Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Burke.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
After 30 years of living the corporate America life, I was exhausted. I wanted to pour myself into something that would allow me to use all of the knowledge and skills I had gained but also focus on something that brings me joy – yarn!
I had a vision of opening a store in a high foot traffic area that could be a place to create community and connection around a common passion. In January of 2024 I got serious about starting a business and in February, I walked by a storefront that just felt right. We opened in late April 2024 and have an amazing first year!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s definitely been a learning curve! We’ve been adjusting our inventory all year long based on what is resonating with our customers. We are also still building awareness and focusing on how we build our brand outside of our flagship store in Seal Beach. Understanding the seasonality of our business has also been interesting – there were times I predicted we would be busy when we weren’t and times when I predicted we would be slow when we were so busy!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When I decided to open a yarn store, I had to think a lot about what would make us different. As the mother of three daughters who constantly worry about the environment and what the earth will look like in the future, I knew I wanted to consider the environment in my ethos for the store,
As a result, when I opened the store, I furnished it with used and upcycled furniture and fixtures. Our class table was donated. The fixtures in the store (display tables, gridwalls, etc) were bought second hand. Our POS counter was a donated dresser that we upcycled.
In addition, I determined that we would not sell new yarn made entirely of synthetic fibers, for example acrylic, as they are absolutely horrible for the environment. We spend time educating our customers about yarn types and try to steer them toward recycled fibers or fibers that will decompose. In order to keep yarn out of landfills, we also have a yarn donation program where customers can donate yarn and receive a 10% coupon. We then give the yarn to educators or resell it as thrift yarn for .35 an ounce.
We curate a unique line of yarns that focus on sustainability, while also offering our customers many options that you don’t find in most local yarn stores such as Tshirts, mugs, tote bags and gifts for crafters.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
In my store, I have a mural on the wall that says “Consume Smart, Create More” which supports my desire to build a community of people who connect over a craft they love while also doing good for the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://weaveandwanderyarn.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/weaveandwanderyarn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weaveandwanderyarn
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WeaveWanderYarn
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/weave-and-wander-yarn-shop-seal-beach
