Meet the maker – hook me up
Meet the Maker takes a closer look at independent makers, breakers, dreamers and doers - ones I’m lucky enough to call clients, collaborators and friends, plus a few others which I admire from afar!
Today’s chat is with Sara from Hook Me Up, a creative crochet studio based in Frome. Sara has been crocheting since 2012 and I’m keen to hear more about her practice and how Hook Me Up got going.
First up, what does your business do?
I design and crochet things, mostly cushions shaped like letters.
When did you start your business and how did it come about?
I started crocheting in 2012 shortly after my daughter was born, I’ve always liked to ‘make’ but could never really settle on a craft I loved until crochet.
I enjoy challenging myself and a cushion shaped liked a letter M was one of my first ever projects, I shared my makes on Instagram and friends started to commission me for things and it grew from there.
What made you take the leap into self employment?
I’ve not actually fully leapt! I have three jobs currently; my crochet business; Hook Me Up, I manage the shop at Black Swan Arts in Frome and I also buy TV airtime (adverts) although the TV job is only a few hours a week.
I’m a single mum so it feels too risky to be entirely self-employed at the moment although it is a future plan, lets see how it goes!
What did you do before you started your business?
I worked in advertising for about 15 years, more the business side rather than the creative end. I managed campaigns for record labels, toy companies and charities, my maths and data skills are strong which oddly really helps with crochet, especially when it comes to pattern design.
What does working independently mean to you?
I enjoy not having to answer to anyone else, I get to make what I want and say no if people ask me for things I don't want to make. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia last year so working full time in a stressful environment is currently not an option for me. I'm hoping that managing my own time will help me manage my symptoms and there's a way for me to make a decent living without a stressful career.
It is risky though, I'm the one responsible if things don't work out and if I don't sell things I don't make money.
What advice would you give someone looking to start their own business?
It can be hard to get started especially with a creative endeavour as confidence in your work plays a big part. But it’s amazing how ideas and plans can develop when you start putting them out there so my advice is to go for it.
Have a backup plan so you can take some risks. Don’t work too hard, hustle culture is stupid - no one says you have to make it work quickly, take your time.
I’m also a member of a co working group (Wild Co-working) and the advice I get from them is invaluable, it’s worth finding a little tribe of people with similar goals to bounce ideas off.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given on your journey?
Don’t undersell yourself. My prices are high but that’s because I’m really good at what I do, don’t compare my makes to your nans.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
That there are people out there who love what I do enough to invest in me and my work and that sometimes you have to take some risks and that I'm happier on a lower/more unstable income if it means I have ownership of my own time.
Any regrets?
Not yet! But 2023 is the year I plan on taking the most risks with my business so hopefully no regretful decisions will be made!
Where can people find you?
Mostly Instagram these days, I’m working on a big project currently so watch this space @_hookmeup_
I also run Frome Stitch Club on the first Wednesday of every month. We sit and make and drink and chat together it’s wonderful.
