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

Alright, Donielle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I taught myself to crochet during the pandemic. I was previously a bartender but when the world shut down I needed a new way to make money and something to keep me busy and sane while the world was shutting down. I was also trying to quit drinking and picking up a new “hobby” aided in that effort and I am now 5 years sober with a successful crochet business. I watched instructional YouTube videos and followed along until I got the hang of it, then learned how to read patterns and create stitches without having to watch them be done. After a couple of years of experience under my belt I then began writing and selling my own crochet patterns, as well as making and selling the dolls from the patterns I created. I was able to learn fairly quickly as it was all I did for about a year. By the time COVID had ended and the world was starting to open up again I was able to sustain myself solely on my crochet business and haven’t had to look back at working a “regular” job since, and I LOVE it!

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

My customer service skills from being a bartender & waitress in the post aided in my customer service skills as a business owner. Being able to engage and talk with customers, especially when you are representing yourself, is a must. My customers appreciate how quickly I respond and how friendly I am with my responses. I try to treat everyone as a friend, rather than just another customer.

I have always been an artist, from sketching/drawing to doing wedding & sfx makeup. I had been introduced to crocheting from a friend that had tragically passed away. But it wasn’t until COVID when I decided to give it a try. Being a lover of horror and Halloween I knew I wanted to go in that direction. But to first get my name out there I had started making crochet tops. Once I had mastered the stitch work I moved on to making dolls.

I found so much joy in crochet and was able to discover a whole community of other like artists. I wanted to share in my success of selling horror/halloween dolls and the joy that crocheting them brought me, that’s when I decided to also sell my patterns for them. Now not only crocheting brings me joy, but seeing others crochet them as well, and be able to start their own business, that is probably my greatest joy in this whole experience.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I want others to see that it is possible to make a living doing what you love and creating art in this world.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Make the videos! Even if it seems silly or you’re a bit camera shy, put yourself out there! And don’t stop trying!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://donebydonielleco.com
• Instagram: donebydonielle