The Journey of Launching My Crochet Small Business: A Rollercoaster of Growth, Struggles, and Success

Brittani Kasper
Nov 19, 2024
3 min read

As a crochet enthusiast with a passion for creating adorable amigurumi plushies, I decided to take a leap of faith and turn my hobby into a small business. On September 21st, I officially launched my crochet business, marking the start of what has already been an exciting, challenging, and rewarding journey. That day was extra special because it also coincided with my first-ever craft fair, where I had the chance to showcase my creations to the public and make my first sales.

The Craft Fair Experience: A Dream Come True

The craft fair was an incredible experience. I set up my booth with a variety of amigurumi plushies—handcrafted little creatures full of charm and personality. It was such a thrill to see people interact with my creations and even purchase a few! The feeling of having my work appreciated by others was something I’ll never forget. Even though it wasn’t a massive crowd, I learned so much about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to setting up displays and engaging with potential customers.

While it was a win for me in terms of sales, it also gave me a better understanding of how important it is to get the word out there. Having a presence online is just as crucial as showing up in person. That’s when the true challenge began: getting noticed in a crowded online space.

Social Media Struggles: Building a Brand From Scratch

Anyone who’s tried to build an online presence from the ground up knows it’s not easy. I’ve poured time and energy into creating content, engaging with followers, and hoping to go viral with my crochet creations. As of today, my social media stats tell the story of this slow-but-steady journey.

Facebook: 2 likes and 6 followers
Instagram: 5 followers
YouTube: 16 subscribers
TikTok: 2,057 likes and 1,237 followers

While TikTok has been my most successful platform so far, I know that success on social media isn’t always linear. I’ve posted about 25 times across all platforms, and while the likes, comments, and shares don’t always reflect the amount of effort I put in, I can’t help but be proud of how far I’ve come. I’ve made connections with other makers, learned from my mistakes, and found new ways to reach my audience. Building a brand takes time, and I’m ready for the long haul.

The Challenges of Growing a Small Business

The hardest part of this journey, so far, has been dealing with the self-doubt that creeps in. When you’re putting so much effort into something you love but the results aren’t immediately visible, it’s easy to wonder if you’re doing something wrong. But then I remind myself why I started this business in the first place. I started to share my love for crochet, to connect with others who appreciate handmade art, and to create something that brings joy. So, no matter the number of followers or likes, I remind myself that this is just the beginning.

The reality is that growing a business doesn’t happen overnight. It's about consistency, persistence, and a willingness to learn from every experience. Every small win—whether it’s a positive comment on a post, a new follower, or a sale at a craft fair—is a step in the right direction.

What’s Next?

As I continue to build my business, my goals are simple but clear:

Keep creating unique, high-quality amigurumi plushies that make people smile.
Continue engaging with my followers on social media, offering content that’s both inspiring and informative.
Grow my presence both online and at craft fairs, expanding my reach to new customers.

I'm also focusing on improving my craft—there’s always room to learn and grow. Whether it’s refining my crochet techniques, trying new patterns, or experimenting with new materials, I’m dedicated to making my products even better.

A Heartfelt Thank You

I want to thank everyone who has supported me so far—whether it’s by following me on social media, sharing my posts, or purchasing one of my plushies. Your support means more than words can express. I know that I’m not just building a business; I’m building a community of people who love crochet and handmade art as much as I do.

To anyone else starting their own small business, whether in crochet or another craft, my advice is simple: stay patient, stay persistent, and keep creating. Success doesn’t come overnight, but with passion and hard work, the journey is worth every step.

Here’s to more plushies, more craft fairs, and a lot more growth in the months ahead. Thanks for being part of my crochet journey!