Your Host and Keynote Speaker
You’re Not Doing It Wrong — Why Your Crochet Business Feels Harder Than It Should
Hi! I’m Pam, founder of the Crochetpreneur® Business Academy. I’m a psychotherapist turned crochet designer and business coach with a passion for helping fiber artists experience the personal and financial freedom that comes from building a profitable business.
As a creative spirit who built a bustling business doing it exactly my way – with lots of coffee, lots of adventure, and lots of roller coasters – I want to help you do the same in a way that feels perfectly right for you.
I created this summit to help you identify and implement strategies that not only feel good but work well so you can grow your profits more efficiently and turn yarn into money with confidence, purpose, and impact.
Meet Your Amazing Summit Speakers
Comparison, Imposter Syndrome & the Quiet Ways We Self-Sabotage
Courtney Whitehead is a licensed psychologist, crochet educator, and the designer behind Creations by Courtney, where she helps crocheters and other fiber artists turn skills into confidence, clarity, and action. Since 2017, Courtney has self-published over 130 crochet patterns and is known for her approachable instruction on garment fit, gauge, Tunisian crochet, and skill-building techniques.
Blending her psychology background with deep crochet expertise, Courtney is frequently praised for explaining complex concepts with clarity and respect—never talking down, always empowering. She has taught retreats and online classes for the Crochet Guild of America, spoken at industry summits, and created practical calculators and educational tools that help makers solve real-world crochet challenges.
Through her teaching, Courtney focuses on practical, confidence-building shifts that help fiber artists move from overthinking to intentional action while fostering a supportive, community-first learning experience.
Tech Without Tears: The 5 Tools You Actually Need (and the Ones You Don’t)
Erin Toews is the creator behind Juniper & Oakes, a crochet-focused business spanning pattern design, education, content creation, and digital products. Erin has built a six-figure business by simplifying her systems, making intentional decisions about the tools she uses, and letting go of complexity that didn’t serve her or her season of life.
She is best known for her expertise in overlay mosaic crochet, her educational YouTube channel, and for hosting large-scale online events such as the Mosaic Crochet Summit and multiple crochet-alongs. Erin teaches from lived experience – sharing what she actually uses in her business, what she’s stopped using, and how clarity and simplification have helped her create steady momentum.
When she’s not working, Erin can usually be found crocheting with a cup of hot tea, hiking, or managing the joyful chaos of life with her husband and three kids.
From Hobbyist to CEO: Think Like a Pro
Edie creates confident crafters! She does this by designing patterns, blogging, coaching and teaching virtual classes to help crocheters and knitters learn the techniques they need to problem-solve and think for themselves. And through tech editing and professional instruction, she helps designers learn the skills they need to provide clear, correct, concise and consistent patterns.
You may be familiar with her best-selling crochet books, including Around the Corner Crochet Borders and The Crochet Answer Book. And her decades of experience in the yarn industry means she has performed many roles and has a ton of knowledge to pass along!
Working With Constraints: Teaching Crochet With Limited Time, Tools, and Materials
Elizabeth Okeyele-Olatunji is a craft educator, writer, and the Chief Imagination Officer of Tunnizze Creation, where she focuses on passing needlecraft skills to the younger generation. She works with children, educators, and community groups to use knitting, crochet and other fiber arts as tools for creativity, learning, healing, and confidence-building.
With years of hands-on experience teaching in schools and community settings, Elizabeth bridges traditional craft knowledge with imaginative, child-centred pedagogy. She is the author of several craft books and articles and regularly speaks on craft as education, wellbeing, and cultural continuity.
She learned to knit as a child using broomsticks, an early experience that still shapes her belief that imagination—not perfect tools—is the true starting point of making.
The Biggest Mistakes I Made — and Why They Were Necessary
Twinkie Chan is a San-Francisco based crochet artist known for her fun, food-themed accessories like cupcake scarves, cheeseburger mitts, and slushee cup purses. She has published two crochet books and launched a licensed apparel and accessories brand called Yummy You!
Some of the companies that Twinkie has collaborated with include Michaels, JO-ANN, Lion Brand Yarn, Lily Sugar n Cream, Craft Yarn Council, Sesame Workshop, Disney+, and Sanrio.
She has taught at Craftcation, Vogue Knitting Live, and was a keynote speaker at Midwest Craft Con and Camp ThunderCraft. Whether addressing an auditorium of people or messaging just one person on Instagram, she has always enjoyed supporting other crochet artists on their journeys and prioritizes transparency and honesty about her own, both the ups and the downs (there are downs!).
When she’s not creating deliciously whimsical creations, Twinkie is a full-time artist coach, instructor, and content producer at Creativebug.com.
Choosing the Right Business Model for You – Not the Internet
Ashlee Brotzell (BA’08 Psychology) accidentally became a crochet designer in 2020 while searching for some me-time in motherhood after the birth of her third child. What started as a personal creative outlet turned into a lifeline for her family through a tumultuous period of major life-changes.
Starting a business without a business plan may not be the ‘right’ way to do it, but Ashlee has managed to support her family financially while also raising and homeschooling three young children.
Although her focus is on creating whimsical, colorwork patterns for crocheters, she also has a soft-spot for entrepreneurs who are struggling to find their place in this wide and varied community of craft-as-a-business.
What I Wish I’d Known When I Started My Crochet Business
MadameStitch is the creative home of crochet designer and tech editor Debbie Field. Debbie’s designs are inspired by and often include the timeless granny square. At the heart of MadameStitch is a simple philosophy: crochet should feel as good to make as it does to use.
Before MadameStitch, Debbie spent years as a professional classical soprano, performing in concert and on the stage. She was also an accomplished voice teacher and choral conductor. It’s that spirit of education that now drives much of her crochet work.
Debbie is looking forward to the release of her first book – Granny & Me: College Edition – at the end of March.
When she’s not designing, Debbie enjoys life with her family and her dog, Daisy. She loves spending her time reading, hiking, playing board games, and, of course, crocheting the hours away.
The Moment I Stopped Treating My Business Like a Hobby
Jayresa Sass is a crochet business coach, educator, and creative entrepreneur who helps fiber artists build sustainable income beyond handmade sales. As the founder of Crochepeutic, she teaches crocheters how to monetize their skills through digital products, affiliate marketing, grants, and ethical business strategies without sacrificing creativity or well-being.
With over a decade of entrepreneurial experience and a background in curriculum development and community leadership, Jayresa has facilitated workshops and programs in schools, nonprofit spaces, and correctional facilities. Her approach blends practical business education with structure that supports creativity and long-term growth.
When she’s not teaching or crocheting, Jayresa is a mom, avid reader, and lifelong creative who believes crochet can be both a healing art and a powerful tool for economic freedom.
Fearless Visibility: How Showing up Authentically Pays Off – Literally
Chantal is the potty-mouthed, purple-haired knitwear designer behind Knitatude and author of “Sweater Success: From Cast-on to Closet, Learn to Fearlessly Knit Pullovers & Cardigans”.
Known for her beginner-friendly, modern, mindless knits, you can find her on socials under Knitatude, where she’s amassed over 340K followers simply by being herself.
You can find her patterns on Ravelry & knitatude.ca.
Why Doing More Wasn’t The Answer (And When To Say ‘No’ To Opportunity)
Kati Brown is the heart and mind behind Hooked by Kati.
With thousands of patterns sold around the world, she prides herself in creating innovative, easy-to-follow amigurumi patterns. Kati is now using her experience to empower fellow crochet artists in her Next-Level Amigurumi Design course, urging ami enthusiasts to unleash their creativity with yarn.
When she’s not crocheting dragons or teaching design, Kati can be found costuming for charity with the Rebel Legion or playing agility with her dogs, Dash and Deke.
Dvorah Lansky, M.Ed., is an author, lifelong crocheter, and content creation specialist with decades of experience crafting high-quality printable and digital products.
As the owner of Yarn Arts Press, she equips crocheters, whether they crochet for fun, gifting, or business, with thoughtfully designed templates, tools, and training.
Her offerings include digital crochet pattern organizers, printable and digital planners, project and material trackers, product enclosures, branding tools, and marketing resources.
Dvorah’s mission is to help crocheters elevate their creations and enrich their creative journey.
Email Lists: Necessary Evil or Business Backbone?
Moogly is world-famous for fresh. modern, and approachable crochet designs – as well as a little knitting and crafting! On Moogly you’ll find over 600 free crochet patterns, right and left-handed video tutorials, giveaways, and more.
Designer and crochet instructor Tamara Kelly is the author of Quick Crochet for the Home, and a leading industry expert.
Pick a Lane: Deciding the Role YouTube Should Play in Your Crochet Business
Elise is the creator behind Elise Rose Crochet, a YouTube focused crochet business built around education, honesty, and community. With an audience of over 350,000 subscribers, Elise has grown her business by deeply understanding how YouTube shapes content strategy, audience expectations, and sustainable income for crochet business owners.
Her channel focuses on yarn reviews, tool testing, industry conversations, and thoughtful discussions about the realities of building a creative business online. While content creation is at the heart of her work, Elise’s love for crochet runs deep, and she also designs occasional amigurumi patterns as a creative outlet alongside her YouTube work.
Elise is a mother of four grown children, a devoted cat mom to two, and a strong advocate for clarity over hustle when it comes to building a business that supports both creativity and real life.
Create Once, Post Everywhere: Using Automation to Simplify Social Media for Crochet Businesses
Courtney is a Canadian, size inclusive crochet garment designer who started her crochet business, Tinderbox, in 2013.
As a business owner she recognizes the constant need for adaptation and she is passionate about inspiring and education other business owners to utilize social media and technology to expand their business reach & revenue!
The Tech of Teaching: Get Set Up for Success and Start Teaching Crochet Online
Eleonora is a crochet pattern designer, educator, and the founder of Elendipity, a creative education platform dedicated to helping crocheters learn, create, and confidently teach. Based in London and originally from Milan, she has been teaching crochet both in-person and online since 2018, working with complete beginners through to aspiring crochet teachers.
Eleonora specialises in creating clear, beginner-friendly learning experiences, with a strong focus on accessible teaching methods and practical setups that don’t require advanced technical skills. Through workshops, structured online courses, and her crochet subscription platform, she helps makers turn their passion for crochet into well-organised, engaging classes.
When she’s not teaching or designing patterns, you’ll likely find her testing new teaching setups, planning future courses – or being interrupted by one of her two curious cats during filming.
Stay in the Game: How Real Crochet Businesses Grow Without Going Viral
Allie is a crochet designer and educator with over 15 years of crochet experience and more than a decade spent designing patterns for the modern maker.
As a stay-at-home mom to four young children, she understands firsthand what it means to balance creativity, family life, and the steady growth of a business. Her designs are often inspired by the rhythms of motherhood and real life, and her approach to business is grounded, sustainable, and refreshingly honest.
Allie has worked with well-known publications such as Happily Hooked and Mollie Makes, as well as brands including Crafter and Hobbii. In her talk, Stay in the Game – How Real Crochet Businesses Grow Without Going Viral, she shares practical insights on building longevity, consistency, and success without chasing trends or overnight fame.
Hosting CALs for Consistent Income: Turning Community into Revenue
Arunima is the designer and creator behind KnitterKnotter, where she shares her love for Tunisian crochet through thoughtful, skill-building patterns designed to help makers grow their confidence and skills. Originally from India and now based in Australia, she enjoys creating timeless blanket designs and exploring new and interesting crochet techniques.
She hosts year-long Crochet-Alongs that bring makers together from around the world to learn at a comfortable pace, connect with one another, and create meaningful projects they can be proud of.
Does Your Etsy Shop Actually Need a Website?’
Lisa M Fox is the creative force and passionate designer behind Green Fox Farms Designs. Lisa has been crocheting and designing patterns since 2010. She specializes in designing amigurumi, crochet home decor, and storage patterns for guys, geeks and gamers. In her Etsy shop, she offers quirky and fun merchandise created for crocheters and knitters.
As a Success Coach for Crochetpreneur Business Academy, she educates and fosters connections within the crochet community. Lisa also shares her crochet expertise through free patterns, tutorials, and other crochet content on her blog.
When she’s not crocheting, Lisa spends her time gardening, reading fantasy novels, and playing tabletop games with her family. She and her husband live with their 5 children and 3 cats in central Minnesota.
Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook: Which Platform Is Actually Worth Your Time?
Nicole Riley is the owner and designer of Nicki’s Homemade Crafts. She is known for her easy-to-understand functional crochet patterns and tutorials as well as crochet tips. She is the author of 39 best-selling crochet ebooks.
She is also well-known for her ever-popular crochet membership known as “The Crochet Club” which helps crocheters looking to take their skills to the next level. Many designers know her as the “Bundle Queen” due to the growing popularity of her bi-monthly crochet pattern bundles, where she features crochet designers and their patterns from around the world since early 2020, helping designers to grow their businesses and monetize their creations.
How Niching Down Made my Crochet Business Stronger (Not Smaller)
I’m Nichola, the designer behind Elimee Designs, where I create crochet blanket patterns with a strong focus on mosaic crochet. My work is rooted in slow, thoughtful making, helping crocheters create blankets that feel as good to make as they do to use.
For a long time, I thought I already had a niche — but it wasn’t until I looked closely at both what I enjoyed most and what was actually bringing in revenue that things clicked. By niching down in stages, first to blankets and then to mosaic blankets, I built a business that feels more aligned, sustainable, and creatively satisfying.
Today, I design beginner-friendly mosaic blanket patterns, host crochet-alongs, and enjoy taking part in collaborative projects within the crochet design community.
Building a Business that Gives You Your Life Back
Tonya Bush of Nana’s Crafty Home is a successful crochet entrepreneur and designer who launched her design blog and crochet business in 2017, growing it into a six-figure income through strategic pattern sales, content creation, and community building. Early on, she experienced the common pitfalls of relentless hustle—burnout and strained family time—while chasing growth at all costs. By shifting her focus to prioritizing high-impact “needle-moving” tasks, implementing boundaries, and reclaiming balance, she rediscovered joy in her business, celebrated milestones meaningfully, and became more present in her personal life.
Today, through her summit topic “Building a Business that Gives You Your Life Back,” she shares practical insights on sustainable entrepreneurship, helping others in crochet and crafting avoid burnout and set meaningful and achievable goals that support a vibrant family life and long-term happiness.
Alysha Littlejohn is the founder of Littlejohn’s Yarn, a crochet pattern designer and YouTuber. She’s best known for designing beginner-friendly patterns that crocheters can actually finish and use. She also teaches crocheters how to make money online through her Crochet Influencer Academy course, based on her real-world experience building a crochet-focused brand.
Her work focuses on making pattern creation feel straightforward and approachable. When she’s not crocheting or filming, Alysha enjoys experimenting with new stitches and relaxing with a good yarn haul.
Sponsored by Crochetpreneur Business Academy