Life & Work with Andrea The Michigan Paw of Metro Detroit

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea The Michigan Paw

Hi Andrea, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
During the pandemic, I found myself with extra time on my hands and decided to use it productively. I took the opportunity to explore a craft I’d always been curious about but never had time for: crochet. Teaching myself through YouTube tutorials and practicing consistently for months, I gradually honed my skills. One of my first creations was bows and hats for my guinea pigs, a fun project that I still make to this day! The following year, I launched an Etsy shop to sell my crochet creations for both pets and people, eventually expanding to Amazon and Michael’s MakerPlace.

As my business grew, I decided to venture into teaching. Reflecting on my learning journey, I realized how much easier it would have been to have a mentor guiding me through the process. This inspired me to start teaching crochet to others. Today, I share my passion by teaching hundreds of people both in-person and online, helping them discover the joy of crochet.

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?
There’s always a learning curve when starting something new. It took time for me to master the intricacies of crochet, launch a business, and venture into teaching. But, as with anything in life, you figure it out along the way. When my students feel frustrated while learning crochet (which is completely normal—crochet is trickier than it looks!), I always remind them that it’s okay to feel challenged by the unfamiliar. With persistence and consistent practice, progress is inevitable. The key is to keep going!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a crochet teacher and small business owner who discovered my passion for crochet in 2020 during the pandemic. I taught myself through YouTube tutorials and, while it was rewarding, I realized how much easier and more enjoyable it would have been to learn with a teacher. That realization inspired me to start teaching crochet myself, and it has been one of the most fulfilling decisions I’ve ever made—I absolutely love helping others master this craft!

Any big plans?
My plans for the future are to continue doing what I love—teaching crochet and running my business—while staying open to new opportunities and seeing where life leads me.

Pricing:

• $35 for 1.5 hour class (see schedule)
• $40 for 2 hour class (see schedule)
• Also, available for private parties, corporate events, and individual lessons. Prices vary.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/themichiganpaw
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichiganpaw
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themichiganpaw
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@themichiganpaw
• Other: https://themichiganpaw.wootick.com/