From Handmade Gifts to a Thriving Business: The Story of LoopyZoo
“I really hope that in the next few years, I will have my own site and would love to sell my creations in markets and in stores. I also would love to work with models, artists, do photoshoots, and it would be a dream to see my pieces somewhere like a runway or music video! ”
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how loopyzoocrochet came to life?
Hi! My name is Emma, I am 22 and also a cake decorator! LoopyZoo came to life after I made each of my family members, my boyfriend’s family members, and all of my friends a crocheted gift for Christmas. I made a total of 30 items and worked on them for days and months on end. Everyone got something different and unique to them. The feeling that I got when I was able to give everyone their gift was so warm. I think that it was really special because the gifts were personalized and handmade. I just love to make something completely from scratch and then watch someone enjoy it. I figured that I had already been crocheting everyday for months and was really enjoying it, so I might as well make a business out of it!
How did you come up with the name loopyzoocrochet? Is there a special meaning behind it?
I wanted a creative business name that sounded cute, lighthearted and more like a brand name rather than just something with my own name. So, I tried to think of words that have to do with crocheting, and loop/ loopy came to mind. Zoo is a nickname that my boyfriend has always called me. I put the two together and it rolled off the tongue really nicely!
What inspired you to start creating crochet items like gloves, hats, bookmarks, and glasses holders?
The cat beanies were the first things that I sold in my shop and I honestly just loved the look of them but never really came across them in stores, so I decided to make some! I was inspired to make bookmarks because I recently joined a cute little book club! Most of my inspiration for the things that I make comes from me wanting something and then realizing I can make it. My friends and family inspire what I make a lot too. I always think of things that they would look cute in or like and just end up making it for them and loving it! I am also inspired by Pinterest and mood boards and seeing what other people can do with yarn!
What do you love most about the process of crocheting? Do you have a favorite item to make?
I love when I’m about halfway through a project and my vision starts coming to life! It gives me an extra boost of motivation to finish it. I adore making bonnets- it’s my obsession right now! They always turn out so beautiful and feminine. I honestly get attached to each bonnet I make and find it hard to let go of them and send them away!
What materials or techniques do you enjoy working with most when creating your pieces?
I really love working with a soft yarn that is anti/low pilling. It is so smooth and easy to work with! I also love to use a larger hook size when I can get away with it. In terms of technique, a couple things I am enjoying right now are doing scalloped edges and bobble stitches. Both of those can add such cool texture to a piece! Doing patterns with lots of color changes make things more interesting too.
Have you faced any challenges starting your crochet business? How did you overcome them?
I have faced a couple small challenges! Since I work full time and I crochet most evenings for several hours, it can be hard to get enough sleep or have much free time. I have had to allow myself more breaks! It has also been a little bit of a challenge to try and get my business out there for people to see! To do so, I’ve put up flyers, handed out business cards, and am actively trying to collaborate with other creatives such as models, photographers, and stylists.
What would you say sets loopyzoocrochet apart from other crochet artists or businesses?
I am trying to make my shop into a place where anyone can find something that they like! I have only just started but I think that people with all different types of styles can find something that they love. I try to not stick to just one vibe or one piece. I am always experimenting with new patterns and items. My pieces are also very customizable and I have lots of color options!
Finally, what message or feeling do you hope people get when they wear or use your handmade crochet pieces?
I really hope that people who wear my pieces feel more connected to the item because they know it was handmade with a lot of care! I also really just want them to feel confident in my pieces. Whenever I wear my pieces, I always feel like they make my outfit better and I feel so cool in them! I hope others feel that too.
@loopyzoocrochet on INSTAGRAM
