Thumbing through the thousands of designs that Kathy has at her fingertips, you have to wonder how she can possibly make everything come together.  The key lies in her computer programs and design software; a combination that took Kathy some time to perfect.  "I tried several different design packages before I hit upon one that worked for me.  It was a matter of trial and error, which unfortunately was also expensive."

Expenses are a major issue for Noble Monograms, Inc. since it has, with the exception of its embroidery machine, has been self funded from its inception.  "I was lucky that my local banker was willing to take a risk with me for that piece of equipment." states Ms. Payne.  "Funding this business myself has been difficult.  If I had it to do all over again, I think I would be more cognizant of my spending habits on improvements and sample inventory.  I think I could have done a better job in that area."

When asked how she made the decision to enter the business, Kathy credits her brother. "I was working for him at the time.  He owned an athletic clothing manufacturing company in the Edmond area but he had to farm out the embroidery service.  Since I was a creative person, he suggested I might enjoy that field.  I did some research and determined that it represented a viable opportunity for me."

Although Perry, Oklahoma - - where Noble Monogram, Inc. is located - - is a small town, the city boasts several forward thinking companies.  Kathy is proud to be one of them.  "I really tried to prepare myself for going into business.  I attended a business course at Stillwater Vo-Tech and a market show in Dallas for vendors, equipment distributors, and suppliers.  And I certainly wasn't bashful about asking my brother for help."

Ms. Payne encourages anyone who is thinking of going into business to do their homework.  "Find out as much as possible about the business.  Talk with others that are willing to help.  Going into business for yourself is not easy.  You have to balance many different aspects of business: Management, planning, marketing; finances, and so much more.  Getting and staying organized is definitely the key."

While she may feel that the day-to-day management of her business is a constant struggle, Kathy certainly has no difficulty with its creative aspects.  she embroiders everything from fingertip towels to sweat shirts; all with equal ease and wonderful results.  Give her an idea and she will take the ball and run with  it.  And the end result will always be a first class product.  You can most assuredly take that to the bank!