Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in handicrafts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Krista Ann, a Professional Knitter of Explore with Knitsy, located in Henderson, NV, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a nomadic knitter. Explore with Knitsy is a brand I built around the two things I love - knitting and travel. Aside from knitting for the film industry, runway fashion designers, and private clients...I also am a pattern designer, knitting book author, and teacher. I launched the Learn with Knitsy Academy to teach knitting to anyone that wants to learn to knit or upgrade their current knitting skills. My customers vary from costume designers and fashion designers to anyone that loves knitting and wants to become a better knitter.
Tell us about yourself
I first learned to knit as a hobby but fell hard for this amazing craft. A love for travel is also dear to my heart. I've been lucky enough to combine my two loves - knitting and travel - into one business. I can knit from anywhere in the world, so once my business got going, my husband and I sold almost everything that we owned and packed up what we had left (and our fur baby, Phinny), and hit the road in our RV. We are now houseless (not homeless!), and I work on projects from the road no matter where in the world I am.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
They say that if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life. I absolutely love what I do and just getting to a point where I can travel and work. Knitting used to just pay for short vacations here and there, but now I can cover all of our bills as well as extensive travel plans just by turning my hobby into a thriving business!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I struggle with having a decent work/life balance. It is really easy to work from the moment I wake up to when I go to sleep. There is always something to do when you run your own business. With all of the traveling that we do, I have to be sure and consciously make time to get out of the "office" (our RV!) and explore the new towns.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- It doesn't happen overnight, so be patient.
- Be aware that if you turn a passion into a business, your feelings for that hobby will change. I still love knitting, but all of the paperwork involved with running a business isn't so much fun!
- Set realistic goals. Don't be afraid to aim high, but make sure your goals are realistic. I know I'll never make millions as a knitter, and I'm absolutely okay with that!
Where can people find you and your business?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explorewithknitsy/
Website:
https://www.explorewithknitsy.com/
https://www.knittingrockstar.com/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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