Introduce yourself and your business.
My name is Nicole Cote and I started my Instagram page crochet.by.cote around a year ago! I’m from Canada , Vancouver Island to be exact. A west coasty for sure! Crochet.by.cote has yet to become a business, but I’m hoping by summer-ish 2020 that I will have an Etsy shop open and some craft fair booths reserved !
How did you launch your business & what made you want to start a small business?
I have yet to launch as a business but that’s the main goal for me! The goal is to get an Etsy shop going and then dive into craft fairs, but for now I’m just doing things through word of mouth! (Good news though ! My mother in law just reserved a space beside her for next year at a craft fair !) I’ve always wanted to have a business of my own; whether it’s small and just brings in a little extra cash or is something I could one day do full time! My father owned a sheet metal fabrication company when I was a child and I think seeing him as the “boss man” really got those gears turning for me.
What are some struggles you had starting your business and how did you over come them?
Since it technically hasn’t started, I haven’t run into any hurdles yet ! There are things I’m concerned and nervous about though! How do I properly do my taxes with the extra cash flow? How am I going to make shipping easy? Am I going to be able to maintain stock while working 40 hours a week? However with such an amazing community online and in my personal life I have no doubt that I will have great help along the way.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
My main and first inspiration was and always will be Daisy Farm Crafts. I remember seeing a blanket pop up on my Pinterest feed and I was hooked (Pun intended and I’m not sorry !) from there! At first it was just that the pictures themselves were clean and clear and just very aesthetically pleasing to me.I was always a crafty kid growing up too, and in combination with my die hard love for all things cozy I think it was just natural for me to fall into the craft. If I could find a way to make my own coziness , I would!
What motivates you as a maker?
my main motivation is if I’m crocheting; I’m calm. I’ve never been one to want to be go go go all the time. I like my quiet “me time” at the end of the day. I will literally count down the last few hours of a shift until I can go home, get the cozy pajamas on and break out whatever project I’m working !
The positive affirmations I’ve gotten have also been HUGE for me. Just like every other maker out there, I have finished pieces or a row that I just can’t get right . But to have someone comment on a photo saying they love it is that little push everyone needs to keep going!
What is a goal you set for yourself as a maker/artist and how did you achieve it?
My main goal right now is to learn to make myself something from scratch! No pattern, I want to do it on my own. I think to design a pattern and share it someday would be amazing! I’ve got a little checklist going of things that I need to be more understanding and confident in before I can get there , like how to properly decrease/increase and where. For the time being, practice makes perfect!
What is your favorite part of being a maker?
The satisfaction of seeing something go from a ball of yarn to a finished piece! Especially when it’s a gift or an order from a friend. Knowing that I made it with my own hands and it’s going to make them smile and be cozy is an amazing feeling. My dad always says “I can’t believe you just looked at a picture, read a few words and that became the product.” when I show him a make. Selfishly, the likes on Instagram and that pat on the back is definitely a favourite part for me. It’s good to feel proud ! Not my favourite part? “Where’d all my money go!” I say as I pull out of the Michaels parking lot, bag of yarn buckled up for safety next to me.
Do you have any tips for new makers/ small business owners?
My tip for a new maker is one I honestly didn’t want to want to acknowledge myself at first ! Your first projects likely won’t be near perfect. You won’t understand certain stitches or terminology. But all of the mistakes you’re making mean you’re learning. The more mistakes you make; the more mistakes that become lessons and new skills!
As for someone starting their Instagram to showcase their craft; don’t be discouraged when you don’t get hundreds of likes and thousands of followers right away! It comes with time, just keep posting those wonderful crafts you’re proud of! There’s an amazing community behind you that will help you grow with time!
What are some hobbies or interests you have outside of your small business?
Napping with my dog. Napping under blankets. Napping while ‘watching’ a movie. I’m not a very exciting person! I do love makeup though it’s taken a bit of back seat since I’ve been leading to crochet! On my days off of work if I’ve got spare time I love to try and bake something new ! Lately it’s been an obsession with cake batter cookies; don’t try it. You won’t stop. I also have a budding love for cars thanks to my mechanic boyfriend
Share a fun fact about yourself.
I’m drawing a blank here for a fun fact! So I’ll just give a little bit about myself: I’m 25, and from Vancouver Island, Canada! I have a rescue dog named Marley and she’s the sweetest bean ever. Strongly dislikes it when I’m crocheting and not giving her my full attention. Vegas is my favourite vacation spot! I’ve been 4 times and will be going again next October !
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