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

Alright, Nikki thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I was working for a corporate financial institution as a customer service representative/data entry specialist when I realized that even though I was making a decent wage, I had no time to spend with the people and creative pursuits important to me. Then, a close friend of mine suffered a major health crisis that left them unable to care for themselves independently. I decided then to make a career change where I could not only meaningfully help people every day but also have time to make art. I became my friend’s PCA, and at the same time started my fiber art journey by learning the basics of crochet from my grandmother.

Nikki, 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?

I’m a crochet artisan and seamstress specializing in amigurumi, wearables, jewelry and home decor. I got my start as a child sewing with my grandmother who was also an avid seamstress. My grandma taught me everything she knew about sewing, and I still use her vintage Singer sewing machine to this day. I mainly take odd jobs altering clothing for the elderly and disabled clients I have through my PCA services, but I have also been known to make costumes for a local theater and arts nonprofit called Catacomb Collective.
When I wanted to learn how to crochet a decade ago, she helped me learn the basics of that craft too. I try to include the skills I learned making vintage doilies in my jewelry designs today. After I mastered the basics, I moved from doilies to scrubbies to amigurumi. It was in making “amigurumi” or plushies that I found my niche. I have made plushies in all sizes from an inch tall to over 5 ft long and everything in between. My biggest sellers have been my LGBTQIA+ PRIDE flag cuttlefish plushies and keychains. I have made every Pride flag I can find into a cuttlefish so everyone is represented, and I try to include each new flag that comes out. Lately, I also specialize in glow-in-the dark/blacklight reactive plushies. However, I love to make a variety of things, and I especially love taking on commissions for original works. Some of my favorite original projects have been making memorial look-a-likes of people’s pets. Aside from the plushies, I also make blankets, pillows, Fingerless gloves, scarves, and am starting to expand into other clothing items as well. If you want something crocheted, I can make it happen! I started out selling my work at makers/craft fairs and flea markets. Now, I do my work mainly for commissions, themed art shows and by selling at conventions. I mainly get my commissions by meeting people at conventions or through my Instagram and Facebook pages.

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

My life has been full of pivots. I’ve changed career paths many times, learning something new on each path. I’ve been in the food service industry, academia, telemarketing and customer service, social services, law, finance, entertainment, and most recently home health care and owning my own craft business. Each path has provided me with the knowledge and skills needed to be where I am today. But it was my foray into the entertainment industry that best prepared me to pursue my dream of having a craft business and helping people live their best lives. I co-ran a burlesque troupe with two other dynamic and amazing women for 3 years, and later, was the board chair of a nonprofit theater and arts organization known at the time as The Haunted Basement. These leadership positions gave me the confidence and experience I needed to come out of my introvert shell and really give being a business owner a try. Although I’m still learning and starting out on this path, I know I’ll be able to succeed as long as I connect with the crafting community and surround myself with a strong support network. I’ve learned that no matter what path a person is on, as long as they have a community of people to help navigate and fill the potholes along the way, they will be able to keep going.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Being a creative allows me to bring my ideas and the ideas of my clients to life in a joyful way. Seeing the satisfaction of my clients and collaborating with them on making their idea come to life through crochet, sewing and crafting gives me such an adrenaline rush. I’m happiest when I can use my hands to make art and care for people. Being able to provide others with some joy, or make their lives easier in some way is the most rewarding thing to me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Kinkidevice
• Facebook: Kinki DeVice Crafts