Our Mission
Meet Our Founder
Elizabeth Beck
Founder of Tandem Quilting Co.
My name is Elizabeth Pate Beck, and I am a native of Atlanta, Georgia. I grew up in a very artistic family and went on to study architecture at Clemson University, and then worked in Interior Design. I have always loved the design process.
When my children were very young, I began my quilting journey never imagining where it would lead.
Many years ago, I took my first quilting class and enjoyed it as a hobby while being a stay at home mom. In 2009, I started a home-based business called Elizabeth Beck Quilts, specializing in T-shirt and custom design quilts. The quilt company climbed at a steady rate until it was time for me to hire women to help me
My quilting journey began to take a turn in to a different dream. I began to learn about my Clarkston, Georgia neighbors which is one of the largest refugee resettlement communities in the southeast. I became amazed at the resilience and talents these beautiful women brought to their new homes in America, and realized that many were master sewers in their own countries! Not only that, they also had larger dreams for themselves and their families. With this shared purpose in mind, and with the help of family and friends, I launched Tandem Quilting Co.
The goal was to work in TANDEM with these beautiful refugee women and create quilted treasures for every moment of life; welcoming a new baby, mourning the loss of a loved one, celebrating special events like weddings, graduations, or athletic accomplishments. Our makers are finding joy in being able to do work they love while caring for their families.
These beautiful neighbors had dreams for their life and their families and we decided to start something together.
When I first started quilting for others, it was to help bring joy and comfort to customers. Now with Tandem Quilting Co., I am expanding this dream to help refugee women find a goodpaying job at home while they are expertly sewing quilts. Every purchase helps employ, empower and encourage the Tandem Quilting Co. artisan makers. We are working to keep dreams alive!
Meet Our Makers
What started as a dream has become a place of belonging and refuge to over twelve refugee women from eight different people groups. Tandem aims to equip these women holistically through encouraging, empowering and employing them.
Maysaa
Maysaa has been with Tandem Quilting Co. the longest and is a dear friend. Maysaa’s family was targeted in a middle eastern country after her husband helped the U. S. Army with some mechanical/electrical work. Fleeing in the middle of the night, they ended up in Clarkston, Georgia after several different refugee camps. Maysaa has two beautiful daughters who are as smart and beautiful as their mother! The second long arm machine lives at Maysaa’s house
Marzia
Marzia and her sister and mother fled their home country and lived in refugee camps in Indonesia and surrounding areas. During their time in camps, Marzia helped teach school to the refugee children. Marzia is a very smart and hard-working woman. Sometimes Marzia works all night to help get ready for holiday markets! Marzia is also a great friend, along with there mother and sister. They are a mighty trio of women!
Fatima
Fatima has another sad refugee story. Fatima’s husband helped the U.S. ground forces for several years and was unfortunately killed by a roadside bomb. Not wanting to leave her home country, Fatima had no choice since she would be targeted. She is living in Clarkston with her three wonderful children. Fatima is super smart and is a very dedicated worker. She has picked up English quickly; is taking computer and driving classes; and sews for her neighborhood friends
Parwana
Parwana is a precious woman from Afghanistan. She is helping us while she is also busy with her three small children. The smile on her face when she finishes a project is contagious!
We are thankful that Parwana will help support her family and get a sense of gratification for doing a job well done!
