorite? I love the Knitting Circle classes we are offering right now. It is a great way for people to get support for bigger projects. It’s hard for me to pick a favorite yarn, but Malabrigo Twist, Be Sweet Bamboo, Swans Island Organic and Shibui Yarns are some of my favorites.

BLUEBIRD YARN AND FIBER CRAFTS, 325 PINE STREE T, SAUSALI TO, CA 94965, BLUEBIRDYARN.COM, 415.385.8997, INFO@BLUEBIRDYARN.COM, VIPMARIN: TEXT YARN TO 90947

linens and the perfect-warmth camel hair blanket. And I love my Canadian goose down pillows, too. They make me feel like royalty every night.

What makes you excel at what you do? I’m carrying the mantle of a company that has been satisfying customers for 113 years and I tell myself every day that I’m just the present custodian of that legacy. This is a business that has continued on over many generations. There is a lot on my shoulders and I take that responsibility and commitment to excellence personally, in honor of my grandfather and father.

From a business standpoint, who is your inspiration? My grandfather, Edward McRoskey, who cofounded the company with his brother. He was an amazing entrepreneur and risk-taker, who instinctively knew how customers liked to be treated. He thought of every customer as a friend back then and I try to continue that practice today.