We were lucky to catch up with Autumn Zweygardt recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Autumn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Late 2021 I was still figuring out what items to make most for my business. I hadn’t quite figured out what my niche was. Yet when I saw a Facebook ad looking for vendors for Planet Comicon 2022, I jumped at the chance. I had been trying to get in to other conventions since I started my business with little success. August 2021 I apply. By September/October I had been accepted. It was a huge investment for me and my then husband, but I wanted a chance to prove my little side hustle could make a decent amount of money. And it paid off! It was the best show I have ever done, and it even helped me realize what products I both enjoy making most and what sells the best. That 3 day event gave me the courage to put myself out there more and even reach out to local consignment shops.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a crochet artist. I make soft plushes out of yarn. I mostly use blanket yarn to make big, soft creatures and specialize in animals I started crocheting at around age 8, learning from my mother and great grandmother. I stopped for a few years, but then Pokemon White was released and I needed my own cuddly plush of my favorite starter. None had been officially made yet, so I decided I could just make my own. That little guy is probably the ugliest amigurumi I have ever made, but it made my 13-14 year old self so happy and I felt so accomplished. I dabbled in other fiber arts like embroidery, sewing, cross stitch, I’m even learning knitting, but crochet has my heart. Making creatures and animals that light up people’s faces just makes my day so much better and makes my work worth it.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Honestly, this pivot was a life pivot. This year my estranged husband and I separated. He was the main breadwinner of our family, so I had to rely on my business more than ever. It has led to me doing more events, meeting new people, and realizing that this little side just could be something even greater.

Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?

I recently started doing pattern design! Posting patterns I have made myself on Ribblr hasn’t been a huge boost, but it’s enough that I’m excited for the future and what other crochet patterns I plan on making and selling.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Www.instagram.com/overnightplush
• Facebook: Overnight Plush
• Other: [email protected]