🎙️ LISTEN TO EPISODE 1 HERE 🎙️
In this very first episode, I’m sharing my journey into crochet, why I started this podcast, and how I turned my hobby into a growing business. If you’ve ever thought about making a career out of your creative passion, this episode is for you!
Why I Started This Podcast
I’ve wanted to start a podcast for over a year, but I kept overthinking it. Crochet is such a visual art—how could I translate that into an audio format? Then I realized—it’s not just about crochet itself. It’s about the journey of turning a creative passion into a business, the struggles and wins of entrepreneurship, and the joy of making something with your own hands.
I decided to start Simply Hooked now, even though I haven’t yet “made it” in business. Most podcasts I listen to are from successful entrepreneurs who’ve already reached their goals, but I thought—wouldn’t it be refreshing to hear from someone still in the thick of building their dream? If you’re also an aspiring mompreneur juggling work, family, and a business, I think you’ll resonate with this journey.
How I Fell in Love with Crochet
I first picked up a crochet hook in October 2012. My then-boyfriend (now husband) was out of town, and I wanted to try something new. A coworker had mentioned making a handmade Christmas gift, and I thought—I want to do that too! So, I went to Michaels, grabbed some yarn, a crochet hook, and a beginner’s book, and dove in.
That night, I stayed up until 2 AM, completely hooked (pun intended). I learned the slipknot, single crochet, and even made a little bookmark. From that moment on, I crocheted every single day. Six months later, I stumbled upon amigurumi—the Japanese art of crocheted stuffed animals—and my world changed.
My first amigurumi creation was a pig. It was absolutely hideous, but I was so proud. If you crochet amigurumi, you know the feeling—you finish your first project, and suddenly, you want to make all the animals. I made a bear, a slug, a pony, and more, learning new techniques with each project.
From Hobby to Business
In 2015, after years of making stuffed animals, I had built up quite the collection. I decided to try selling them at a craft show. I was terrified, but I made $200 that day and was hooked (again, pun intended) on the idea of turning my craft into a business.
Fast forward to January 2021—I became a mom, and suddenly, life got expensive. I realized I needed to find a way to increase our family’s income, and my crochet business was the one thing I had complete control over. So in January 2022, when my son was finally on a steady sleep schedule, I started waking up at 4 AM every day to work on my business before the rest of the house woke up.
That’s when I got serious. I dove deep into learning about business, marketing, and Etsy strategies. I realized that selling finished products wasn’t scalable, so I transitioned to selling digital crochet patterns. Instead of crocheting 500 teddy bears, I could sell one pattern an unlimited number of times. This shift changed everything.
Mindset is Everything
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in business is that success is 90% mindset and 10% strategy. I used to think business was all about tactics, but I quickly realized that if you don’t believe in yourself and your business, you’ll never succeed.
A huge turning point for me was discovering Cathy Heller’s podcast. She talked about designing the life you want and breaking out of the traditional 9-to-5 mindset. Her words made me realize—I can create my dream life, and it starts with believing that it’s possible.
The Power of Service in Business
I recently heard Dr. James Doty say that true fulfillment comes from shifting focus from self-interest to serving others. This made me ask myself—how am I using my crochet skills to serve others?
For many, crochet is a creative escape. It helps people unwind, de-stress, and make something meaningful. Whether it’s selling patterns, teaching crochet through my online course, or sharing tutorials on YouTube, my goal is to help others embrace their creativity. And that, in itself, is a form of service.
Where I Am Now & What’s Next
Over the past three years, I’ve learned so much about building a crochet business. I’ve written over 70 patterns, started running Facebook ads, built a website, and even launched an online course. I’ve also had my amigurumi designs featured on the cover of Simply Crochet Magazine and have a crochet pattern book hitting shelves in Michaels, Joann’s, and Hobby Lobby this March! And to think—it all started with a simple email to an editor.
Looking back, I realize that everything started with sharing what I love. Just putting myself out there led to opportunities I never could’ve imagined. And that’s why I started this podcast—to share what I’ve learned, in the hopes that it helps you create a life and business you love.
