Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Owen.
Hi Katie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a small batch yarn dyer. Although I didn’t start off this way. When my son was born in 2015 my life drastically changed. I was a workaholic and was constantly on the go. I was lucky enough to get to stay at home while Chris went to work but after a year I grew anxious.
I needed something to do, something to be excited about. And while on Pinterest one day I saw this beautiful chunky blanket and how I could learn how to make it with my own hands. This sparked the maker in me! I’ve always been artistic, I mean I graduated college with an art degree!
So I taught myself how to hand-knit which turned into crocheting, sewing, knitting, macramé, jewelry making, etc. you name it, I did it! But I grew tired and became frustrated with all of those hobbies that never took off.
And then I decided to try dying yarn even though I was nervous to show what I had dyed. But I ignored that fear and within a few posts, I suddenly had multiple orders. That was almost 3 years ago and here I am today with a small business that has to grow and continues to do so!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I am of the belief that our failure and struggles make us better at what we do, it’s what helps us truly succeed. For several years, I was making everything under the sun, prepping for markets, and even making stock for brick and mortar shops.
I was spending way more money than what I was bringing in, all well feeling overwhelmed and stressed on a daily. I had, and still have, days where I don’t think I’m cut out for this or question why would someone buy my yarn over the hundreds of other yarns out there. This business is not for everyone.
They say you quit your 9 to 5 just to work 24/7 and that is no lie. But I wouldn’t change it at all. I was able to push through because I had built a community of makers and friends that believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. It also helps incredibly that I have a family that supports me and a husband that is willing to jump in whenever I need him.
And it’s because of that that I have no measure of success today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a small batch yarn dyer. So what I do is take bare yarn and make it pretty. I have always had an affinity for color and putting unique color combos together. So many of my most popular colorways are happy accidents!
I believe what sets most makers apart are the things that inspire them and their creative process. Also, that’s a question I think for my supporters and I’d be interested to know! I guess I can say I may not be the best at re-creating a photo on yarn but I’m also not afraid to try anything once.
What are your plans for the future?
I am actually going to be moving to a new state and will get to set up a new place that’s completely dedicated to my business. This alone will help my business to grow as I have been doing it out of my home and it’s not been the best place to try and grow a business!
Once I move I will start looking to do more wholesale orders so I can move away from preorders. My biggest dream is to have an actual brick-and-mortar yarn store where I can sell yarn in the front and dye in the back! So we shall see!
Contact Info:
- Email: kt@spoonsinthedirt.com
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MtnLaurelFiberCo?ref=profile_header
- Instagram: @mountainlaurelfiberco
