From Hobby to Business: Turning a Creative Passion into a Yarn Shop
Have you ever wondered what it really takes to transform your creative passion into a full-time business? In the latest episode of Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast, I sit down with Heather Burns, the inspiring owner of The Knotty Sheep, a cozy yarn shop nestled in the heart of downtown Wake Forest, North Carolina.
Heather’s journey is one that many makers dream about. She traded the steady predictability of a 9-to-5 job for the vibrant, unpredictable world of entrepreneurship. Instead of simply enjoying yarn as a hobby, she built a brick-and-mortar yarn store that now serves as a gathering place for knitters, crocheters, and fiber lovers across the Triangle.
If you’ve ever thought about starting your own handmade business—whether that’s selling crochet patterns online, opening an Etsy shop, or even running your own yarn store—you’ll love Heather’s story.
Why Leave Corporate Life for Creative Entrepreneurship?
Many of us fantasize about leaving behind office cubicles, endless meetings, and corporate stress. Heather actually did it. She shared how she reached a point where she wanted more than just stability—she wanted freedom, purpose, and the chance to work with what she truly loved: yarn.
But the leap wasn’t easy. Transitioning from corporate employee to small business owner came with risks: financial investment, long hours, and the unknowns of whether the shop would succeed.
Her story is a reminder that creative entrepreneurship requires courage. You don’t have to wait for the “perfect moment.” Sometimes you just have to decide that your creativity is worth betting on.
What It Really Takes to Run a Yarn Shop
Running a yarn shop may sound like a dream job—and in many ways, it is. But Heather was candid about the behind-the-scenes realities. Beyond curating beautiful skeins and greeting customers, there are logistics: inventory management, rent, taxes, marketing, and events.
She explained how owning The Knotty Sheep means wearing many hats—buyer, bookkeeper, event planner, marketer, and community builder. It’s not just about yarn; it’s about running a full business.
That said, Heather finds immense joy in the work. She loves introducing customers to new fibers, helping beginners choose their first crochet hook or knitting needles, and watching creative friendships bloom in her shop.
For anyone considering a fiber arts business, her story is a real look at what it takes to move from passion project to profitable venture.
Lessons Learned from Handmade Business Ownership
When I asked Heather about the biggest lessons she’s learned, she didn’t sugarcoat it: there are ups, downs, and plenty of in-betweens.
Some of her key takeaways included:
● Start before you feel ready. If you wait until everything is perfect, you’ll never begin.
● Community is everything. Customers don’t just buy yarn; they come for the connection.
● Adaptability is essential. From supply chain issues to changing trends in crochet and knitting, flexibility keeps the shop thriving.
● Self-care matters. Owning a business can be all-consuming, so carving out personal time is vital.
These lessons apply to any handmade entrepreneur, whether you’re running a local store or selling crochet patterns and kits online.
The Magic of Building a Creative Community
One of the most powerful themes from our conversation was the importance of community. Heather has turned The Knotty Sheep into more than a yarn store—it’s a hub of creativity.
Her shop hosts events, knitting circles, and classes, welcoming beginners and experts alike. It’s a place where people don’t just shop, but connect, share stories, and encourage one another.
That sense of belonging is part of what makes handmade businesses so special. When you build around community, you’re not just selling a product—you’re creating meaning.
For crocheters and knitters in Wake Forest, The Knotty Sheep has become a go-to gathering spot. For creative entrepreneurs everywhere, it’s a model of how building community around your craft can be just as valuable as the products you sell.
Why Stories Like Heather’s Matter for Makers
It’s easy to scroll Instagram or Pinterest and feel like everyone else has it figured out. But Heather’s journey reminds us that every business owner starts with uncertainty. The difference is that some decide to take the leap, trust their passion, and keep going even when it’s hard.
If you’re thinking about launching your own creative business—whether it’s an Etsy crochet shop, a digital course, or even a local yarn store—Heather’s story proves that it’s possible. It won’t be perfect, but it can be deeply fulfilling.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Handmade Business Owners
Here are a few things you can learn from Heather’s experience that apply no matter what type of handmade business you want to run:
Follow your passion, but back it with strategy. Loving your craft is the starting point, but learning the business side is what sustains it.
Community creates longevity. Whether online or in person, people want to connect through creativity.
Stay flexible. Trends, seasons, and challenges will come—adaptability keeps your business strong.
Celebrate the journey. Success isn’t just profit; it’s the joy of doing work you love.
Visit The Knotty Sheep in Wake Forest, NC
If you’re local to North Carolina—or planning a visit—stop by Heather’s shop to experience the magic yourself.
📍 The Knotty Sheep
214 East Jones St.
Wake Forest, NC
Follow Heather on Instagram for updates on new yarn arrivals, events, and fiber goodness.
Listen to the Full Conversation on Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast
This blog only scratches the surface of Heather’s story. In our full conversation, you’ll hear even more about her leap from corporate life, the challenges of running a yarn shop, and the joy of turning passion into purpose.
🎧 [Listen to the episode here]
Grab your current WIP (work in progress), pour yourself a cozy drink, and let Heather’s story inspire you to take your own creative dreams seriously.
Final Thoughts: Crafting a Life You Love
At the heart of Heather’s journey is a simple but powerful truth: your creativity is worth pursuing. Whether you’re crocheting your first plushie, selling patterns online, or considering opening your own yarn store, you have the power to shape a life filled with meaning, joy, and freedom.
The Knotty Sheep stands as proof that handmade businesses aren’t just hobbies—they can become thriving, community-centered ventures. And maybe, just maybe, Heather’s leap of faith will inspire you to take your own.
About the Author
Marcy Gardner is the crochet designer behind Simply Hooked, where she creates beginner-friendly amigurumi patterns that help makers of all skill levels create adorable, giftable plushies.
With over 13 years of crochet experience, Marcy has taught hundreds of crocheters through her patterns, kits, and online courses.
