popsyandmama
- Jun 5, 2020
- 4 min read

Small Business Love for Hooked By A Fin

Hooked By A Fin make beautiful crochet items for babies and children such as bonnets, scarves and booties. Read on to find out more and show them some Small Business Love.

Crochet Bonnets created by Hooked By A Fin

I'm handing over the Popsy and Mama blog this week to Becks, the founder of Hooked By A Fin.

Becks' independent business sells the most beautiful crochet creations you have ever seen! Bonnets, scarves, booties and more. You'll find it hard not to fall in love with each and every design.

Read on to discover more about Hooked By A Fin and don't forget to show the brand some Small Business Love by following them on Instagram.

All about 'Hooked By A Fin'

#SmallBusinessLove

Becks, founder of Hooked By A Fin, with her crochet creations

Hi Becks, tell us your business' name and what it's all about...

My business is called Hooked By A Fin and I lovingly crochet items for little people from newborn to age 7.

What's the story behind Hooked By A Fin?

My mother-in-law and sister-in-law both crocheted my children some beautiful blankets and booties after the arrival of my son in August 2017. They were my inspiration to learn. I too wanted to be able to make something for my children that they could treasure forever.

On Christmas Day in 2017, I picked up a crochet hook for the first time and was quickly frustrated. It was like learning another language!

A few weeks later I picked up the hook again and made my first ever blanket, and booties, and soft toy, and another soft toy, and another and another...

Once I got to grips with the craft it quickly spiralled and I had messages from friends asking me to make them things too.

After all of their encouragement and support, Hooked by a Fin was born in July 2018.

I opened the shop with handmade teddies and smaller items until my friend asked me to make her daughter a bonnet in November 2018. Since that first bonnet was made my business direction has changed drastically.

I have now designed a wide range of bonnets which means all of my products are original and exclusive to the Hooked by a Fin family. Some say the bonnet life chose me!

Various Crochet Bonnets by Hooked By A Fin

How do you juggle your own business around other commitments, such as family?

Having a family, keeping on top of my daughter's school work, entertaining a two year old, running a household, being a wife, a dog mum, and having another job whilst running a business is a very delicate juggling act. Sometimes a ball is dropped but everyday, somehow, we make it work.

We always make sure we head out as a family for a dog walk. It's something so simple but so needed among the chaos. The dogs get their exercise, the children run free and my husband and I get an adult conversation.

The days are long and I often work through to the early hours of the morning to complete orders, but I absolutely love being busy, so it’s a juggling act I couldn’t be more grateful for.

Tell us what it's like launching a small business in the UK? Any tips?

Three years ago I would have never dreamed about owning a small business, but it’s been a fantastic whirlwind and a huge learning curve. Working for and with yourself is more challenging than I would have thought. Be prepared to argue with yourself a lot!

My tips? Keep every receipt. You will need them all - no matter how small. Don’t let tax returns scare you, make sure you have insurance, be kind to everyone, apply to small shop events (or at least attend some), and speak to lots of other small shops. The small shops will become your best friends!

Always remain unique and remember, comparison is the thief of creativity.

What’s been your most valuable business investment?

Launching my website in August 2019 has to be my most valuable investment. I was previously on Etsy but the fees were so high that I decided paying for a website would be the best thing to do. It turns out it was a lot cheaper than recurring Etsy fees!

Trying out lots of different brands of yarn and tags to ensure my products are of the highest quality, is another very worthwhile investment.

More of Hooked By A Fin's crochet creations

What advice would you offer people wanting to launch their own business?

Running your own business is more than a full-time job. You have to love what you’re doing to make it work, so be passionate.

Set some goals (make sure they’re realistic) and start creating a path to achieve that goal.

While on your journey do lots of market research, don’t rush anything, and make friends with everyone. Be a cheerleader for others and you’ll find that others will return the kindness.

What small business would you like to show some love to?

There are so many small businesses I love, including Popsy and Mama! A few I'd like to give a shout out to are:

Wilf + Wildlings

Zack & Ivy Clothing Co.

The Wishbone Collective

Sophia & the Fox