A Small Crochet Business Adventure Beginning

    The decision to start my own business took a lot of internal debate, more so in the past six months. I always had the idea of doing so but I couldn't decide what I wanted to do since I wasn't focused on photography as much as I was in years past and crafting is my hobby. I didn't want to burn out on my hobby that I loved and was my way of unwinding at the end of the day. I wasn't sure if I was wanting to use my hobby as a means for income but I honestly prayed over the idea, talked to my husband, talked to my family for their opinions, and finally made the decision to just go for it. So how did I start this small business?

    I have always been creative according to my family. When I was little I would sit down with my dad and ask him to teach me how to draw and whenever he was in his shop, I'd go outside and ask him to teach me woodworking skills. In high school, I didn't work on homework during study hall, instead I would draw and since I liked art but was indecisive on what I wanted to do after high school, I asked for graphic design classes. Graphic design did not peak my interest and I ended up going into healthcare. 

    In 2018, while expecting my second child I wanted to start a new hobby to pass the time while our due date approached. I had always been fascinated with crochet and the things my great aunt could create ever since I was little and she made Christmas ornaments. I told my husband my idea of learning a new hobby while waiting for our bundle of joy to make his arrival and at the next grocery store trip to Walmart, I picked up a small learning crochet kit and yarn. The kit came with a small booklet, stitch markers, basic-size hooks, a tapestry needle, and a tape measure. Whenever our oldest was taking his nap, I would read the booklet and practice the new basic stitch I was learning. After some time, I became confident in knowing the basic stitches and started searching for free patterns online that used the stitches I knew. Within two months, I had made a small purse and a coaster set. That year I made my husband and both kids a winter hat. Every year since I have made it my own tradition to make my husband, myself, and our children a hat for the wintry colder months.

    For a few years, hats and mittens were the only things I made. I made hats for all of us and mittens for the kids. Then, I started to stray away from crocheting and dipped my toes into other crafts for fun. I began doing epoxy tumblers, woodburning, and door signs. I gifted tumblers to my parents. My dad's favorite is the camouflage one I made him with alcohol ink and my mom's favorite is a glitter, handpainted fireworks one. After they suggested I try to sell my crafts and my dad was starting his own small business with laser engraving, I decided to try some craft shows in Spring 2023. 

    The first show was in March. I took four tumblers, two welcome door signs, an Easter wall plaque, and two decor fans I had made. It was a complete bust. I had spent more on material and my vendor fee and was in the hole from that show. April was the next one and I had sold two items. The Easter plaque and a welcome sign. I was shy of breaking even. I was fairly disappointed. I had huge hopes which was a mistake and I didn't have a decent table set up. I had no business cards, no price sign or price tags, no table cloth. My table looked like I didn't care as much compared to the other vendors and I knew that is why people were passing by with no interest.

    Months later, in July, I was gifted multiple skeins of yarn. I wasn't focused on tumblers, signs, or woodburning projects. I was focused on preparing for child #5 and had recently purchased a book about crocheting for baby in 9 months. I followed the pattern for baby booties and a baby sweater and loved how they turned out. I decided to design my own pattern for a burp rag becuase it would save us money if I could create them instead of having to buy a new 5 pack for $15. I liked it and I made several more. Then I decided to try to design a simple baby blanket/throw since the baby is due in November. My family was impressed that I designed and made a baby blanket all on my own. Honestly, I was too. My family suggested I try selling my crocheted items.

    Shortly after being told of the next craft show, I decided I was going to do it but I knew I had to have a better inventory, and a much better set up if I was going to have any interest. In August, I came up with a business name, business email and made a business Facebook page. I researched ideas on how to make a small crochet business successful. I set my prices to compete with competitiors at other craft shows, set up ways to pay, made business cards, and will have a full table of items offered. I opened an Etsy shop (https://branttreasures.etsy.com) and posted two of my own patterns. 

    I realize this business venture could be a flop or it could be an extra stream of income. Either way I have decided I am going to fully commit one year to it and will reflect on it when the time comes. In the meantime, I will design my patterns, look for pattern testers for feedback, prepare for craft shows, and post updates. I will post an update sometime this weekend about the craft show. My posts won't be quite as frequent and will be one every two weeks or once every month but I will post about the craft show while the experience is fresh. I will post tips and tricks I learn along the way for others that may be interested in starting their own crafting business as well.

    Happy crafting! If you are interested in being a pattern tester, please email me at brantscraftycreations@outlook.com.