Week 16 Challenge: Magnum aka Glamify! Showcase your best feature, skill or make that brings you the most confidence.
Prize: Tripod + Selfie Advising Session
How to Enter: Post your challenge photo and tag @oneofakate + @knitbrooks, using hashtags #CreativeRootsChallenge + #CreativeRootsWeek16. You have until Monday, December 28th @ 1pm EST!
As this unusual year comes to a close, naturally, we begin to reflect on how we will be better in the new year. 2020 has been brutal on all of us. Let’s not forget our shine. Like in Zoolander, we have more than one look, but you know there’s that one “really, really, really, ridiculously good looking” fierce one. Yeah, that’s the vibe I want you to own.
Hi everyone, I'm Kate! I was born a crafty person, but I never imagined making a career out of it. In 2004, I started college with no friends, no cell phone, and no car. I found entertainment in teaching myself an assortment of things and crochet just happened to be one that stuck. A number of years passed as I graduated & worked various jobs before I became fully yarn-obsessed. One of AKate wasn’t born until 2013 when i also opened an Etsy shop to sell finished makes. In 2017, I decided to start an Instagram dedicated solely to my yarn things with all intentions of blogging. I quickly found a community filled with people like me and found myself testing my first pattern in 2018. I also began designing in the same year.
Last year, I started my YouTube channel & have found even more joy in documenting my yarn journeys. Soon after, I met Lion Brand representatives who expressed interest in collaborating with me. My first kit with them was released last April & my maker life has not been the same since — now, I live a dream that I never really even knew I had.
One of a Kate Q&A
When you first started your maker journey, what was your goal? How has it changed?
Well, I basically just gave the play-by-play; but, truth be told, I can’t say that I ever really had tangible goals. This was always more of a hobby. I’ve been fortunate that I married a man who supports our family, so I can spend so much time yarning. For the first time, I can actually see this forming into a business. It has been a turtle race for me, yet, ohhh so worth it.
What is your favourite inspirational (or creativity-related) quote?
If you follow me, you already know that I have a thing for quotes. Choosing one is hard, but we’ll stick to the theme here: “Confidence. If you have it, you can make anything look good.”—Diane Von Fürstenberg
What is your main creative struggle, and how do you work through it?
I suffer from major FOMO. I want to make all the things, test all the things, design all the things, watch all the things, participate in literally ALL THE THINGS . . . but I am only one person with two hands. It would sure be convenient if i could make with my feet or even have a clone. I spend almost every waking moment making, and it’s hard to separate from it to take care of other life responsibilities. Needless to say, I am still working at finding a balance.
Tell us about a total maker FAIL. What did you learn from it, and how did that failure help you grow?
I have tried that whole Etsy hustle twice and failed both times — like made zero sales. Etsy has won with me. I never got any of those free listing benefits. I learned that selling finished makes is just not my lane.
What do you feel has been your biggest accomplishment?
I cannot confidently say I have reached my biggest accomplishment but I can say that i am proud of my perseverance — that I haven’t quit trying & growing.
What is one goal you’re working towards right now?
I know numbers are not everything, but there are conveniences that come with them. I have tried to avoid comparing my numbers to others, but it’s hard not to wish for certain features like Instagram swipe up ability and YouTube/blog ad revenue. So, I hope to really achieve 10k followers on IG and 1k subscribers on YT in 2021. Outside of the algorithms, I know I play a role in not having already reached these goals. I struggle with procrastination, organization & marketing—all key things that influence a successful business. I’m hoping to implement new strategies & tools to help me overcome these traits that are stunting my growth.
Name three creative people who inspire you, and why? (include IG / site link)
There are sooooo many who i find inspiring but these 3 makers have been idols & basically goals for countless years:
- @kristyglassknits - I consider her the Guiliana Rancic of the yarn community. I have fallen into vlogging hard & dream of this lifestyle.
- @twoofwands - I have watched all the Project Runways & was once obsessed with Victoria Secret & their annual fashion shows (It’s been a dream to design a wings collection.) So….Alexi and her collections with full on vision boards are literal goals. And now she has her own yarn line, too. ::drool:: yaaasss a girl can dream!
- @rohnstrong - I feel like he’s underestimated. He has had longevity in this career & that deserves to be respected.
What is your best piece of advice for someone who has lost their creative mojo?
I would not even know what this is like. I guess my best idea would be to surround yourself with people and things that inspire you. The best things come when you’re not looking for them & when you’re just enjoying life as it is.
Share five fun non-maker-related facts!
- I am a Libra — maybe it can explain everything for me.
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I love real life crime shows but can not do horror movies.
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I’m happy to watch all the bags while everyone rides rollercoasters.
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I can go from rbf to grinning ear-to-ear if you give me some food.
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I actually grew up as a tomboy & would only wear a dress if i could wear my ninja turtle stockings.