Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts and crafts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sonja Campens, Owner of Tric0Tin, located in Chambly, QC, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Since my first day of business, Tric0Tin has been offering a varied selection of sustainable hand knitted products. My goal is to keep the little ones comfy with my unique outfits with limited availability.

Sometimes it’s the most ordinary products that can have the biggest impact on our daily lives. My commitment to making the shopping experience convenient and satisfying makes Tric0Tin a unique and special online store for everyone.

Tell us about yourself

Thanks to my Grandma!
I was born and raised in Belgium, and when I was four years old, my grandma Julienne showed me for the first time how to knit a straight stitch, and under her watchful eye, I started knitting my first project: a neck scarf. Later, in primary school, I learned different stitches.

In 5th grade, I had a wonderful teacher who taught me to knit with four knitting needles. I made my first knitted doll by starting knitting both legs with four needles and knitting upwards. Finishing the whole work with knitted little boots, panties, dress, coat, and hat for my baby doll.

I still remember the excitement and feeling happy when we had this knitting moment at school! I have knitted cardigans and vests for all my friend’s dolls, my own boys, and newborns of friends and family.

Life took me elsewhere, I moved to Canada, and I stopped knitting for many years.
Today, years later, and after a long pause, I have started knitting again and opened my shop, Tric0Tin. The excitement is here again!

Happy when I feel those knitting needles in my hands.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I grew my Instagram following to over 1000 followers (from nothing) in a few months. I wasn't sure what kind of outcome to expect when I started researching the best Instagram practices. Some of my outcomes were also just the result of tinkering. One big lesson that I learned is the importance of following up and interacting with others. On social media, it's poor form to keep shouting into the ether — you need to actually be social about it.

In this vein, I keep up with the accounts that I like to follow, and I stay involved and leave comments. I also interact with those who comment on my page, and I seek out new topics and influencers on a daily. My Instagram account is delivering clicks and revenue to my website every day. When I started, I had no idea it would be so easy. It's all about the follow-up.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

I would say making decisions and knowing when I am right or when I am wrong.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Do your research.
  2. Measure what works and refine as you go.
  3. Market on Social Media.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I'm working on a new online store that will be online at the end of October 2022.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/Tric0TinbySonja
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tricoterwithlove/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tric0tin/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.