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How did you decide on your shop name? Why did you start your business?
Our shop is called Hooks of Hope because when you purchase a “hook” (what we like to call our crocheted creations) from us you are not only buying yourself something beautiful, you are giving a portion of what you pay to charity. When we developed our shop , giving back was something very important to us. We want our talents to be used for so much more than just making a profit. Hopefully, in this small way we can do just that. Currently, we are contributing 15% of each item’s purchase price to the nonprofit organization, Postpartum Support International. Each year we will focus on a different charity; however, this year (our first year as a shop!) we chose Postpartum Support International because it is a cause near and dear to our hearts. I suffered from postpartum depression after the birth of my first son and it was awful! It is our hope that by giving even just a small amount we will be making a difference in the lives of others going through the same or similar situations.
When did you start "hooking"?
Mom started “hooking” about 25 years ago but didn’t get serious about it until about 10 years later. As for me, I began crocheting as a little girl and then became addicted to it during my first pregnancy. My boys have the blankets to prove it! :)
Where do you crochet? What would you love to add to your crafting space?
Mom and I both crochet primarily in our own living rooms, however, crocheting is a pretty portable craft that you can do just about anywhere! Both of us have been found crocheting in our vehicles on long (and short!) trips and when watching movies that aren’t that interesting. At my house we are currently renovating our home office and I would LOVE to designate a little section of that to become my “Hooks of Hope” workshop. It still has a ways to go.
What or who inspires you?Our inspiration comes from a wide variety of sources! Actually, it is amazing how many things can inspire you once you begin looking! Our biggest inspirations of late have probably been nature, the change of seasons, my boys, my boys clothes, and local fairs and events that we have attended. For example, our family vacation inspired the Beach Bum Handy Hooks Mini Deluxe Collection and mom was inspired by the changing seasons when she developed the Pumpkin Pie Handy Hooks Mini Deluxe Collection.
Do you have a day job?
Besides being the ladies behind the hooks, mom and I both have a lot going on in our lives. Mom has been a stay-at-home mom/homemaker for the past 25 years and volunteers much of her time at church and as a paraprofessional. I too am primarily a stay-at-home mom/homemaker and have been for the last 2 ½ years. My two little boys, Eli (2 ½) and Ben (11 months), keep me very busy, but I love every second of it. I am also a grad student at Central Michigan University where I am getting my MS in Nutrition and Dietetics. On September 8th I actually begin my dietetic internship there and, in 8 months, will officially be ready to take the exam that will make me a Registered Dietitian. Yay!
What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
Mom enjoys making the Tagalong Hooks (our purses) the most. In fact, she makes all of the purses! That is not my gift! :) I enjoy making everything else you find in our shop; however, my favorite probably has to be the Handy Hooks Collections (our wash clothes coming in sets of 3 and 5). These are so much fun because color choices are endless, they are functional in a wide variety of situations, and they are so much fun to name!
