Meet Brooke Moodley | Crochet Artist & Homemaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brooke Moodley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brooke, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think the biggest risk factor in starting my business has been putting myself out there. I’ve always been more on the reserved side, and even though I’ve always been scribbling away at a story or crafting something, I have hesitated or completely shunned sharing my work. As an artistic person, there’s something so vulnerable about sharing what you’ve created because you really put a piece of yourself in everything you make, and it’s entirely too easy to tie your self-worth to your creations. I think I had to grow and mature as a person and as a Christian to come to the realization that my identity is not, in fact, in the things I create. Joining the crochet community on social media really helped me come out of my shell, and finding so many kindred spirits out there who shared some of the same struggles and learning how they combat those insecurities helped me so much. While I still have growing to do, I have come to realize that instilling my unique twist on the things I make is part of the magic of handmade art, and just taking the risk of clicking that “post” button on Etsy or on Instagram almost always results in some kind of connection with someone!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been crocheting for around 17 years now and have been “a creative” since as long as I can remember. I’ve dabbled in probably most of the crafts out there, but yarn seemed to stick around the longest, even with the many different seasons of life where I just put down my yarn to focus on other things. When I was pregnant with my second, I decided to make her a blanket (as I had for my first), and as I started making all the baby things, I decided it was time to take that proverbial leap of faith and start up a handmade business.

I’d always wanted to sell my crocheted products, and in fact, Poema Studio is about the 4th or 5th “business” I’ve launched, although it’s the only one that’s survived! I think the hardest part of starting this business was sticking with it. I really struggled to figure out my “niche,” and I dabbled in a lot of different kinds of crocheted things, and while I was getting a few sales here and there, it wasn’t consistent. But unlike those first few failed businesses, I was absolutely determined to follow through on this one, and I stuck it out through the bleak months that brought in less than $20. I was constantly researching and learning everything I could and improving in my craft while I struggled to figure out what my business was about. When I began to make plush yarn amigurumi (stuffed animals) and started getting more and more sales, something clicked, and I haven’t looked back since!

My brand has been constantly evolving as my shop grows, but my core mission hasn’t changed. As someone who sees how fast-paced life has become, my desire is to give my children a life full of simple joys and everyday magic, and I’m here for the families who have that same desire to slow down a little and enjoy the simplicity of childhood. My plushies and accessories are made quite literally slowly with my own two hands, and I put a whole lot of love and attention to quality into every stitch that goes into my collections of accessories, home décor, and toys so that the products I make can be treasured and used to bring beauty, imagination, and some extra coziness to your families’ lives for years to come.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I were taking a friend to my favorite places in the Springs, we’d grab brunch then go for a morning walk around Garden of the Gods before driving up Pike’s Peak. We’d get some shopping done at Scheels (and take the kids on the Ferris wheel!) before heading to Fat Sully’s for dinner. And obviously, we’d finish off our day with ice cream at Josh and John’s!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to give a shoutout to my family – my husband and my two kids. Without their patience, support, and inspiration, I never would have started this entrepreneurial journey! I’d also like to give a shoutout to the incredible crochet community and their encouragement and inspiration.

Website: www.poemastudio.etsy.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/poema.studio