Today we’d like to introduce you to Katharine Marino.
Katharine, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
For as long as I can remember I’ve been into making and creating things, as a child I fondly remember many trips to the craft store with my mom and trying out different crafts. I dabbled in making friendship bracelets and jewelry as a teenager, along with taking art and photography classes in high school. I lost my way creatively for a few years and when I became a new and stay at home mom, my creativity started to blossom once again. I found my way into modern brush lettering, calligraphy and watercolor painting, but none of those seemed to stick until I decided to try crochet as a friend of mine suggested.
I began crochet in April of 2019, and I was instantly ‘hooked’, I couldn’t get enough and was enjoying making all of the things. Shortly after, I opened my Etsy shop and had a few orders (mainly from close friends and family), I decided to ask to participate in a Makers Market at a local brewery which my family and I frequent. I spent two weeks prepping and making as much inventory as I could since I hadn’t planned on doing any markets this holiday season. The Makers Market was a huge success for me and such a thrill. Seeing people love the items that I made with my own two hands was and still is the best feeling in the world, its a rush.
From there I agreed to participate in another market the following weekend which was equally fun and successful, it was after these two markets that I knew this was something I could continue to do and get enjoyment out of it. I spend time every day crocheting and have even started teaching myself to knit. Making things with yarn and turning them into items that will be used and treasured is truly the most fun and rewarding hobby, and now business that I never knew I would end up starting. I’ve seen an increase in my Etsy shop sales as well as special orders from brand new clients all over the U.S., and I can’t wait to see what this next year brings for me and my little handmade business.
Has it been a smooth road?
I wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road, there have been difficulties along the way, and growing pains that come with starting a handmade business. Having a young child at home doesn’t always allow for a working and creative environment and I am a mom first. It comes with many late nights, headaches, lost stitch counts in a pattern, having to remake an item I’ve spent hours working on, among many, many other issues. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the struggles and lessons I’ve learned along the way, and I’m sure there are more to come as my business grows.
Please tell us about your business.
Hooked by Kd is a small one woman handmade business that specializes in crocheted items for the family. I especially love to make hats, scarves, earrings, clothing and accessories. I am most proud of how quickly I learned to crochet and that I’ve been able to grow my business while spending time at home with my family. I believe what sets me apart from others is the care and time I put into each item I make. If that item is not up to my standards and is not something I would like or wear, I scrap it and start over. I believe I am extremely resilient and my ability to be a self starter has helped my business to take off.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I grew up in a small town in New Jersey, just outside of Philadelphia and moved to sunny San Diego, Ca in 2013 for a promotion for my job as an Account Coordinator with a cosmetics company. Though I thoroughly enjoy working in the makeup and skincare world, when I became a new mom it was hard to balance both, and now I work as a freelance makeup artist when I’m not crocheting.
I love so much about San Diego, from the weather to the beautiful beaches and the variety of cultures. Had I never moved to San Diego seven years ago I do not think this is where I would be with my life or with having my own business. San Diego is amazing and I am so happy I get to call it home.
Pricing:
- Prices range from $15-$60
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HookedbykdCreations?ref=search_shop_redirect
- Phone: 609-668-3676
- Email: Hookedbykd@yahoo.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/hookedbykd
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hookedbykd/
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