Turning a Hobby into a Business- she's got a mean right hook, crocheting with Alythreads
Turning a hobby into a business, she’s got a mean right hook…get it!? crocheting with alythreads.
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When I sat down and thought about women that truly would inspire you (if you don’t already follow her) encourage and give you gentle reminders of how loved you are, Alyssa quickly to my mind. We were able to chat about her personal story that she shared and why her therapy for her personal life lead to a hobby and then into a business. Not only stunning products and patterns, she embodies the cozy, warm, welcoming all wrapped up in one beautiful woman that she projects in her products. Listen today with ears that you too can pursue those passions and also some grace as i’m still learning recording with someone else.
After we chatted about a profound and favorite book for each of us, i had to share it with you, don’t forget to pick it up right from Amazon! link below.
Shanna: I knew Alyssa growing up in our tiny town, even with us being a few years a part in age and i have loved seeing you grow into this amazing, wise, woman and i’m so proud of the impact you have on your ever growing community.
so tell us a little about you!
Alyssa: From Minnesota, can tell from the accent. Been married for 8 years with two daughters, and i’ve had the honor of being a stay at home mom, and along with the business been able to watch my girls grow.
S: A little about your adventure and your brand
A: Before birthing the business, it was just a hobby, learned about 7-8 years ago. but it turned a therapy and hobby, and now a business, but i never intended it to be a business. Maybe because because of fear and what goes with that. The name was short and memorable and threads in the yarn, but threads of my heart and who i am as a person.
S: It started as a therapy tool, tell us about that.
A: It was therapy tool at first, because in Feb 2018- at home with my two daughters and just doing our regular morning routine and all the sudden vision got dark, i got dizzy and i couldn’t speak. my first thought was low blood sugar, and it got worse but eventually couldn’t move left side of my body- little did i know i had a stroke. after about 20 min speech came back, but i did go to the doctor and confirmed it was a stroke- but it didn’t seem real as i was 28 years old at the time. They gave me hope i’d get strength back and i did after about 6 months. I picked up crocheting and it was frustrating at first but i felt the sense to keep pushing and trying and then came Alythreads.
S: have you had a lot of people reach out to you after your shared your story?
A: Yes, mostly people just people who were scared to share anything whether it was fear or shame. and it brought light to my heart that i encouraged other women to do that. it’s going to feel scary and uncomfortable. but out pouring and support has been wonderul
S:Brene Brown talks about it. it’s the first thing we want to see in people, but the last we want to share. but in doing so, we allow people to share too.
S: how did you feel pulled to connect with women in this way?
A: Connection and always been a big part of who i am. A deep desire is always to encourage women. there’s so much i want to explode with how i much i want to share. but journaling and writing really helps get those words down.
S: Business- what’s been your favorite part of business?
A: Honestly it’s the people. i’m so inspired by other creators and makers and seeing designs come to life and i love encouraging people. its such a beautiful part of this journey. It’s fun to see this side of me, i’m normally the listener- but this business has pushed me out of that and to find who i am and who God wants me to be. To find freedom in that. Product on Etsy, i have a lot to learn but i now am designing patterns which i can sell through that platform too.
S: tips and tricks to share about Etsy?
A: i still have a lot to learn but be specific and detailed. Especially with all the people who have allergic, and they’ll find someone who gives those details. they don’t get to experience the product so getting that detail helps. Adding tags to your product that are specific. those are the biggest tips so far I’ve learned.
S: What is the toughest part of turning it into a business?
A: Best and toughest sometimes go hand in hand. There’s so many things in life that need our attention. in my life it’s my wonderful husband and our beautiful daughters, and with that house, cooking, cleaning- juggling this year has been the biggest struggle. How do i split my time up. This isn’t just for business owners, it’s for everyone. it’s time. Sometimes i get to bed time and feel like it’s failed because of my time split. It’s a year with a lot of learning. This is my first year filled with so much starting and stepping back and be mindful and present.
S: Even when you don’t accomplish it all- i love that you are intentional still being mindful and reflective.
A: Also this deserves to be talked about. it’s how hard we are on ourselves as business owners. We fail at one thing, so we think we’ll fail at the next. and fear creeps in and stop us. These thoughts are so powerful and paralyzing, and it’s been on my mind a lot. the start is usually so basic but we make it dramatic and bigger and more scary than it needs to be. We get stuck looking with what’s in front of us. That’s been a big learning curve for me too.
S: It’s most of the conversations i have, or who are they? who are you? but if you have that passion and desire, you are enough already. it’s hard to implement that, because of imposter syndrome and difficult to overcome.
S: tell us about the shop you put your product into
A: yes! i have my beanies in a shop Phileo in Red Wing Minnesota.
S:I’ve seen your instagram really jump in numbers. But how have you noticed that connections have translated to sales.
A: Great topic- first it wasn’t my intent to grow on instagram. i made this deal with myself, but don’t pay attention to those numbers too much. it’s easy to get wrapped up. I’m just showing people me. But we are wired for Connection. But likely to buy when you feel like you’re supporting the person and not just the business- that’s a big secret for selling. The sale is the plus for me. People are what make my heart soar.
S: And you do take social media breaks for refocus- how have you noticed positive impacts with social media and breaks too?
A: I just got off of a break so crazy you brought that up. I have loved what Instagram has brought. I called it social media suicide- it should be a big no no but there came a point where inspiration wasn’t there and scrolling and not taking an inward look. We can do this in a healthy way but we can only do it well when we stay true to ourselves. How much we miss when my eyes are down and not up.we can make social media whatever we want to it be, i make it a place of honesty and community.
S: Where do you hope it’ll go in the future?
A: I’ll always want to be a maker and i also do fall markets. I want to pursue designing and patterns. But how much of what we don’t do is because we don’t know how? the first step is what is paralyzing.so i pushed myself into designing. I’d eventually love to have a blog and make designs. i have a lot of goals and long way to get to them.
S: any words for women for encouraging listeners?
A: The first step is tough because we are the ones that make it seem so big. but we just have to take it. speaking from my experience, if there’s something you’re thinking about and you keep pushing it away- i encourage you to pursue it. I touched on it, but journal- but write about your dreams and said passion, talk to people. I know how scary it feels, but once you take it- you say hey i can do this! It’ll keep happening but you can keep doing it! i hope you believe it, it’s true!
Follow Alyssa of Alythreads:
and her storefront on Etsy!
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