Ready, Set...2015

2014 was an incredible year for Simply Hooked. I can't even count the number of forward steps it took; truly more than I could have ever asked for. My overarching goal was to perfect my product and increase my visibility, check and check. Perhaps only I would notice this, but a crocheted hippo today looks far better than it did a year ago. Practice, practice, practice. 

• The doors that social media opened were incredible. Seriously, I don't know how my business would've existed just 10 years ago. My Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram following grew greatly; and along with it, sales (the ultimate goal!) I finally created a website, can't do without. 
• I started a quarterly newsletter, The Simply Hooked Times, if you haven't signed up, please do! Next edition comes out in a couple of weeks. 
• I finally took the time to write three patterns, I have SO many more to go; I would love to publish a book of original patterns one day. I'll get there...
  
• The peak of 2014 had to be in June, when none other than Hank the Hippo showed his adorable face in THE Times Square! Story here... I'll never forget that moment sitting in front of my computer for two hours, until finally, there he was! Many thanks to Michaels for featuring him! 
• The fall came with it time to experiment. I finally sat down and made all of the little things I'd been daydreaming about for two years. I experimented with magnets, mini penguins, pumpkins, reindeer/snowman, flowers, breast cancer awareness ribbons, can koozies, dishcloths, coffee cup sleeves, christmas ornaments, sea creatures, blankets...the list goes on.
• I got the craft show bug. I've been thinking about it for two years, but never thought I was quite ready for it. But now...I'm ready! The craft show booth requirements are a bit pricey, so it took a couple months of dragging to finally purchase everything I would need to pursue this. Everything is here, I've practiced putting it together and now I'm filling out applications to make it happen. Wish me luck! 
• Perfecting the Simply Hooked Home Collection. Small products, but SO tedious! I finally chose 5 staple colors and created 4 separate products featuring them. This will be ongoing, as kitchen products are endless. But no problem here, I can't wait to see it all put together! 
• On Christmas Eve, I got the best gift ever, from a stranger. A marketing company called Whizkins discovered my work on Twitter and wrote a feature article! One of the coolest things...ever. The fact that someone took the time to look at my website in depth enough to write an entire article with such kind words about my business, made my heart skip a beat. 
• And lastly, my 2015 resolution. In an effort to expand my business and feature new products, I've decided to buy a spinning wheel and start spinning my own yarn. Crazy, right? I don't even remember how I came across this, but it's fascinating. Spinning wheels still exist! I had no idea. Once I found out, I was hooked. People make the most beautiful yarns I've ever seen. If you are a fellow crochet/knitting addict, you understand my love for yarn. All of the different fibers and colors, oh the possibilities are endless. My wheel arrives next week, no doubt I'll keep you updated on that learning process!