Crochet entrepreneurs

A self-taught crocheter, Emma Blackie has been running her own online yarn shop since early 2013 after she bought an existing business, Yarn and Craft
Shop, from the previous owner. But to celebrate her one-year anniversary, Emma has rebranded as Lemonade Yarns and launched her brand new website.
“The name Lemonade Yarns came about because of a previous crochet commissions venture, called Lemons for Lemonade,” she explains. “I was going through a
tough time and wanted to learn a new skill, and make a bad situation
better – hence the name!” After working in retail since the age of 16, Emma had always wanted to own her own shop, so acquiring the business was a dream come true. “I’d already dipped my toe into a creative career with commissions, but owning and running an online shop is a totally different ball game,” she says. “I love interacting with all my customers via social
media – keeping up to date with what they’re making, and offering suggestions for new projects or yarn colours.

And of course I love being surrounded by yarn!” Emma says what’s unique about her shop is her engagement with customers, and she uses social media to ensure they know it’s run by a “real” person. “So many online shops are ‘faceless’, but I work incredibly hard to make sure I am there for my customers to offer them help and advice when making a purchase. I am available to chat on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram,
and I’ve just added a Live Chat facility to the shop as well.”
Lemonade Yarns stocks yarns from Stylecraft, Rico Design, MillaMia, James C Brett, Erika Knight, King Cole and Jenny Watson, as well as hooks, needles
and accessories from Pony, Knit Pro and Clover. “I only stock what I know and love, and it has to be great quality and value for money too.” Crochet is still one of Emma’s favourite hobbies, and when she’s not working on the website you’ll find her hooking away. “At the moment I am working on my Crochet Mood Blanket (I have a discount code for anyone making one – it’s ‘moodblanket2014’ and gives you 10% off) which I am terribly behind on!”
So what does Emma enjoy most about running her shop? “The best bit is working with yarn and surrounding myself with creativity every single day. ”
Go to www.lemonadeyarns.co.uk to find out more, and look out for an exciting design competition with Erika Knight coming soon.