Threading Generations

The Family Behind Flying Fibers

By Marlena Schugt | BLOOM Program Manager

Mother-daughter team Jeri Robinson-Lawrence and Irina Lawrence Mathias have been in the wool industry for nearly 20 years with a business presence in South Central Pennsylvania and customer reach that spans the globe. In 2022, they relocated their fiber manufacturing business to York and now have over 400 lavender plants and 30 rare-breed sheep. Between Jeri’s experience in the craft and keen eye for design, Irina’s skills in business operations and management, and Irina’s three-year-old daughter, who brings the energy and giggles, this team brings together generations behind their product.

On their farm just south of Wrightsville, Irina shares that they have a retail shop and classroom space because “our really, big goal is preservation through education. Whether that is preserving the rare breed sheep by making yarn and educating people on why it feels different than other breeds of sheep, or garnering groups to gather to learn about the fiber arts and spread knowledge.”

In 2023, the duo graduated from the BLOOM Small Business Classes and received a grant from the woman-owned Small Business BLOOM Grant Program to finish their outdoor space. The funding allowed them to create a peaceful patio which their customers utilize to knit, relax, and take in the scenic view of the farm.

Most recently, the team fully demolished and rebuilt two underutilized horse stalls into a charming classroom that they use regularly. On the horizon, Jeri and Irina seek to enhance their class offerings to become more accessible to a variety of crafters at different experience levels.

So, what keeps the wool spinning? Jeri and Irina credit their successful family business to their ability to balance workloads and divide responsibilities based on their interests and skillsets. You are more than likely to find Jeri designing or otherwise working creatively, while Irina focuses on the logistics and operations of the business.

Jeri also notes their shared vision for the business by explaining that, “we sit down routinely and come up with the week’s plan, month’s plan, goals for the year, goals for five years, and look back to see how we chip away at them, but we have always both been on the same page.”

Ready to get your wool on? You can catch Jeri & Irina hosting events such as Craft Night on the Farm and Tour de Fleece Saturday Spin-ins, teaching a class on broom making or lace knitting, or by stopping in their retail shop from Tuesday-Saturday.

flyingfibers.com | 280 Forge Hill Rd, Wrightsville, PA 17368 | 717.898.8020

Want to learn how the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center can help you business? Visit BLOOMYork.org