Meet Stephanie Hawkins

We were lucky to catch up with Stephanie Hawkins recently and have shared our conversation below.

Stephanie, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

I keep my creativity alive by staying open to the little moments that bring me joy and spark my imagination. Taking Cooper, my rescue dog, on hikes at the lake lets me soak in the calming beauty of nature, from the way sunlight filters through the trees to the subtle shifts in the colors of the water. I also love the excitement of discovering new yarns or experimenting with color combinations that remind me of those outdoor adventures. These everyday moments keep my work feeling personal and inspired, and they’re a big part of why I love what I do.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Hi, I’m Stephanie, the heart and hands behind Ellikin Knits. What began as a creative outlet in my 20s—knitting hats and scarves for family—has grown into a passion-driven business where I get to share my love of handmade, high-quality knitwear with others.

Every piece I create starts with intention. I carefully choose the fibers I work with, favoring luxurious options like merino wool that offer both softness and durability. I spend time selecting patterns that are timeless, versatile, and aligned with my vision of creating knitwear that feels as good as it looks. I want every stitch to reflect the care and thoughtfulness that goes into crafting something by hand.

Most days, you’ll find me knitting in my cozy workspace with my rescue dog, Cooper, at my side. His calm presence reminds me to slow down and savor the process of creating something meaningful. My family has been a constant source of support, encouraging me to turn my hobby into a business and cheering me on every step of the way. Their love and belief in me are woven into everything I make.

One of my favorite parts of running Ellikin Knits is participating in local markets during the fall and winter. There’s something so special about connecting with people face-to-face, sharing the story behind my pieces, and seeing customers find something they truly love. These markets bring a sense of community to what I do, and I always leave feeling inspired.

Throughout the year, I focus on sourcing beautiful yarns, designing new pieces, and filling wholesale orders for shops that share my passion for handmade goods. When the cooler months arrive, it’s all about knitting up cozy beanies, scarves, and other cold-weather staples for customers who appreciate the warmth and charm of handcrafted knitwear.

For me, Ellikin Knits is more than a business—it’s a reflection of my creativity, care, and dedication to making something truly special. Every item I make is crafted with the hope that it will bring comfort, joy, and a sense of connection to the person who wears it.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are persistence, creativity, and a willingness to learn. Persistence was essential when starting Ellikin Knits, especially during those moments of self-doubt or when I wasn’t sure if my business would take off. Sticking with it, even when progress felt slow, helped me grow and build something I’m truly proud of. Creativity has been another cornerstone—not just in designing my knitwear but also in finding unique ways to share my work and connect with customers. Lastly, being open to learning, whether it was mastering new knitting techniques, understanding the business side of things, or simply listening to feedback, has been invaluable in helping me refine my craft and grow as an entrepreneur.

For those just starting their journey, I’d say persistence is built by focusing on small wins—celebrate every step forward, no matter how small, because it adds up over time. Creativity thrives when you give yourself room to experiment without fear of failure; try new ideas and let yourself play a little, even if everything doesn’t work out. And for learning, don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek mentors, or explore resources. There’s so much wisdom to gain from others and from trying things yourself. Be patient with your progress, and remember that every skill you develop and lesson you learn is helping you build something uniquely yours.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my mom did for me was show me how to believe in myself, even when I wasn’t sure I could. She had this quiet, steady way of encouraging me to explore my creativity and follow what made me happy. Whether it was learning to knit, trying a new craft, or later, starting Ellikin Knits, she was always there with her unwavering support. She made me feel like the things I created mattered, not because they were perfect, but because they were mine. Watching her work hard and face challenges with grace taught me the value of perseverance and finding joy in the process, even when the outcome is uncertain.

Her influence is at the heart of everything I do. When I sit down to knit, I think of her belief in me and the way she always reminded me to trust my instincts. She showed me that it’s okay to stumble, as long as you keep moving forward and stay true to what you love. The lessons she passed down—about patience, resilience, and pouring your heart into what you create—are the foundation of my life and my business. More than anything, she taught me that love and determination can turn even the simplest efforts into something meaningful, and that’s a gift I carry with me every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ellikin.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellikin_knits/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EllikinKnits?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits

All photos taken by my husband or myself. All are my property.