Tell us about KnottyLoop Creations!
There is a new breed of designers and creative artists who have revamped an interest in the distinctive beauty that is unique to crochet. This coupled with a swarm of new yarns, a multitude of colors and textures have given new life to an old art. KnottyLoop Creations was born of this new era of designer crochet.
My goal when I started KnottyLoop was to create sophisticated yet sassy line of clothing for women that are both unique and classic. My hope has been that my clients have just as much FUN wearing these designs as I have had creating them. I truly believe that clothing should adorn both the body and the spirit; when you look your best, you surround yourself with a positive energy and you instinctively feel great.
What inspired you to start your business?
I wish I could say that KnottyLoop Creation is the planned summation of whom I aspired to be, but that would not be an honest assessment. When my children were younger and money was tight, it was necessary for me to cut corners by making their winter gear and summer clothes in order to stay afloat.
Now that my children are all grown and out on their own, I find myself to be an “empty-nester”, with excess time on my hands. In 2004, I once again blew the dust from my crochet needle and began making outfits for my family and friends. The response was overwhelming. The more items I made the more I found folks were lining up to get a skirt or dress of their own. In May of 2006, after many hours of discussion and research, KnottyLoop Creations was born.
Your designs are so chic and modern--which one wouldn’t necessarily associate with crochet and needlework. What inspired your unique, ultra feminine style? I began crocheting from patterns…but it was rare and difficult for me to find patterns that I really loved. They had too much bulk, or they were old-fashioned in design. I woke up one morning well before sunrise with a very clear design in my head. I went to my stash of yarn, selected a yarn that I thought would work and 6 hours later the design was real. I shared this with my family and friends and they loved it. Since that morning, I still review articles and every once in awhile I’ll find a pattern that I really have to give a try…but most of my ideas come to me just as it did that morning. I can look at a person and sometimes I see something that would be unique to them, and I’ll begin looping. It’s truly a God given talent.
When did you realize that your crochet hobby was much more than a pastime? I began crocheting when I was 10 years old. The art of crocheting has become my addiction! This coupled with an extremely supportive and encouraging family gave me the energy to take it to the next level. God sent me everything that I needed to make this dream into a reality. My oldest son, Osceola Muhammad has his Masters in graphic arts (my website and business card designer), my friend Nicolette Stanton has a remarkable eye and an awesome nurturing personality (my photographer); my sister Carlita Joe is my chief cheerleader (whenever I'm discouraged, she typically knows just what to do or say to get me going again), the balance of my family, too many to name has shown outstanding support, they've acted as my models and volunteered to do numerous projects without complaint. Truly this has been a blessed family venture.
Describe your typical day at the office!
Typical…LOL!! Unfortunately I haven’t been able at this time to pull away from corporate. So my day normally begins at 5 am. After attending to my morning ablutions, I usually check my accounts; MySpace, Gmail and Etsy to see if there have been any inquiries or request to order. At 7:00 am I’m dressed and on my way out to my day job. At lunch (thankfully I don’t work far from home), I run in and check my accounts again. If I need material, I might make a yarn run but I normally try to wait for the weekend. Monday thru Thursday, I hit the door, find something to eat, check my accounts (unless I’m have a workout class) and I head for my workshop. By 6 pm I’m looping away. Bedtime is typically at 11 pm. I take it to the next level…but I do enjoy myself.
How do you balance work and caring for you?
Finding balance in my life has been one of my greatest concerns since I started this project. As I previously stated crocheting has some addictive qualities in that as an artist you really want to see that finished product, so there have been days that I’ve neglected to eat because I got too caught up in a project. However, now I try to structure my days and evenings a bit more. I now cook multiple meals on Saturday’s so that I have healthier choices when I’m caught up on a project. I swim on Monday and Wednesday evenings, and I take off Friday evenings to relax with friends and family. I’ve incorporated meditation as it has healing properties that relaxes the mind, body and spirit.
How has your business grown or changed since its inception?
I’ve had to educate myself fairly quickly regarding the business side of my art; legal forms, advertisements; websites; photo shoots, taxes, fashion shows, etc. It’s all been fun, but there was a significant transition from crocheting just for fun to crocheting as a business. No longer do I have the luxury of ignorance. If I want KnottyLoop to be successful, it is imperative that I understand the full concept of what it means to run a business.
What has been your greatest challenge along the way? 
Marketing…Marketing…Marketing! How do I get the word out about KnottyLoop on an almost non-existent budget? This has been a challenging aspect of my business. I've relied a great deal on word of mouth; if a client refers a new customer they will receive 10% off of their next purchase along with free shipping. I also utilize MySpace to generate interest by posting photos of my latest work, where clients contact me directly regarding pricing and availability. I love to participate in fashion shows, fairs, and anywhere I can think of to get KnottyLoop Designs shown...but overall Marketing has been my greatest challenge.
What has been your greatest reward?
For any artist I think that recognition of your talent is one of the greatest rewards. For me, some nights I dream designs, they come more fluently than I have time at the present to create them. However almost 100% of the time, when I complete a design, I’m alone. So until that design is introduced, whether to my inner circle of critics or to the public at large, I have no idea how it will be received. My greatest sense of accomplishment is in having a job well done. So the recognition of my talent offers me the greatest reward.
What’s your vision for the future of Knotty Loop Creations?
KnottyLoop is still in its infant stage. I’m the President, CEO, Designer, production line and the chief dishwasher. I would very much like to spend more time on the design side (the ideas keep coming) and less time in the actual production. I truly believe that this will come with time.
What words of wisdom can you offer to other sisters who want to bring their passion to life as you have? I would advise that you make the sacrifice, commit to the hard work, learn as much as you can about the business side of your craft, get out and see what others are doing in your field, subscribe to any magazines that might give you insights, utilize the libraries or any additional free resources, understand who your customer would be (your target audience), understand your support systems, then commit to even more work. Then if your heart is still in it and you believe in your work, take that step of faith, and go for it.
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