We recently connected with Ashtin Pinoa and have shared our conversation below.
Ashtin, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
When people talk about purpose, I think it is often misconstrued – generally, people think that you were put on earth for a purpose and you have to really think introspectively about what that purpose is. And that purpose must be something big and grand – world changing even. But I don’t think that is the case. Purpose is not determined once and you move on with it. I have found that my purpose and life shifts with each season. Before I had children, my purpose was very different. Now, my purpose is being a mother. When my children are older, my purpose will shift again. I think finding your purpose is something people can get too caught up with – in which I mean that you don’t need to hike around Europe for 6 months to find your purpose. I think it is as simple as doing the next right thing before you. As you continue to do the next right thing, your purpose becomes clearer. Find the things only you can do in this season – like being someone’s mother. For me, my highest purpose in this season is being a mom, but that also means supporting my family by being the best version of myself. And to be that best version, I have to eat healthy and exercise to feel good; I have to rest and explore creative outlets to be mentally clear; and I have to continue working on my small business to have a different kind of outlet. And so I continue doing the next right thing – whether that is caring for my children or spending long hours late at night as an entrepreneur.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a crochet and knitting pattern designer. I design and write patterns for other knitters or crocheters to follow. I focus on creating modern patterns for a traditional craft. I never set out to design patterns, but I frequently was free-handing different knit and crochet patterns throughout high school and college. Eventually, I started writing down what I was doing and publishing my own patterns. It was quite a jump for me – a few years earlier I didn’t even know how to read a pattern! I ended up with a semi-famous design, and from there I never looked back. I love getting to design clothes, but I’ve also fallen in love with being a small business. I love wearing all the hats that one does in a small business. I’m not just a designer – I’m a website creator, a marketer, a saleswoman… and so much more. Yes, it’s overwhelming, but it’s also fun for someone like me who likes to learn new things. I took my brand through a realignment last year, with a focus on designing pieces that can stand the test of time and become heirlooms. I like to use natural fibers in my designs, both for their sustainability and tradition. There was a time when women knitted for their families – for warmth, functionality, necessity… and now we get to knit for fun! I think there is a sacredness between maker and made that has been lost in the fast fashion world, and I want to focus on bringing some of that back. I am working on expanding the articles available on my website to explore the topics of fast fashion, clothes making in general, and where the homesteading and fiber movements can overlap in the future.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The most important quality I think is to not fear failure – or rejection, or looking a little silly. You’re not going to be perfect right out of the gate. And that’s a good thing! There is so much satisfaction at undertaking something new and just simply TRYING. If you’re afraid to fail, then being an entrepreneur probably isn’t a good fit.
Openness to trying new things is another big one. I try to learn something new at least every year. It keeps me on my toes and teaches me something about myself – not including the new thing I’m actually working towards learning. This year, I’ve taken up sewing. The year before, I started a cut flower garden. And the year before that I advanced my knitting skills and learned embroidery. I don’t do each of these things every day (nor every week), but the process of learning them taught me so much.
Lastly, I would say that you must be a joyful warrior. Things won’t go your way, and you have to be okay with that. I’ve tried to teach knitting and crochet classes in my local area where no one buys tickets for. And that sucks, but it also doesn’t make me sad. It’s not a reflection of me as a person. I’ve also had patterns I’ve designed completely flop. But you have to press on. Not everything will make a big splash.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The biggest challenge I have right now is time. I have so much going on, it’s hard to stay motivated. I have a 10 month old baby right now who often falls asleep on me. While I’m “nap trapped”, I’m often scrolling Pinterest, getting tons of new ideas for designs. But the time to act on those ideas is so slim, it’s really easy to get discouraged. But being a mom to my babies is the most important purpose in my life right now, and I do love it more than anything. I have shifted to different types of designs of late – smaller, more manageable items as opposed to sweaters and such – and it’s made a big difference. I can work through the design faster, the pattern writing process is more manageable, and it gives me that quick sense of accomplishment that I need to stay positive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://crababblecrafts.com
- Instagram: @crababble_crafts
- Facebook: Crab Abble Crafts
Image Credits
Anna Kromer
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