The Lucky Stitch Co.

At The Lucky Stitch Co., the steady buzz of embroidery machines welcomes the holiday season. Owner Nikki Raynor spends this time of year surrounded by threads, fabric, and a growing pile of custom orders. “Everybody loves something made just for them,” she said. “Names, dates, school colors, even a piece of a baby blanket. Those little details make people light up.”

This is Raynor’s first Christmas since opening inside The Bauxite Depot, and business is humming. The small shop overflows with cozy sweatshirts, embroidered hats, stockings, and blankets, each stitched with the personal touch of someone who treats her customers like family.

Raynor has seen firsthand how much a personalized gift means. “My favorite compliment,” she says, “is when someone tells me, ‘You made my favorite shirt.’ It never gets old.”

For parents of local athletes, she’s also the go-to creator of team gear. “I do a lot of fan apparel. Parents love having their kids’ names or numbers on the back. It’s that personal touch that makes it special.”

She’s also known for helping frantic moms in a pinch. “I’ve had people come in and say, ‘I forgot my daughter needed this for today,’” she said. “And I’ve been able to work my magic and make it happen. My heart and soul are my children, so being able to help a mom in need always makes my day”

“That’s one thing about small businesses,” she said. “You get real people who care.”

Raynor’s creative journey began 14 years ago at her own kitchen table. “I wanted to bring in some income while I was raising kids,” she said. “When I was expecting my first baby, I started with baby stuff on Etsy. It was costumes, blankets, all the things, and it just took off.”

She eventually worked for other women-owned companies, learning new techniques while continuing her own designs on the side. All the while, she dreamed of her own storefront. 

That opportunity arrived last spring. “When they were building The Bauxite Depot, I kept saying, ‘I want to check it out so bad.’ We finally did, and it was perfect.” 

By June 2025, The Lucky Stitch Co. officially opened, and Raynor has since become part of Bauxite’s small-business renaissance. 

“Being one of the first in The Depot has been so much fun,” she said. “The other owners have been so welcoming. It’s like our own little community.” They all share each other’s business posts on social media and share/help each other out. 

And she expects the weeks leading up to Christmas to be her busiest and most rewarding. “I expect a lot of stockings, blankets, sweaters, and hats,” she said. “I’m working on some new Christmas designs to post on Facebook.”

Raynor’s favorite new tradition involves transforming sentimental fabrics into keepsake gifts. “People bring me their baby blankets or baby clothes. I’ve been making ‘Mama’ sweatshirts using those fabrics. It’s a way for parents to keep those memories close.”

She’s also planning to expand the idea into matching ‘Dad’ hats and sweatshirts this winter. “I love projects that mean something,” she added. “It’s not just a shirt. It’s someone’s story.”

Ask Raynor what keeps her motivated, and she doesn’t hesitate. “Seeing someone’s reaction when they pick up their order. That first gasp of, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s perfect!’ That’s what I love.”

And yes, she still gets a kick out of spotting her work around town. “My kids get asked all the time “Where did you get that shirt and they say “My mama made it,” she said. “It’s the best feeling in the world. My friends get so many compliments on their shirts; they carry around my business cards to hand out!”

Even beyond apparel, her embroidery pops up in unexpected places. “I sew patches for motorcycle clubs, too,” she added. “I’ll walk into a local brewery and admire all the beautiful patches I’ve sewn on. Recently I’ve created and sewn on the newest Bauxite Marshals badge also, so that’s been new and exciting. I do it all!”

Raynor’s story is one of resilience and faith, qualities stitched into everything she makes. Being the first American-born child of English immigrants, she says she’s always felt a mix of heritage and homegrown pride. 

“My dad ran his own construction company, while my stepmom owns a local tavern, and they’ve inspired me to want to own my own business,” she said. “I always knew I wanted to build something of my own and make my family proud. “

That sense of gratitude shows up in every interaction. “This community took me in from day one,” she said. “Opening this store has been one of the best decisions of my life. I get to create beautiful things, and it allows me to show up and be the mom I want to be, and that’s the very best part. I’m forever grateful.”

As she looks toward her first holiday season in The Depot, Nikki is busy but thankful. “It’s been nonstop,” she said. “But that’s a good problem to have. Every order means someone trusted me to make something special for someone they love. That’s the best gift I could ask for.”

To learn more about The Lucky Stitch Co. or to see what’s available, visit the shop inside The Bauxite Depot at 7076 Bauxite Highway Ste 7, or give them a call at 501.653.8456. You can also check out Raynor’s designs on Facebook and Instagram at @the_lucky_stitch_co.