We were lucky to catch up with India Turner recently and have shared our conversation below.

India , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your business and how did you resolve those issues?

One unexpected problem I faced as a fiber artist was when a shipment of specialty yarn for a custom order was delayed indefinitely due to supply chain issues. It was frustrating because I had promised the client a specific timeline for completion.

To resolve this, I immediately contacted the client to explain the situation and offered alternatives such as choosing different yarn colors that were in stock or waiting for the shipment to arrive. Fortunately, this client was understanding and opted to wait for the original yarn, appreciating my transparency and commitment to delivering the best possible piece.

This experience taught me the importance of communication with clients and flexibility in adapting to unforeseen challenges in the supply chain.

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

My journey into this craft began over a decade ago, with a fascination for textures and colors, which led me to experiment with various yarns and techniques. My mother bought me a bunch of yarn one christmas and that is when it began. Many years later a good friend of mine, jac, during covid asked me why i didn’t sell my items.

This would later result in making an etsy account as well as going to george town flea market every other Sunday and selling my items which was very exciting.Posting all items made and customers who would purchase from me. I make clothing items and accessories. Anything you can think of we can make it.

As a fiber artist, what sets me apart is my unique creative vision and interpretation of textures, colors, and forms in fiber art. I strive to innovate and push boundaries in techniques. That is why i love when customers come with new ideas a that require me to think out the box.

As a fiber artist and a Black woman, I take pride in infusing my cultural background and personal experiences into my art, creating pieces that resonate with authenticity and diversity.

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

As a fiber artist, I had to learn and then unlearn the notion that traditional techniques and styles are the only valid forms of fiber art. Initially, I focused solely on classic methods, but I later realized the importance of exploring innovative approaches and blending various influences to create truly unique and contemporary pieces. This shift allowed me to embrace creativity more fully and break free from rigid artistic boundaries.
the back story for me is mixing mediums i don’t just have to crochet or knit i can sew and mix these things together

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

There was a time when I primarily focused on selling handmade fiber art pieces locally. However, I pivoted my business by launching an online store and engaging more actively on social media. This shift helped me reach a wider audience globally, significantly expanding my customer base and opportunities for collaboration.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://etsy.com/indiepopupshop
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/indiepopupshop

Image Credits

kiwaswrld