There is no better business tool than a supportive family, which is exactly how Custom Bear Hugs got her start!  Shelli met her wonderful husband while they were both serving our country in the United States Navy.  Thank you to you both from all of us for your service!  They have been married for over 28 years.

While serving, Shelli’s husband was sent over seas for a six month tour leaving Shelli behind thousands of miles from family and nothing much to do.  In order to make that time pass a bit faster, Shelli got hold of a book and taught herself to crochet.  This was not her first attempt at this art, as her Grandmother attempted to teach her when she was much younger but she just could not get it.  This book, sort of a crochet for dummies in her words, did the trick and Shelli has not looked back since.  Her passion for yarn and hook has led to countless creations, and she is ever learning new techniques to add to her skills.

How does one go from passing the time with a craft to a business?  Well, while sitting at dinner with her husband and son, they commented that everyone had it in them somewhere to be a business owner.  Shelli contradicted this statement by saying that in order to do this, you have to have a marketable skill, which she did not think she possessed.  They were both quick to point to her crochet and Custom Bear Hugs was born.  She began at local fairs but soon learned that these were not her favorite activity.  She instead began to sell her work online, and with the help of other artists on the forums, she is quickly learning how to market herself.  She has sold around the world, and loves the fact that her handmade treasures are being loved by so many!

Custom Bear Hugs was named in honor of her grandmother who attempted to teach her to crochet so long ago, and created a custom blanket for each of her grandchildren upon graduation.  Shelli says that wrapping up in this special treasure is like getting a great big bear hug from her.

While Shelli began with blankets much as her Grandmother did, she has branched out and added some amazing creations to her line.  She now sells crochet rugs, bags, scarves and fingerless gloves as well as Christmas stockings (hint, hint, you can always get a jump on next holiday season!).  Her work is bright and happy and obviously made with skill and attention to every detail.  Her blankets are still available, of course, and available in just about any color imaginable.  If you don’t see what you are looking for, ask!  Shelli is always open to special requests and will surely be able to create the one of a kind treasure you are looking for.

Shelli has had to teach herself the ins and outs of online selling and offers some advice to those looking to jump in themselves with their own handmade treasures.  First off, go for it!  You will love the sense of accomplishment that comes with selling something that you made yourself.  Second, research!  Jump into forums and read blogs and use Google.  Educate yourself anyway that you can about what you sell and how to market yourself.  This advice is useful no matter what your medium is.

Are you ready to see what a feisty lady with a hook can create?  You can find Custom Bear Hugs on Etsy as well as follow her on Twitter and Facebook.