Today we’d like to introduce you to London Kaye.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I make things out of yarn. I began crocheting at the age of 13 and was instantly hooked. A few years later I broke my back. I was forced to take a hiatus from all physical activity, so I crocheted scarves and sold them to the girls at my dance studio and school friends. Growing up dancing was my passion as it consumed my life and crocheting filled the gap between dance and social life during a difficult time of immobility. It also made me aware of life’s “silver lining”. With the money I made from scarf sales, I bought myself my first car when I turned sixteen. For college, I was granted a full scholarship to New York University for dance, but because of my injury, I always knew dancing ultimately would not be the career path I would take.
Living in New York City opened up a whole new world to me. I loved seeing people from all walks of life, each and every one unique in their own way. After graduation, I got a job working for Apple selling iPhones and Computers, but I knew there was a more creative path for me. I began making lists of the things I love to do and crocheting was always at the top of my list. At this point, it was still a hobby. I continued to make scarves and hats and didn’t think much of it.
One Night while working the late shift at the Apple Store, I was selling a computer to an artist named Olek, who had the coolest crochet bag. Immediately a lightbulb went off. I had never thought it was possible to be so creative with yarn. I ran straight to a computer and googled everything I could about using yarn creatively and that is how I discovered the world of yarn bombing.
I have been yarn bombing ever since and for the last four years, I have been working full time as a crochet artist. My favorite collaborations include a billboard in Time Square for Miller Lite Beer and my line of yarn and crochet hooks with Lion Brand Yarn that is now in craft stores nationwide!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
When things get challenging, people give up. I try to push through those moments of uneasiness because with each one I grow stronger and learn. I specifically remember when I was crocheting a school bus for a Gap Commercial. I had never crocheted a bus before so I was extremely naive in the way I approached the project. When things got tough, I had a breakdown in the middle of my living room, I thought I could not handle the pressure and would quit crocheting as a job. I powered through and ultimately was successful. Because of that experience, when people ask me to crochet moving vehicles now, you better believe I know what I am doing and proceed confidently!
London Kaye – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I started out crocheting street art all made of yarn. I lived in Brooklyn, NY and became well known for my art. One of my favorite projects was yarn bombing the NYC Subway. It was Valentines Day and I did not have a date, so I decided the subway would be my Valentine that night. I rode the L train for 2 hours and covered every pole in the subway car with pink crochet wraps and hearts. I am most proud of the way I have been able to take what I love and turn it into a career. Working with brands like, Disney, NBC, and Starbucks have all been organic collaborations that push me as an artist. I love working with quick timelines and taking on out of the box ideas, so I am able to manage brand collaborations and my own street art simultaneously.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I write out my goals in notebooks and look back pretty regularly. When I see myself living the goals I previously set for myself, I feel successful. I take that time as an opportunity to also set new goals!
Pricing:
- London Kaye Crochet Hooks – $10
Contact Info:
- Website: www.londonkaye.com
- Phone: 8184306887
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @madebylondon
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LondonKayeCrochet/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/london_kaye
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