Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Lynn.
Hi Jessica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Right after I had my son, I started my macrame journey in 2018. I needed something therapeutic, so why not learn a new craft? I knew I’d be an artist but wasn’t sure what kind of artist. I’ve always had an art class in high school, went to college for business and marketing, did an apprenticeship at a local tattoo shop in Ventura, CA, and went to Paul Mitchell Santa Barbara for cosmetology. I became a color specialist and makeup artist for many years. So Art has always been a passion. Macrame was just a craft but quickly became a small business and flourished years later.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As One Knotty Maker was becoming a business at the peak of when it started to come back as a trend, it had been smooth sailing and somewhat still is. The only struggle, I’d say, was finding the right material I wanted to work with. So I tried so many types of macrame cord that I’ve found my top 2 favorites. Balance is key. I usually will get super swamped during the holiday season, so keeping track of multiple workshops, custom orders, and all the markets you don’t have time have any hiccups. Planners are your number one friend.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Oh boy! I do many things. When I taught myself macrame, I owned an eco-friendly juice bar that allowed me also to have my macrame products in the shop. I sold Fresh Press right before covid happened, and 8 months later, I opened another storefront called Green Haven. Green Haven is an eco-friendly refillery with many different products. Also, allowing my macrame to be in my shop was a plus, as teaching workshops! I also own another shop in Jacksonville called The Peachy Nest. The Peachy Nest is a home decor store where you can find fun, unusual things you won’t usually find anywhere else in town. I wanted to create a home for One Knotty Maker, now a sister company with The Peachy Nest. I will also be opening up a storefront in Springfield, IL, called Wildly Rooted Boutique on Small Business Saturday! You’ll find an assortment of items, including my macrame at Wildly Rooted and a permanent location in Springfield for my macrame workshops! I am known for my macrame products and wanted to pick a clever business name that you won’t forget, and I think I did just that! I specialize in modern macrame. Creating a piece for your space and allowing me to control the design is the best feeling. I love making macrame shelves.
This year alone, I’ve made about 33 of them! I do macrame rentals for weddings and events, and I’m also one of 4 people in charge of our downtown market that helps with local makers and businesses as well as the brick and mortars on the square. I am most proud of all my achievements since I started. I wanted storefronts that allowed me to put my art in there, so I did just that. I wanted permanent locations where you could take a class once a month, and I did just that. I work with multiple small businesses and go everywhere to teach my workshops! Quincy, IL, all the way to Champagne, IL. I usually teach about 7 workshops a month throughout the central Illinois area.
What sets me apart from others?
Community. There’s room for everyone. I believe that. I try to make friends with all the local macrame artists. We can love the same craft, and we can all make a business doing the same thing. I don’t think the competition is. I think community. But truly thinking of what sets me apart would probably be the workshops. I teach so many a year, and why not learn hands-on? Each month, each workshop is always different, so you can come to every one of my classes, and learn a new project, a new knot. I always give half of the workshop after your 4th one to thank you for coming and letting me live my dream job.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
During covid, I had a lot of time on my hands, allowing me to improve my craft. I also took certain precautions when there were workshops. Sometimes ordering a cord was a hassle during covid and took longer than expected.
Contact Info:
- Website: Oneknottymaker.patternbyetsy.com
- Instagram: @Oneknottymaker_
- Facebook: One Knotty Maker
- Other: TikTok Oneknottymaker
Image Credits
One Knotty Maker (Jessica Lynn) 2 photos are from a photographer Zach Adams 1221 photography
