Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alisha Bright. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Alisha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Starting a business, particularly in the creative arts, is a huge risk. When you find something you are so passionate about, the dream is “doing what you love for work” and many people don’t pursue it because of the risk it takes and the fears it inspires.

My philosophy has always been – if there is something you want, it’s a 50/50 chance you’ll accomplish it IF you try and 100% chance you won’t get it if you DON’T try. I would rather take the risk in hopes of succeeding, than to have never even tried. The regret of trying and failing is much preferred than the regret of never trying.

When I discovered fiber arts, particularly knitting, I knew it was what I was made to do in this world. It took me nearly a decade to figure out what that looked like, but when I was 27, I took the risk and I opened up the space I dreamed of being a part of. A community space, dedicated to gathering and supporting fiber artists of all kinds and levels through social gatherings, membership and workshops.

After surviving 3.5 years of the first version of my business, I was faced with the struggles of the pandemic and a fresh divorce. I had the option to take the next big risk of evolving and expanding my business that was barely breaking even, or giving up everything I had built. As a single mom of 2 small kids, the risk was even greater than the first launch of the business when I had the financial stability of a partner, should it not be successful.

I tuned back into my philosophy to find the courage and strength, gathered up every resource I possibly could, including donations from the community, and went for it. It has been one of the best decisions of my life. I am now 6.5 years into a successful, flourishing business and above all, am getting to live out my passion as my dream job while supporting my family.

Alisha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

At the age of 17, I was a lost and suffering teenager – as many are. I found myself in the hole of depression with no forward hope for where my life would go.

One summer, I decided to learn how to knit. I had an obsession with socks, and wanted to learn to make my own. The first moment I picked up the needles and yarn and made my first pair of socks (the last project most knitters learn), I knew it was what I was made for. All of a sudden I found myself with an activity I enjoyed and was really good at. I now had something to help me cope with the crowding feelings of anger, sadness and loneliness. Knitting gave me a reason to live – to feel purposeful and accomplished in a very tangible way.

As I continued to explore more of what fiber arts had to offer through spinning, weaving and processing wool, I began building a strong community of women around me and before I knew it, I had a notebook of ideas of how to build a dream business around something I had always sought out for myself – a place of belonging. A place where people could come to be supported in a safe space while exploring their journey of fiber arts.

Fiber Circle Studio has evolved to be a makerspace, marketplace, and textile tour host. We offer quality, all natural materials for fiber artists, supporting brands who are smaller and whose ethics reflect our own in regards to social equality, fair wages, animal treatment and environmental impact. Our workshop lineup includes a large range of creative arts that include both quick “make & take” classes, along with longer, in depth workshops designed to build skill. Our space is regularly filled with a variety of events and gatherings to support our local community. And lastly, we host a variety of knitting retreats and international textile tours to countries who still hold on to their rich, textile traditions.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I grew up in a generation full of people pleasers – though I didn’t realize it until I was a business owner. The first time I had something of my “own”, something I had control over uncovered this deeply rooted need to act, show up and respond in specific ways in order to make others happy. You quickly learn, that is not a sustainable behavior when you own a business or others will run your business into the ground. The first couple of years were pained with the discomfort of setting and holding boundaries. This is how I learned how to say the oh so anxious word “No”. This is how I learned how to ask myself what I needed to not only survive, but thrive and then implement ways to make that happen. This lesson has tendrilled into all the areas of my life and I am so grateful!

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Our buying habits are one of the top ways we “contribute” to society. I prompt folks to ask themselves anytime they are buying something – is there a local or small artist that I can support instead? Start by going to craft markets and purchasing gifts for those you love. Find artists who move you when you look at their work. Show you value them by choosing to purchase from them instead of a large corporation when you can.

I also encourage folks to find a craft/art to take up as a hobby. The quickest and most effective way to support other artists is by developing a true sense of value that can only be known through experience. Once you see how much skill, time, energy and focus it takes to make something, you begin to have appreciation for all hand made things.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fibercirclestudio.com
• Instagram: @fibercirclestudio
• Facebook: Fiber Circle Studio
• Yelp: Fiber Circle Studio

Image Credits

Ksenia Naidyon (cover photo).