Meet Carmel Bank

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carmel Bank. 

Hi Carmel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Tangld Designs emerged from my desire for comfort and love of knitting. All of my accessories are handmade (by me) using different finger knitting techniques on buttery-soft T-shirt yarn. 

I’ve always loved the repetitive rhythm of knitting and how it grounds me. I remember when I first learned to knit, each stitch held my full attention, but over time it became meditative to feel the gorgeous colors pass through my fingers. I love the simplicity of finger knitting, that it requires some yarn and my hands to create something beautiful from nothing. 

I am a person who changes into comfortable clothes the minute I come home. I’ve always appreciated how accessories can transform an outfit but not when they irritate my skin. 

When I discovered T-shirt yarn, I was immediately drawn to its softness, stretch, and breathability. It is a wonderful eco-friendly alternative to wool that is not scratchy. 

Tangld Designs accessories are not only beautiful—they are functional.  All of my products are designed to grab and go in a pinch. My necklaces add a pop of color to boring outfits, headbands stay in place and won’t cause headaches, and scrunchies won’t yank out hair after a workout or leave ridges where a ponytail once was. 

Tell me more about your T-shirt yarn.
T-shirt yarn feels like a well-worn favorite tee that you’ve had for years. It is created from the textile excess that is reclaimed and spun into spools. Because this process prevents surplus material from going to landfills, it is considered an ‘upcycled product’ – an item originally destined for the garbage but transformed into something of value. In that way, Tangld Designs products are fashionable and environmentally friendly. 

Although T-shirt yarn is lightweight, it adds just the right amount of warmth and comfort. Many customers have gifted necklaces to friends who are recovering from surgeries. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
What a learning curve! 

Pricing has been a challenge and predicting demand has been difficult to nail down. Whenever I have had a lull in sales, I created a new niche, like party favors and spirt-wear (U Michigan is always popular). 

My business was also affected by the pandemic. Sourcing high-quality T-shirt yarn in a reasonable time frame became tricky in the beginning stages of my business. Since then, I’ve been able to connect with some truly wonderful suppliers. 

One of these suppliers happened to be located in the Ukraine. I felt helpless when the war began and its flagship store was forced to relocate. My solution didn’t make sourcing my favorite brand of T-shirt yarn any easier, but I started a “Support Ukraine Collection” where all of my proceeds went to Ukraine relief organizations. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As opposed to the corporate job for which I’ve had to “dress up” and conform, the profession I have found most rewarding is motherhood. Creating Tangld Designs has allowed me to express the “real me” and to help other women embrace their need to feel comfortable and look good. 

What matters most to you? Why?
When I decided to start my own business, I realized how much joy there is in creating something from scratch and giving it to others. 

I love when my customers find comfort in my designs. When they report that their Tangld Designs saved them, or they’ll never wear a regular hair tie or headband again, it feels so rewarding! 

Plus, by creating Tangld Designs, I am being environmentally conscious and am able to give back to organizations that touch my heart. This all keeps me going. 

Contact Info:

• Website: Links.tanglddesigns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanglddesigns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tanglddesigns
• Other: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TangldDesigns