We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stephanie Hawkins. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stephanie below.

Stephanie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Knitting is such a meaningful part of my life—it feels like it’s always been a part of me. From the moment my grandmother taught me as a child, I’ve been drawn to the calming rhythm of the needles and the way I can transform a simple strand of yarn into something beautiful and unique. Being a knitter gives me a special sense of joy and fulfillment. I love picking out the perfect fibers for each project, knowing it’ll become something one-of-a-kind. The challenge of learning new techniques and pushing myself creatively is exciting, but what really makes knitting special for me is how it connects me to my roots, to my own creativity, and to the people who will appreciate the pieces I make. It’s my happy place, my personal escape, and my way of sharing something warm and meaningful with others.

I do think about it sometimes, especially when things get really hectic with running my business. There’s something comforting about the predictability and structure of a regular job—knowing exactly when the workday starts and ends. But at the same time, I love the freedom and creativity that come with running my own business. It’s definitely challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding, especially because it lets me do something I’m truly passionate about while also being there for my family. And honestly, I wouldn’t have met the amazing, like-minded small business owners who have become such an inspiring part of my journey. So while I do occasionally wonder what a more traditional job might be like, I wouldn’t trade the flexibility, the fulfillment, and the community I’ve found through Ellikin Knits.

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

I’m Stephanie Hawkins, the heart and hands behind Ellikin Knits. My journey with knitting started long before I opened my business, but in 2011, I finally turned that passion into a small business. People often ask about the name “Ellikin.” It’s something special I created by combining parts of my maiden name, Minielli, and my married name, Hawkins, into something unique and meaningful. With encouragement from my husband, family, and friends, I took the leap, opened an Etsy shop, and sold my first pieces online and at local craft shows. It felt wonderful to do something I loved—knitting and creating—while also being close to home to raise my son and care for my mom, who was struggling with health issues at the time.

I started out making simple things like beanies and scarves, but it wasn’t long before I wanted to dive into more complex, creative patterns. Knitting became more than just a business; it was an outlet that let me express myself.

Then, in 2018, my world shifted when I lost my mom. She had always been my biggest cheerleader, and without her, I felt adrift. Needing something to help fill that space, I decided to adopt a dog—and that’s how Cooper came into our lives. His arrival felt like fate: his estimated birthday was the very day my mom had passed. Little did I know, he would be a special needs dog who would change our lives in so many ways.

Cooper’s challenges began as soon as we adopted him. He battled pneumonia, digestive issues, and skin problems, which kept us in and out of the vet’s office. When he was four months old, Cooper needed his first knee surgery to fix a luxating patella and a broken growth plate. Just six weeks later, he needed a second surgery on the same knee due to scar tissue. We spent countless hours at the vet, at orthopedic check-ups, and in recovery at home. Through it all, I found myself knitting again, finding comfort in creating during Cooper’s long recovery.

At a year old, Cooper underwent hip surgery for hip dysplasia and started rehab—a process I didn’t even know existed for dogs! We were so fortunate to find an incredible team of veterinarians and techs who cared for him with such compassion. At age two, Cooper started having seizures, and after a series of tests, he was diagnosed with incurable neurological issues. His ongoing care was expensive, and I wanted to find a way to support it while staying home with him, homeschooling my son, and bringing in extra income. This led me to expand Ellikin Knits by attending local markets and launching my own website.

Today, Cooper is six, still goes to rehab a few times a month, and takes medication that controls his seizures. He’s our special needs pup, and despite all his challenges, he brings so much joy into our lives.

In 2020, I took another big leap by applying to larger markets in our area, feeling sure I’d be turned down—but to my surprise, I was accepted to all of them! Selling in person gave Ellikin Knits new life, allowing me not only to connect with customers face-to-face but also to meet other creative, like-minded people who share my passion for handmade artistry. These markets have become a source of inspiration, where I get to exchange ideas, support other makers, and be part of a community that truly understands the joy of creating.

Last year, I moved my shop to Shopify, which allowed my business to grow while I continue attending local markets and fulfilling wholesale orders.

Every item I sell is truly handmade by me. I choose the yarn and colors, hand-sew the faux fur poms (with a little help from my husband, who’s become quite the pom maker!), and select designs that reflect my passion for knitting. Meeting new people, sharing my love for this craft, and being part of a vibrant community of artisans has made this journey more rewarding than I could have ever imagined.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a knitter is the feeling of pride and joy I get from each piece I create. Knitting isn’t just a craft to me—it’s a way of putting love and intention into something tangible, something that can be touched, held, and cherished by someone else. I love the journey from choosing the perfect yarn to working out each stitch, even when it means pulling rows back and starting again. There’s a quiet satisfaction in knowing that with every stitch, I’m creating something unique and lasting, whether it’s a cozy beanie for winter or a gift that becomes part of someone’s special memories.

Knitting also gives me a sense of calm and focus, like I can slow down and be fully present in the moment, which is rare with all the busyness of daily life. And it’s a connection to my roots, to the hands-on skills passed down from my grandmother, who taught me this craft when I was just a child. Knowing that each item I make could bring warmth, comfort, and maybe even a little bit of happiness to someone else is the most rewarding feeling. It’s more than a business; it’s a way of sharing pieces of myself, and that makes every finished piece feel like a small accomplishment I can truly be proud of.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Pivoting my knitwear business with the seasons has been a journey. When it’s cold, selling cozy hats, scarves, and mittens feels natural—people crave warmth, and I love crafting pieces that bring that comfort. But as the weather warms up, selling knitwear is trickier, so I’ve learned to adapt. In spring and summer, I focus on building up inventory for the next fall and winter, filling wholesale orders, and experimenting with new designs and yarns that I want to introduce later in the year. This off-season time lets me plan and refine ideas, so when the colder months roll around, I’m ready with pieces I’m excited to share. It’s a balance of staying flexible and finding ways to keep my business moving forward, even when knitwear isn’t top of mind for everyone.

I used to think I needed to sell knitwear year-round to grow my business, so I experimented with items like children’s stuffed animals and coasters, hoping they’d appeal more during the warmer months. But as I kept making them, I realized they weren’t sparking the same creativity or fulfillment I felt with other projects. Instead of energizing me, they left me feeling a bit uninspired, especially compared to how I feel when I’m knitting beanies or other cozy pieces. That’s when I learned that my business could still thrive without forcing myself to create products that didn’t align with my passion. Now, I focus on what truly fulfills me, knowing that my excitement and love for my work will resonate with the right customers, no matter the season.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ellikin.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellikin_knits/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EllikinKnits?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits

All photos taken by my husband or myself. All are my property.