Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Ibarra.
Hi Stephanie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I began crocheting when I was 11 years old when my mother taught me a couple of basic stitches. I started off making super simple items until YouTube came out and then I was able to learn so much more about all of the different styles and types of crochet. For years I crocheted gifts and personal items, even though all of my friends and family told me I should start a business. Fear of the unknown always held me back from opening an Etsy shop and selling my handmade goods.
It wasn’t until I became a mother that I decided to start my handmade business by opening an Etsy shop; and it wasn’t until I became a part of a wonderful online community of other makers that I realized my passion for pattern design.
So, now here I am- wife to my best friend, mother of three toddlers; crocheting orders late into the night, living on coffee & leftover chicken nuggets, and designing and writing patterns on my cheap little laptop… and I’ve never been happier in all my life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would say it has been relatively smooth. However, I tend to get in my own way sometimes. You would think that running my own micro biz would mean it’s stress-free because I’m my own boss… turns out I am a terrible boss. I have a hard time not getting ahead of myself and tend to stress over deadlines. I really have learned so much through all of this, mainly how to prioritize my time and give myself grace. It has been fascinating learning these deep aspects about myself that I would have never known had I not taken that first leap into the unknown.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an avid crocheter and newborn pattern designer. I am known for creating aesthetically pleasing color scapes and designing patterns for the modern crocheter. I am very proud of my ability to see trends before they start to come up & I feel I have an eye for appealing crochet designs. If you ask anyone of my friends or family, they would probably tell you I am a very relatable and understanding person. It’s so odd to say that about myself, but I know it’s true. I deeply love learning about other people and getting an understanding of who they are and where they come from. Oddly enough, I believe that translates to a natural awareness of easily appealing beauty; things that are indisputably beautiful. I feel that the more anyone steps out of themselves and sees the world through others’ perceptions, the better you will be at whatever work you do; especially creative work.
How do you think about happiness?
Peace. Peace in my home brings peace to my soul. I haven’t always had the most functional background (who really does?) and I think that finding peace through healthy relationships has given way to a beacon of creativity that has always been there but was somewhat stifled by dysfunction.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/EatPrayandCrochet
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eat.pray.and.crochet/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/EatPrayandCrochet/
Image Credits
Stephanie Ibarra
