Just Hooking

My name is Danielle and I am originally from Massachusetts. However I have been living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for over 5 years now, going to school and working. I am in my last year (finally) of Architecture school at Temple University. When I am not at school or one of my jobs, I spend most of my free time crocheting with my little Yorkie puppy, named Osmosis. I love teaching people how to crochet and sharing my Youtube taught skills with my friends and family!

I chose the name justHOOKing because I wanted a shop name that was funny, yet had meaning to my craft. Crocheting is done with a single hook that you use to loop the yarn through itself many times to create all kinds of cool and complex things. Still makes all my friends laugh that I have a little business called justHOOKing J

I started my business because I had a lot of friends that wanted my crocheted baby products that I was making. Then one of my co-workers that sells purses on Etsy (liliglow) got me “hooked” and it’s been Esty night and day ever since!

The five things I want people to think when they see my products are:

• 1. I need that J
• 2. How fun!
• 3. How creative.
• 4. To realize the time it takes for each piece to be made, even a 5 dollar piece can take hours.
• 5. How can I make it my own? I love making custom orders and creating new things!

My supply addiction is definitely buttons! I have so many buttons I am constantly buying!

When I am not crocheting I am usually making architectural models or writing papers. If I get time when I am not doing either I like to surround myself with friends and give my boyfriend the attention he deserves. I lead a very very busy life, so it is amazing to just sit down put on a movie and relax with my puppy and boyfriend.

Right now I am obsessed with my Infinity Chain Scarves! I love making them and decorating them with bows and flowers.

The amazing thing about crocheting is that it is relaxing and I truly enjoy it, so it does not keep too much motivation to keep up with orders. (usually just lots of caffeine)

Advice:
Promotion Promotion Promotion! I have some friends who have recently started shops and I have noticed only the ones who are actively promoting themselves on Etsy and Facebook and such are the ones thriving. Its hard to start a new shop on Etsy because there is already so many people selling everything. Without getting your name out there by joining teams, making friends, making treasuries, creating a FB page, it is really hard to get noticed among the crowd. This does not mean you have to spend all kinds of money on ads either. I have yet to pay for advertising (minus a few BNRs) and I have been growing. It just takes a lot of time and persistence.


You can find me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/JustHOOKing/291226720897773