Meet Katy Nguyen

We recently connected with Katy Nguyen and have shared our conversation below.

Katy, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

This has become easier since I stopped caring whether anyone else in the room looks like me. On the podcast “How I Built This”, Jenn Hyman of Rent the Runway spoke about the importance of letting go of ego to be successful in business. I am not, and likely never will be, the CEO of a major company, but that idea still resonates with me. Once I stopped worrying about how others perceived me and my work, the self-doubt began to fade. That gave me the freedom to pursue ideas I might have set aside before.

Part of this comes from my years of teaching middle schoolers, which quickly teaches you not to take yourself too seriously. Now that I stay home with my kids, I want them to see that it is okay to be silly and a little weird, and that there is value in pursuing creativity simply for the joy of it.

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

I run Little Lemon Stitches, a crochet and creative brand I started in early 2024. It began as a way to share the joy I find in making playful, handmade pieces, and it’s grown into a community of people who connect with that same love for creativity.

One of the best parts of Little Lemon Stitches is how it blends crafting with community. As a mom of two young children, finding time to engage locally was challenging at first, but over the past year, I’ve been able to contribute to Houston’s ever-growing crafting scene.

I teach beginner-friendly crochet classes around the Southwest Houston area 2-3 times a month. I’ve partnered with incredible local businesses, like The Crumby Bakeshop, LIT bookbar, and Brazos Bookstore, to name a few. Each class is open to all levels and focused on having fun, building community, and learning a new skill.

One of my favorite monthly events is Crumby Craft Club. This is a laid-back, no-commitment, monthly meetup at The Crumby Bakeshop, where members bring their own project or try a fun, easy craft while enjoying a cozy, creative atmosphere.

While I’ve begun to focus on more Houston-based events, I’m still behind-the-scenes creating and writing patterns, like my recent Boba crochet pattern and spiderweb crochet coaster YouTube tutorial.

If you’re interested in learning crochet or just looking for a creative community, join my email newsletter or follow me on Instagram for updates. We have so many fun fall and winter events coming up!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

First, creativity and the willingness to experiment. Some of my best crochet patterns have come from trying new, quirky ideas. Sometimes they are a little weird, like my lemon hot dog pattern. Yes, it’s exactly what you think. It is definitely not a best-seller (it’s actually free), but creating it led to countless connections and a lot of laughs. Now that I’ve made a lemon hot dog, there is no idea too silly or weird, which is freeing.

Second, letting go of ego. Learning a new skill is hard. I always tell my crochet students that the hardest part of learning this craft is how to hold your hands. It feels awkward and clumsy, but that’s where the learning starts. When you try something new, you won’t be great immediately. You might look a little silly or fail, but that’s how progress happens.

Third, giving yourself grace. Life is chaotic. Some seasons, I’m releasing patterns, teaching classes, and vending at markets. Other times, I’m barely surviving and need to stare at a wall in silence for a few days. After more than a year in this business, I’ve learned it’s okay to rest. The world doesn’t need me all the time, but my family and my mental health do. When I give myself grace and step back for a bit, I always bounce back with more creativity than before.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, I love collaborating! I’m especially interested in working with other artists, makers, and small businesses who share a passion for creativity, handmade goods, or community building. Collaborations could include co-hosted events, classes, craft projects, or creative partnerships where we combine skills and ideas. I’m also open to wholesale opportunities for my products.

If you’re interested in collaborating, the best way to reach me is through Instagram or by email at [email protected]. I’m always excited to explore new ideas and find ways to bring more fun and creativity to our communities, whether in Houston or beyond.

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