Today we’d like to introduce you to Reshma Alfus.
Reshma, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I learned my love for fiber from my Mom. At the curious age of 10, I watched my mom crochet and learned the skill as she made intricate patterns come to life. I finally taught myself how to knit in early 2016 and have been addicted ever since. I love being able to take fiber and create something practical, useful, and fun. My desire is to live a life with fiber, knitting, and art at the center. The whole idea behind art is to create something out of nothing. Hello Lavender is my something.
I have this philosophy that we should be doing what we enjoy. We spend so much of our time at work and I think that life is too short to be stuck at a job or have a career we don’t enjoy. I was at a job I absolutely hated and that’s when I decided enough was enough and it was time for me to start my own business doing what I love; working with fiber! I’m 2.5 years into owning my business and I love every second of it.
Has it been a smooth road?
Starting the business was actually pretty smooth. I’m so lucky to have an amazing support system starting with my husband and extending out to family and friends. I think the hard part about owning your own business and being your own boss is time management. I run my entire business from home. I’m also a stay at home mom so finding time to get everything done is always a challenge. There’s no dedicated “work time”. Each day varies and going from a 9-5 type job to a totally unstructured work environment takes some getting used to. I set boundaries and make lists otherwise I don’t think anything would get done.
My advice for other women would be JUST START! I know, I know, easier said than done, right? But seriously, I think we always find ways to talk ourselves out of anything that is even slightly scary or new for us. But the things that are scary or make us nervous are always the best things. Take that terrifying first step. Even if it’s a little step, it’s still a step in the right direction and you’re moving forward. It might not be perfect in the beginning, there will be lots of questions and you’ll end up making lots of changes, but that’s just part of the experience. Making it perfect on your first go isn’t the point. If you’re looking to start your own business JUST DO IT! When I was thinking about starting Hello Lavender my main concern was ‘Why would anyone want to buy knitwear from me when there are tons of other people selling knitwear’? I had to remind myself that there are hundreds of jewelry designers, hundreds of fashion designers, hundreds of footwear designers, etc. but that doesn’t stop us from buying multiple pieces of jewelry from different designers, or multiple pairs of jeans, boots, sweaters… I think you get the point! There are tons of people selling knitwear but I bring my own point of view and sense of style to my pieces. Don’t be afraid to change as you go, either. Within a year of having my business, I’ve already had 2 different logos and I’m on my 2nd website. Don’t worry about having it all figured out because you won’t. You learn as you go!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Hello Lavender story. Tell us more about the business.
I’m a knitter, crocheter, indie yarn dyer, and fiber jewelry designer. I design and hand knit/crochet tops, beanies, scarves, mittens and so much more! I design and make fiber earrings. I’ve recently starting to hand-dye my own fiber as well.
I think what I’m well known for at this point is my sense of style and pairing it with my knitwear. I love fashion and I love being able to incorporate my knitwear pieces into everyday outfits. Beanies and winter hats are my absolute favorite to make. I offer a large variety of styles, designs, & colors. They’re probably my best selling item next to my fiber earrings!
I’m proud to be a maker who supports other makers/small businesses. It’s part of my mission to support other makers and other small businesses. My logo tags on all of my products are made by a husband/wife duo in Washington state. My logo was designed by a very talented designer who is trying to start her own graphic design company. The fiber I use come from indie dyers. The patterns I use that aren’t mine are designed by small knitwear designers just like me. Small business and handmade is who I am through and through.
I think what sets me apart is my sense of style and the way I blend different colors, especially in my yarn dyeing. I’ve always loved color and I think I have a knack for picking the right shades and combining the right colors together. I have an idea of what shade of pink or yellow or any color really I want for a certain piece and sometimes it can be hard finding that right yarn color. By being able to dye my own yarn I can now create the exact shade I had in mind which is amazing.
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
Know when to say “no” and know that it’s OK to say “no”. I feel like when you’re just starting out it’s so easy to say yes to everything. You’re starting out and you need to make money, or trying to get your name out there and you get offered opportunities and you just say yes to everything. I’ve learned that saying yes to everything can actually lead you down the wrong path sometimes.
When people ask me to make certain products and I know it’s just not who I am or what I want Hello Lavender to be, I know it’s OK to say no. It doesn’t mean I’ve shut the door for other opportunities or future orders, it just means I have a clear vision of my business and it helps to build a perfect clientele for the type of products I offer. Figure out who you are, what you want out of your career, & where you see yourself down the road. This will help make those yes and no decisions easier.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hellolavender.com/
- Phone: 815-529-5132
- Email: info@hellolavender.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellolavenderdesign
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellolavenderdesign
Image Credit:
Sonya Kammes Photography http://sonyakammes.com/
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