We recently had the chance to connect with Chantal Miyagishima and have shared our conversation below.
Chantal, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
As a knitwear designer, I try my best to start my day off with a few stitches. I either knit for about half an hour, read a bit of my current romance novel, or take my two weiner dogs (Kurt Russel and Ashley Spinelli) for a walk with my hubby Todd. Then I make my daily chai latte at home and settle in to get caught up on social media DMs, comments and then computer work and answering emails!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Chantal and I am the purple-haired, potty-mouthed knitwear designer, owner and published author behind Knitatude. I specialize in writing beginner-friendly, modern and size-inclusive patterns that fit and make designs that are meant to boost your confidence as you continue your knitting journey. If I’m not knitting, you can usually find me cuddling up with my two weiner dogs (Ashley Spinelli and Kurt Russel), devouring a romance novel or being loved on by my hubby, Todd. You can find me and my other designs on Ravelry and Knitatude.ca, and you can find me on social platforms like Instagram and Facebook through the name Knitatude.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My mother is the ultimate do-er. She instilled such a drive and work ethic in me. I like to say that I am a jack of all trades, but it’s just that I like having a bunch of plates spinning at once and the challenge to keep them all up!
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes. Social media is a double-edged knife. While it has brought so many amazing people my way, it has also brought a lot of angry and just very mean people in general. I worry that we have gotten too comfortable with saying things in comments or snark threads due to anonymity, and have forgotten that there is a living, breathing and emotional being on the other side. I have to remind myself that the only power those comments or opinions have is the power that I give them. But it’s certainly tough!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
I think it’s very very very close. I tend to be quite outspoken both on the internet and off. Loud and bubbly, with a quick smile and a very large laugh. My branding is a bit more attitude than I have in real life, and I think I am a bit more soft and vulernable when I’m not working on Knitatude and showing up there, but it’s pretty darn close.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I helped them gain the confidence to knit more garments, and try making their own clothes. It’s such a rewarding experience, and my hope is to be the stepping stone into making their own handmade wardrobe.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.knitatude.ca
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knitatude
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/knitatude
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@knitatude
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@knitatude
Image Credits
Chantal Miyagishima
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