Makena Drilling has always loved art and admired unique creations made by hand. Whenever she saw a handcrafted plush doll or crocheted masterpiece, it made her feel good to support the artist’s creativity.
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Makena, currently 14, took this love of art and created her own crochet business called Knitts N Knotts. While her Etsy business feeds her passion to make cute things for others, it is also a way for her to save money for college and do something she loves: create.
“I’ve always really loved crafts,” Makena said. “I love to paint, draw and I always thought that knitwork and crocheted work were really cool and it was very intricate. Then I started crocheting and I taught myself off of YouTube tutorials within about a week of summer.”
And if you take a look at her inventory, she is a fast learner and a great study. From cuddly pugs and kittens to a bundle of bumblebees, McKenna can crochet just about anything.
“I wanted to start Knits N Knotts because whenever I would buy one of the crochet items or plushies from someone else it would just make me really happy,” she said. “And I thought it was so cool that it was handmade. And so I thought, ‘Hey, what if I could do this for other people while making some money?'”
She was right. Just looking at some of her work gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling. In fact, she prides herself on making items that make her customers feel good. She’s gotten some fantastic feedback along the way.
“When people receive my crocheted item, they seem so happy and grateful,” Makena said. “They’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is so cute. I can’t believe you did this all by yourself.’ It makes me feel good because I’m making people’s days better.”
Around he holidays, she is very busy and has plenty of orders to fill. Everyone is looking for something different. They might be getting something as a gift or even something for themselves. What she likes the most is seeing people think of others.
Oftentimes people order lookalikes of their pets. For example, someone might get a plushie of their dog, and Makena will make them a little name tag to go with it. The creative possibilities are endless.
Makena encourages anyone who has a passion for a craft or specific interest to pursue it.
“I would say if it’s something you enjoy and you really want to do it, then you should work hard and get good at it,” she said. “And then you should build inventory of it because chances are people will love it and then you can start your business.”
Her advice certainly worked for her! Share this story to congratulate Makena on the success of her business and wish her well.
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