From Handmade Beginnings to Little Loop Company: My Voyage Tampa Feature
I’m so excited to share that Little Loop Company was recently featured in Voyage Tampa!
In the interview, I opened up about how this business began, the heart behind our beginner-friendly crochet kits, and the balance of running a small business as a mom.
📰 Read the full Voyage Tampa article here:
👉Click to read my full interview on Voyage Tampa
Where It All Began
I first picked up a crochet hook thanks to my grandmother, but it wasn’t until after high school that I truly fell in love with the craft.
When my son Oliver was born in 2021, I started crocheting soft, safe toys to help him learn through play and that’s how my first business, Oli’s Market, was born.
What began as late-night projects for my own child soon grew into something bigger. Every toy I made was crafted with care and tested to the highest safety standards. I even became CPSC-certified as a small batch manufacturer so that each piece would meet the same standards I’d want for Oliver himself.
How Little Loop Company Was Born
By 2024, I wanted to take things a step further.
I turned my original patterns into beginner-friendly crochet kits, starting with a cheerful avocado plushie. When I saw how empowering it was for others to create something with their own hands, I knew that was the direction our brand needed to go.
That’s when Oli’s Market officially became Little Loop Company. A name that reflects connection, creativity, and joy. As I shared with Voyage Tampa:
“At Little Loop Company, all of our animals are made by you and loved by all.”
We may have a new name, but our mission remains the same: to spread creativity, kindness, and handmade joy.
The Challenges That Shaped Us
The road hasn’t been smooth, and I’m grateful for that.
Balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and constant learning pushed me to grow in ways I never expected.
I had to master everything from packaging design and inventory to filming step-by-step tutorials, all while ensuring our kits stayed fun and stress-free for absolute beginners.
“Running a small business as a parent means constantly balancing growth with presence,” I shared in the interview. “Some days I feel like I’m doing it all, and other days I’m just doing my best.”
Those lessons are stitched into every kit we make.
What Makes Little Loop Company Different
Every pattern you see, from fruit and veggie plushies to whimsical animals with names and stories, is designed right here in-house.
Our customers often tell us they never thought they could crochet until they tried one of our kits.
That sense of “I made this!” pride is what keeps me going.
“At its core, Little Loop Company is about more than just crochet, it’s about creativity, connection, and building confidence one stitch at a time.”
Each kit is packed with heart, whether it’s a cuddly Milo the Manatee or a colorful Sheldon the Clam.
The Power of Community
One of my favorite parts of this journey has been connecting with other makers, both locally and online.
When I started, I didn’t have a mentor; I just asked questions, joined craft groups, and talked to other small-business owners at markets.
If you’re starting something new, my biggest advice is to reach out. Compliment another maker’s work. Ask how they did something. Share ideas. Those small moments of connection can turn into friendships and support networks that make entrepreneurship a lot less lonely.
A Heartfelt Thank-You
I’m so grateful to Voyage Tampa for sharing my story and shining a light on the handmade community.
If you’d like to read the full interview, you can find it here:
Read the full article on Voyage Tampa
And thank you! For being part of this cozy, creative world we’re building.
Whether you’re picking up a hook for the first time or sharing a craft night with someone you love, you’re helping keep the spirit of handmade connection alive.
Stay cozy. Stay creative. Stay Loopy.
Love,
The Little Loop Company Team
Katy and Oli
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