Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sharon Webber. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sharon, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
Keeping my creativity alive is essential to my work and personal fulfillment. One of the most rewarding aspects of being a crochet designer is the endless freedom to explore new ideas and techniques. This allows me to transform an idea or a concept into a beautiful tangible creation which is an incredibly satisfying process.
I find that immersing myself in different environments and seeking inspiration from various sources—nature, music, and other artists—fuels my creativity. This helps me view the world from fresh perspectives, giving me new ideas.
Equally rewarding is the connection I build with my audience. Sharing my creative journey through tutorials and social media and receiving positive feedback is extremely motivating. Knowing that my work resonates with others and can inspire or bring joy to their lives is heartwarming. This interaction not only keeps my creative energy alive but also adds a deeper sense of purpose to my work.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
When I was younger, I loved seeing the crochet dresses my mom made for me and my sisters’ dolls. That’s where my passion for designing clothes began.
In my early years, I sewed clothes for myself using my grandmother’s manual sewing machine. When I got older, I bought an electric sewing machine and started making clothes for local art performers and selling custom outfits in my free time.
After moving to the Middle East for work, I wanted to dabble in something creative so I got myself some hooks and some yarn just for fun. After a lot of practice, I thought about selling my work. But selling crochet sweaters and hats in hot and humid Dubai was challenging. Instead, I got the idea, inspired by Dubai’s beautiful beaches, I started making and selling crochet bikinis and swimwear. Back in 2013, there weren’t many crochet bikinis on the market, especially custom-made ones. My business took off, and I left my job to crochet full-time.
In 2017, after having my first baby, I decided that making crochet bikinis where no longer an option, so instead I chose to sell digital crochet patterns as the most viable choice at that moment.
Three years later, we moved to Washington State, and I began including winter wear in my offerings. I also expanded my services to provide helpful crochet tutorials, videos, and step-by-step guides for beginners.
Despite the changes and challenges, getting positive feedback kept my passion alive. I’m proud of learning everything from scratch and helping others with their crochet questions. When someone tells me that one of my videos or articles has helped them, I feel a deep sense of gratitude and fulfillment. It’s a wonderful reminder of the power of sharing knowledge and the joy of helping others.
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, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are perseverance, openness to seeking help, and the ability to learn from feedback.
Firstly, never giving up has been crucial. There were many times when learning a new skill or running my business felt overwhelming. However, sticking with it through the tough times is what led to my success. My advice to those starting out is to stay persistent, even when things get challenging. Perseverance is often what separates success from failure.
Secondly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. In the beginning, I often struggled alone, thinking I needed to figure everything out by myself. But once I started reaching out to others—whether it was through Facebook groups or friends—I found that people were more than willing to offer advice and support. So, I encourage you to seek help when you need it. There’s no shame in asking for assistance, and it can make a significant difference in your progress.
Lastly, learning from others’ feedback has been incredibly valuable. Early on, I would get bothered when criticized. But over time, I realized that constructive feedback is a gift. Listening to others’ opinions helped me improve my skills and products. For those just starting, I suggest embracing feedback with an open mind. Use it as a tool to grow and enhance your work.
These principles have been key in my journey, and I believe they will help others on their path as well.
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 number one challenge I am currently facing is the large competition in a saturated market. With so many talented crochet artists and businesses out there, it can be difficult to stand out.
However, I know that by staying consistent in what I do, building a strong presence and reputation will come over time. Hence, I am committed to doing my best at all times.
By sharing helpful content and engaging with my audience, I make it a priority to communicate with my customers by answering questions or problems promptly and thoroughly, ensuring that they feel valued and supported to keep them interested and invested in my brand.
Even when the market feels overwhelming, positive feedback and dedication to my craft keep me motivated.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theknottylace.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theknottylace
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknottylace
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/theknottylace
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/knottylace/
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