CYstarters Spotlight: A 16-part series highlighting student entrepreneurs pursuing their business ventures as part of the CYstarters 2026 summer cohort. Through this program, students have the unique opportunity to prioritize the development of their own startup or business idea. Each individual receives $6,500 and access to resources such as mentorship, networking opportunities, and educational sessions on entrepreneurship and business startup. Learn more and meet our 17 entrepreneurs at Demo Day on Thursday, July 30. Register today!

How Sew Sweet Annie’s is Growing One Stitch at a Time

What began as a way to pass the time over winter break was just the start of something much sweeter for Annie Wiges.

An elementary education major in the College of Health and Human Sciences at Iowa State University, Annie was spending time at home in Denison, Iowa, with friends and family when one sewing project sparked a bigger idea. 

“My friends and family loved what I was making, and they asked if they could buy some, so I decided to start a little business,” Annie recalled. “Many of my friends pushed me to do this, which I am so grateful for.” 

Today, through her business Sew Sweet Annie’s, Annie creates handmade bags and accessories that help customers add personality and color to their everyday routines. 

One of her favorite parts of running the business is seeing the impact her creations have on others. “I love getting to interact with new people and meet new people, and I love seeing the smiles that I can give other people by sharing what I create,” she said. “It just brings so much joy in my life.” 

That passion shines through every design she creates. Bright colors, playful patterns, lace, ruffles, and pockets give Annie’s products a distinctive style. Custom orders allow customers to create something they truly love. 

“I feel like my bags give so much character and design, and I love the collaborative work that I do with my customers to create a bag that is very much their own,” Annie said.  

Annie has loved being in CYstarters because of the connections she’s made and the opportunity to dream big about the future. 

“My circle has just widened so much from my little happy bubble into seeing where this could go a lot further,” she said. 

Through CYstarters, Annie has become more open to new opportunities and ideas that can help her business thrive and reach its full potential. That growth has also meant stepping out of her own design preferences. Annie has learned to design beyond her own personal style, recognizing that customers connect with a wide variety of looks.  

“It can be challenging shifting my mindset away from what I think a bag should look like to what a customer wants, learning that both of them are perfect,” Annie said.  

Annie loves finding creativity in her everyday life and enjoys that no two pieces she makes are exactly alike. 

“I love that every single thing that I make is different,” she said. “I love that each piece can be puzzled in a different way.” 

A proud moment for Annie was creating a personalized gift for her friend and sorority chapter president, Kylie. It sparked the realization of how meaningful her handmade items were for others.  

“Seeing how she reacted to that just made me realize how special and personal it was,” Annie said. “She was such a big supporter in pushing me to make my business as well.” 

Looking back at photos of her earlier work, Annie takes pride in how much her products have evolved. She now offers a variety of products, including tote bags, makeup pouches, and accessories like lanyards, which she says are perfect for teachers who wear them around school all day.  

A future educator at heart, Annie prioritizes academics, balancing them with building her business, but finds joy in sewing and creating once her schoolwork is complete. 

“I’m proud of putting myself into the person that I want to become, so I make sure that I always get my schoolwork done first before I can go on to my other activities,” Annie said. 

This summer, Annie plans to participate in pop-up shops and tabling events, grow her social media presence, streamline production, and continue stocking and improving her website. 

“I’m working really hard to have a functional website where you can search through different categories,” she said.  

She is also branching out and trying new things, such as mailer bags and mail accessories. Most of all, she’s proud of how she has grown in her dedication. 

“This experience has taught me that I can do whatever I set my mind to, and that it’s okay to take a step forward and try something new,” Annie said.To shop Annie’s handmade bags and accessories or request a custom order, visit her website, www.sewsweetannies.com. Follow Sew Sweet Annie’s on Instagram and TikTok @sew.sweet.annies, and Facebook @Sew Sweet Annie’s. 

“I can’t wait to share my joy and my creations with you. I love getting to see my bags around town, and it makes my heart so full seeing the joy other people get from it,” Annie said. 

Check out our video interview with Annie Wiges below!