Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Caldwell.
Kristen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have been crafting since I was a child. One grandmother started me down the path and the other taught me basic embroidery and sewing skills and my love for crafting grew from there. After a cancer battle, I decided to do more of what I love, which meant more crafting, specifically crochet and die-cut crafting. I opened my Etsy shop LaBelleVieMaisOui at the encouragement of my husband in 2017, and that business evolved into designing and selling patterns and cut files for the items I made as well as beginning a successful blog, Hooks, Books, & Wanderlust, that aims to encourage them to do more of what brings joy to their own lives through reading, traveling, and of course, crochet!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Haha, not at all! Any road worth being on has to have some hills and curves or it would be boring, wouldn’t it? Most of my struggles have been around the learning curve that comes with being a new entrepreneur, and I still don’t have it all figured out. There have been opportunities I’ve had to pass on due to prioritizing my family and my health over my business, which means that maybe I haven’t grown as quickly as others, but I don’t let it worry me. I just tell myself to do what I can, where I can, when I can and that is enough.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When it comes down to it, I’m all about encouraging others to do the things that make them happy. If Stage III breast cancer taught me anything, it’s that. Whether you’re buying a finished item from me that brings a smile to your face or makes you feel all the good feelings, or whether you purchase a crochet pattern or cut file so that you can do more of the crafts you love, I’m here for it! My crochet designs pair texture and modern aesthetics to create one-of-a-kind items for you and your home. In my crochet patterns, I’m known for covering all the ways people like to learn when reading a pattern, stuffing my patterns full of photos, videos, charts, etc, as well as tips and tricks for novice pattern readers. It’s my goal that anyone can pick up one of my patterns and feel confident in their ability to make the finished item. In my cut files, you’ll see a little snark and a lot of love, because for me, living is all about love, and I also never take myself too seriously.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I’ve learned about the resilience of the human spirit and how when the worst happens, we gather together to support one another. I’ve seen people who lost their jobs due to Covid deciding to open their own small businesses and turn their passions into careers. I’ve seen people band together to keep small mom+pop shops from closing by going out of their way to buy from them and by spreading the word to others about those places. I’ve seen people care for friends, family, and neighbors that are unable to get out the way they were able to before the pandemic, taking them food and supplies. It gives me so much hope to see people spreading love like that.
Contact Info:
- Email: labelleviebykristen@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.hooksbookswanderlust.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labelleviemaisoui
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/labelleviemaisoui
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/hooksbookswanderlust
- Other: https://www.labelleviemaisoui.etsy.com/
