Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts and craft but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ashlee Snell, founder of Smash Knits, located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Smash Knits is a collection of hand-dyed yarns as well as knitting/crochet tools and accessories for the modern maker. Hand dyeing yarn allows for a depth and complexity of colour that is not always attainable with commercially produced fibres, making them extra special. I love being able to present the fibre sets community with something that can help their knitting projects really shine. As a knitter myself, I know just how much time, love, and consideration goes into creating something with yarn. My goal with Smash Knits is to be able to offer people special, one-of-a-kind colours, and paint yarn in a manner that evokes emotions and light a creative spark within.
Tell us about yourself
Smash Knits actually had its beginnings as a finished knitwear business over a decade ago. I started it as a hobby and a way to sell the dozens of hats and mittens I had been knitting around the holidays. Since then, it has evolved to so much more and has been such an enlightening journey along the way. I transitioned into my current business model in 2018 after dabbling in hand dyeing yarn for personal knitting projects. I fell in love with the process and the artistic and creative freedom, and since then, I have been absorbing all that I can about the world of hand-dyed yarn. The fibre industry is so multi-faceted and has so many different areas to it. I love being able to learn something new continuously. I am a maker through and through, so having a business where being creative is my “job” is so motivating and brings me a lot of happiness. I also love the ability to connect with other makers; there is nothing more rewarding than having someone share photos of a sweater they spent months knitting, and it’s made using yarn I dyed. Such a cool, humbling feeling!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Establishing relationships with brick and mortar yarn stores across Canada and having them carry the yarn I dye. Seeing something I made displayed with other merchandise from popular yarn companies was a very “I can’t believe this!” moment for me.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
There are so many hard things! It’s tough wearing multiple hats
photographer, social media manager, accountant, worker, etc. For me personally, I think the hardest thing is work/life balance. It’s so easy to just fall down in a rabbit hole when you’re working for yourself and toil the day away with no balance or attention to everything else going on — especially when working from home. There is always a never-ending list of small tasks that need completing and never seems to be quite enough time in a day. Setting boundaries or adhering to a schedule is key.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- “You can do anything, but not everything (author unknown)” Learn how to delegate and when to bring someone else in to do something. You can’t and don’t have to do everything when it comes to your business
hiring a bookkeeper for me was key, as an example. Letting others shine in their area of expertise allows you to shine in yours! - The more organized you are with paperwork, the easier life will be. This is something that is easy for people to let fall by the wayside, but it really does pay to set aside a few hours each week to stay on top of it. It’s not a glamourous part of being self-employed, but organization = less stress!
- Instead of second-guessing yourself, or your ideas, go for it! Take the leap. The adage “nothing ventured, nothing gained” is so spot on — you very likely will surprise yourself!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/smashknitsco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmashKnits/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smashknits/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.