How My Crochet Business Started

In 2023, I struggled with my corporate career because I was dealing with a narcissist of a manager who never liked me because I was there before him. He hired all his friends to fulfill the director roles and undermined everything I was in charge of without proper feedback. The job market was such a struggle but I would rather be happy and broke than sell my soul to a team that treats you like trash.

After much consideration and chats with my husband, he fully supported me in leaving my full-time career. I thought a new job wouldn't take long to find but over time the market was tanking. People were being laid off left and right including my husband in 2024. At this point I was also supporting my mother who has dementia amongst a plethora of health issues. I picked up little contract jobs for low pay but I couldn't sit idle any longer. I had to do something. I had enough development producer skills and tax skills to put to use for my OWN business.

With support from my friends and family who have been pushing me since 2020 to open my own shop, I decided to finally sell my crochet plushies. I was so scared. I was my biggest critic and I felt like my items were not good enough to sell because I had so much to learn and my handmade work was not perfect. Well, my sister-in-law said, "Do you want to set up a booth at my workplace?" That's all it took to jump-start everything. I was so excited to share my work so much so that the universe gave me a sign. There was a local business that was offering a free booth a month before my sister-in-law's event. I couldn't say no, I took my chance and applied for the event and I was IN! I did some research on what I needed like a seller's permit, display items, what to bring to a market, the whole nine. I told myself this is just the beginning. My friends came out to support and even getting sales from strangers made me jump for joy. All my work was being admired and loved.

I knew I had to work hard but it was worth it. I'm happy, I can make my own hours, and I get to meet amazing people. I've gotten so much support from other vendors. It's an amazing community of small businesses and I'm so glad I started it. I haven't made a proper living wage yet but at 35 I've finally invested in myself and my efforts and I know it'll pay off soon.