Etsy Success Story: From Crochet Hats to Online Business Boom!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Starting the Handmaking Business
- Balancing Business and Personal Challenges
- The Golden Globe Opportunity
- Meeting Viola Davis and Other Stars
- Gaining Media Attention
- Expanding the Business
- Leaving the Full-time Job
- Present Day Success
- Conclusion
Starting a Handmaking Business: A Journey of Passion and Perseverance
Welcome to the inspiring story of Karen Valeria Miguel, the owner and founder of Canada Bliss Hats and Accessories. In this article, we will dive into Karen's journey of turning her hobbies and crafts into a successful business. From humble beginnings to international recognition, Karen's story is a testament to the power of following one's passion and overcoming challenges along the way.
1. Introduction
Karen Valeria Miguel introduces herself as the owner and founder of Canada Bliss Hats and Accessories. She expresses her excitement about connecting with her audience on YouTube, as it has always been her dream to share her experiences and insights through blogging.
2. Starting the Handmaking Business
Karen takes us back to the early days of her handmaking business. She shares how her mother taught her how to crochet as a kid, which sparked her love for crafting. Throughout her life, Karen cultivated her skills and crafted items for herself, her family, and eventually started selling her creations on platforms like Etsy.
3. Balancing Business and Personal Challenges
Karen reflects on the challenges she faced while growing her business. She opens up about her husband's diagnosis with a cancerous skull base tumor, which coincided with her business gaining momentum. She discusses how crocheting became therapeutic for her during this time, providing solace during countless hours spent in waiting rooms and hospitals.
4. The Golden Globe Opportunity
Despite the personal hardships she was facing, fate presented Karen with a life-changing opportunity. She was approached by a production company to bring a hundred of her handmade hats to an award show luxury lounge for the Golden Globe Awards. Initially hesitant due to her husband's condition, she ultimately decided to seize the opportunity.
5. Meeting Viola Davis and Other Stars
At the Golden Globes, Karen had the chance to meet and interact with A-list celebrities. She shares anecdotes of meeting the talented Viola Davis and her husband, who showed interest in her hats. Karen's hats became an overnight sensation when Viola Davis wore one of them on the red carpet of the Sundance Film Festival.
6. Gaining Media Attention
The buzz around Karen's handmade hats grew rapidly, garnering attention from various media outlets. She talks about being featured in the Toronto Star fashion section, appearing on Canada AM, and countless other news circuits. Karen admits that the widespread media coverage became overwhelming, but she savored every moment of the exciting experience.
7. Expanding the Business
As demand for her hats increased, Karen started venturing into wholesale. She proudly shares the milestones of having her products stocked in various boutiques across Canada and being featured on the Shopping Channel. Karen's business continued to flourish, allowing her to pursue her passion full-time.
8. Leaving the Full-time Job
Driven by her growing success, Karen made the bold decision to leave her full-time job in human resources and focus solely on her handmaking business. She hasn't looked back since, dedicating herself to creating unique, high-quality hats and accessories.
9. Present Day Success
Karen reflects on her journey thus far and expresses gratitude for the opportunities she has had. She talks about participating in the One of a Kind Show in Toronto and having her products available seasonally. Karen also mentions her continued growth and success in the industry.
10. Conclusion
In conclusion, Karen Valeria Miguel's story is one of passion, resilience, and creativity. From starting as a hobbyist to becoming a renowned handmade business owner, Karen's journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs. Through her dedication and unwavering belief in her craft, she has transformed her passion into a thriving business that continues to touch the lives of many.
Highlights
- Karen Valeria Miguel, owner and founder of Canada Bliss Hats and Accessories, shares her inspiring journey of turning her hobbies into a successful business.
- Despite personal challenges, Karen seized the opportunity to bring her handmade hats to the Golden Globe Awards, gaining recognition from A-list celebrities.
- Karen's business gained widespread media attention after celebrities like Viola Davis wore her hats, leading to various features and appearances.
- With the business expanding, Karen left her full-time job in human resources to focus on her passion and craft full-time.
- Today, Karen's handmade hats and accessories can be found in boutiques across Canada, on the Shopping Channel, and at the renowned One of a Kind Show in Toronto.
FAQ
Q: How did Karen Valeria Miguel start her handmaking business?
A: Karen Valeria Miguel's journey began with her mother teaching her how to crochet as a child. Over time, she honed her skills and started selling her creations on platforms like Etsy.
Q: What was the Golden Globe opportunity that Karen Valeria Miguel had?
A: Karen was approached by a production company to bring a hundred of her handmade hats to an award show luxury lounge for the Golden Globe Awards. This opportunity catapulted her business into the spotlight.
Q: Which celebrities did Karen Valeria Miguel meet at the Golden Globes?
A: Karen had the pleasure of meeting various celebrities at the Golden Globes, including Viola Davis and her husband, who showed genuine interest in her hats.
Q: How did Karen Valeria Miguel's business gain media attention?
A: Karen's handmade hats gained widespread media attention after being featured in the Toronto Star fashion section, appearing on Canada AM, and being picked up by numerous news outlets.
Q: Why did Karen Valeria Miguel decide to leave her full-time job?
A: With her handmade business thriving and demand increasing, Karen made the bold decision to leave her full-time job in human resources to focus on her craft full-time.
Q: Where can one find Karen Valeria Miguel's handmade hats and accessories?
A: Karen's hats and accessories can be found in various boutiques across Canada, on the Shopping Channel, and at the esteemed One of a Kind Show in Toronto.