Member Moment — Shelley Husband
Shelley is a multifaceted creative force, seamlessly blending her talents as a designer, author, and dedicated advocate for simplifying the art of crocheting. With a passion for making crochet both accessible and enjoyable, she's not just following her dreams; she's knitting them into reality. In this interview, Shelley shares how she organises her day and the tried-and-true habits she employs for optimal productivity.
To kick things off, tell us a bit about your background and how you ended up working for yourself?
I started to crochet as the latest in a long line of crafts I did for fun and before I knew it, I was designing and publishing my own patterns. I found my thing.
Was there a defining moment when you knew it was time to make the leap and do your own thing?
When I realised that folks all around the world were making and liking what I was putting out there. I'd had a hobby crafty biz before, but it was not serious. I decided, as I'd found my superpower, it'd be cool to try to make it work as a business for real. I slowly cut down my employed hours as I built my own work.
What was your biggest fear before you started working for yourself?
The income uncertainty. I was lucky having a partner with a stable job.
What advice would you give to others to help them overcome fear and make the leap to self employment?
Try it. Have a plan and be prepared to learn a lot of new things outside your core business. If you can slowly start while employed, it can be less scary.
“I would not be here without the yarny crocheting community. The sense of connection with folks all around the world is amazing. The excitement they have for new patterns and books is great. It keeps me going. ”
What is the best and worst part of working for yourself?
Doing my own thing for sure. Being able to decide what I work on, what I want to pursue and what to not do is fabulous. I do not miss meetings! None of that when you work for yourself or office politics. What's not so good is how easy it is to work too much. It's so easy to "just do this thing" that leads to the next and the next. Also, having to know about finances, marketing, websites and so much more you need for a business today can be hard.
Let's talk morning routines, what do you do to set your day up for success?
I am up early and I get to work soon after breakfast. I know the early hours are my best brain work hours. Come afternoon, I am not so sharp. So that's when I create and make. Mornings are for the computer.
Name three qualities you need to succeed as a freelancer?
Self-discipline, confidence in your skills, willingness to learn.
What habit(s) or tools help you to be your most focused self?
I have a list of regular tasks I know need to get done. Daily, weekly, monthly and yearly.
My first job on a Monday is to transpose all that week's tasks from those lists to my planner. I need to physically write things down as I find digital scheduling too easy to ignore. Highlighting each task as I do it helps me mentally move on to the next one. I get the "must-dos" done first then work on the fun stuff.
Also, I am pretty good at recognising jobs I have no interest in doing or not enough time to focus on learning. I seek out help for those tasks so I can spend my time doing the things I love or that I am really the only one who can do. I have a VA for some admin tasks, graphic designer to make my stuff look good, tech support person etc.
What role has community played in your success as a freelancer?
Huge! I would not be here without the yarny crocheting community. The sense of connection with folks all around the world is amazing. The excitement they have for new patterns and books is great. It keeps me going.
Connecting with other designers to talk shop and collaborate with in person is also wonderful. They are so supportive. When my first book was nominated and won best crochet book in a public vote in the UK in 2019, I think I realised just how many folks really did like what I do.
Finally, tell us a little about your business and where people can find you?
I am a designer, author, and serious supporter of making crocheting easy and enjoyable. While I learned crocheting as a child, it took me almost 40 years to crochet my next granny square — and I haven't stopped since. Soon after that square, I realised I had a new design in mind, and then another, and well, let’s just say, there’s no slowing the new designs that continue to have my granny square community buzzing.
From my first book, Granny Square Flair, winning UK’s Best Crochet Book in 2019, to a total tally of eight books, I enjoy giving my community what they want. Now with an app, online group, and regular workshops across the country, I love getting the curious hooked on granny squares!
Old and new crocheters fall in love with the way I design patterns to be practical to grow their crochet confidence, one square at a time. When I'm not running a retreat, working a workshop, or designing the next book from my hook, I'm enjoying the land I loves and live on in Gunditjmara Country (in southwest Victoria, Australia). Look me up on socials @spincushions, visit my website or download my app.
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View Shelley's profile on Cool Wow Collective here >
Visit shelleyhusbandcrochet.com to explore Shelley’s offerings.