Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Maison.
Hi Kim, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Well, my mom taught me the basic crochet stitches somewhere around 2010. Fast forward a bit, my family (husband and one kiddo at the time) and I moved to Southwest Virginia from Hawaii in early 2019. We were super excited to chase a vision for a life full of space, nature, fresh air, and core family memories that we knew this area had to offer. I had already been crocheting for about 10 years when we moved, but joining the Appalachian region and seeing the incredible support and culture surrounding local artisans of all kinds in this area really inspired me to keep honing my craft. A good friend encouraged me to join a local makers market in Jonesborough, TN as my first event and despite the massive imposter syndrome, I did it and loved every second of the experience! In the years since, our family and farm have both grown (now two kiddos, chickens, bunnies, pigs, brief stints with bees and sheep). I feel like time has also brought the growth and evolution of my craft as well. I continue to be a vendor at several markets around the region every year, and also have items for sale in two brick and mortar shops that highlight local artisans and makers, both in Abingdon, VA, and Jonesborough TN. The items that I offer tend to evolve over time but remain inspired by a slow, cozy life in the mountains.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest challenge by far is balancing this creative endeavor with all the other facets of life. I have a day job as a wildlife biologist and I’m a Mom of two small kiddos. I’m lucky and grateful to have a super wonderful and supportive husband, but the daily chores, mother’s mental load, limited time thanks to working full time, etc. definitely pose large obstacles to unleashing all the creative energy and ideas I constantly feel building up inside my soul. There’s also the guilt factor; “Mom-guilt” is so real and ever present! As much as I truly love doing markets and meeting customers, helping them pick out the perfect new heirloom or item for their home, and hearing their own stories about crochet and the nostalgia it brings them, every single time there is a big part of me that feels like I am taking a whole day of the weekend away from hanging out with my babies, who won’t be babies forever. So it’s a hard balance. But I try to remember how important it is for them to see me doing something I love, something I am good at and confident in, something that brings me great joy because I want them to pursue things for themselves that provide all of that in their lives.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a crochet artist. Which sometimes doesn’t feel unique these days as the craft has seen a huge re-emergence in popularity in the last several years. On one hand, the increased popularity of crochet warms my heart so very much because I love to see so many others discovering the same love and joy that I have for this ancient artform. On the other hand, it certainly makes it challenging to stand out and build a unique brand. But I like to see it as just that, a challenge. To keep elevating, keep evolving, in order to stand out. I started off making mostly functional items like home goods including coasters, trivets, drink cozies, hanging baskets, etc. I’ve expanded to include accessories like jewelry, hats and scarves, baby items like booties and small blankets, and most recently my focus has turned to stuffed toys and lovey/snuggler type items for babies and children. This is maybe the most popular category among the growing number of new crochet artists in the last few years, upping the challenge to stand out and show originality. I use many patterns designed and created by other fiber artists but do my best to put a unique spin on finished items, whether that be in color choices, face embroidery details, or simply the curation of a unique and cohesive collection of individual items on offer.
Most recently, I have been inspired by a specific line of doll patterns from a fellow crochet artist to try my own hand at pattern design. I’ve been working on patterns for clothing and accessories for the dolls and it has unlocked something in me that has been really fun to explore! I plan to further explore pattern design to expand my craft and business into this new element. At my most recent market, I offered an interactive experience for customers called the “Build-A-Bestie Boutique” where they could choose a doll and then choose clothing and accessories to build their own custom, entirely handmade new friend and it was SO FUN to watch. I plan to continue that, probably with some tweaks, but definitely with an expanded selection of clothing and accessory options, especially seasonally (think Halloween costumes and Christmas jammies!). I’m most proud of this recent work as it continues to grow my originality and bring me to a new level beyond “maker” to “designer.”
How do you define success?
Oh that’s a tough one! There are so many ways to define success. For me, I think about it two different ways. First, I’m genuinely trying to run a business, so on some level, making more dollars than I spend is an important measure of “success” if I want to be a legitimate business. On the other hand, I am lucky enough to not rely on my creative business for primary income. In that sense, success feels more like joy, balance, positive feedback, bringing OTHERS joy, and pride, confidence, and growth in my work.
Pricing:
- Things that go into handmade pricing include:
- Materials, packaging, marketing, display items
- Vendor fees, rent, commission, gas mileage
- Time: to design, to make, to market, to sell
- Practice, training, experience
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilma.and.lottie
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wilmaandlottie
