We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jaclyn Krizanic. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Jaclyn, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I am most proud of building both my creative skills and my health. I originally found crocheting after a major surgery, during a time when I couldn’t do anything that required much movement. After watching countless YouTube videos, I became a self-taught crocheter and eventually started sharing my journey online. I truly believe I’ve rebuilt my health and creativity through crochet. I’ve learned how to take life one stitch at a time, if you will.
I’m beyond excited to see what I’ll create next and where my Etsy shop will take me. I’m also incredibly proud of growing my small Etsy shop to over 160 orders in under one year. I still remember when I only had two sales and felt envious of those with 100+ orders, wondering if I’d ever get there. Yet, through continuous dedication and persistence—posting on social media, writing crochet patterns as I learned more—here I am!
No one sees the late nights spent filming videos or crocheting to fulfill orders. Or the six-hour crochet days on weekends to edit my Etsy patterns or write new ones. Experimenting with crochet to create patterns is a challenge on its own. And behind the scenes, there’s so much more: scheduling social media content, promoting across multiple platforms, taking videos and photos for social media and Etsy listings, keeping my shop updated, and answering every customer message.
The many roles you take on when starting your own business can be overwhelming at times, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. It is truly empowering as a creative to build a brand rooted in my passion…and a passion that happened so unexpectedly.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Jaclyn Krizanic, but many friends—and my social media followers—know me as Jackie, the fiber artist behind Crafty with Jackie.
In just one year, I’ve transformed a newfound passion into a small business. My Etsy Shop, launched a year ago, has not only achieved over 160 sales but has also earned me the status of an Etsy Star Seller!
I am particularly known for my innovative crochet jersey patterns. I currently offer three variations on Etsy, including my bestselling original crochet jersey pattern, which inspired the subsequent “Crochet Jersey 2.0,” and a unique hockey jersey pattern. I love being able to blend the world of sports with the joy of making something custom and handmade to cheer on a favorite team. I even was featured in Red Heart Yarns Facebook page showcasing my crochet jersey! That can be seen here: https://www.facebook.com/redheartyarns/posts/football-season-but-make-it-crochet-jersey-form-instagram-follower-craftywithjac/1234600422035965/
My journey into fiber arts was entirely unexpected. I only picked up a crochet hook in August of 2024, learning completely on my own during an extended recovery period following a major surgery. With an unknown duration of downtime, the YouTube algorithm led me to crochet, and I haven’t been able to put the hook down since!
This self-taught curiosity led me to develop a unique skill set. I love sharing how fun and accessible crafting can be for adults, whether through complex crochet projects or quick, easy DIYs. I am proud of my progress as a self-taught crocheter and remain focused on continuing to grow my business.
For fellow crafters and those seeking unique patterns or handmade gifts, you can explore my shop at getcraftywithjackie.etsy.com.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I have always been a creative soul. My earliest childhood memories are of drawing with my grandfather or enjoying finger painting. I’ve consistently enjoyed the arts and anything that involves self-expression through various mediums, including music. I taught myself to play acoustic and electric guitar in high school, and it’s a hobby I still keep up with between my crafting projects.
Although I’ve always been an artist, at times, while navigating life, I found myself steering away from this path. This was largely due to the perception that an artistic career is too challenging or not a viable way to make a living.
However, I have since shown myself—and anyone with conflicting views—that it is possible to create your own life. It is absolutely okay to wholeheartedly embrace a passion and turn it into a rewarding career.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there absolutely was a time I almost gave up. And what’s funny is that just a week later, the craziest and most exciting thing happened!
The struggle was real. I was starting to get annoyed with all the work and effort of posting to social media and seeing minimal views or engagement—only a few hundred views and scattered likes here and there. It felt like no one was seeing what I was working so hard on. I seriously thought about stopping posting altogether and rethinking my entire strategy.
However, I had a strong gut feeling to just keep going. It was a moment of truly trusting the process and having faith in the unknown. And then, everything changed.
I received a direct message from a verified account with over 300K followers, and I genuinely thought I was dreaming. An NFL Wag had reached out to me, wanting a custom crochet jersey to cheer on her fiancé!
I immediately picked up my crochet hook and yarn and started making a crochet jersey for a Buccaneers Wag. It still feels surreal that I got this opportunity—especially since she follows me on Instagram and occasionally likes my posts!
I am beyond grateful that I kept going and posting. At the time, what felt like content no one was seeing, clearly had reached the right people. It proved to me that numbers don’t always determine your destiny; it’s the people behind the numbers who truly matter.
A quick message I’d like to end with: If you are currently pursuing a passion or starting something new that gives you an indescribable feeling of purpose, please keep it up! Life is full of beautiful and rewarding surprises we can never imagine.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I would say it is—or perhaps, it’s more of an extension of a part of me. I certainly show up as myself, but there are always private aspects that only I see. I’m not sure if anyone can truly see the entire “real you” publicly.
I feel like social media often exaggerates one part of your personality that might be true, but it doesn’t necessarily show the full picture—especially during those bad days or even those most amazing, private moments.
All that said, I try my best to remain authentically myself in the public eye.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would simply stop worrying about what others think. I remember before I started my Etsy shop and social media accounts, I was so worried about what people who knew me would say. But why does that even matter? Those who truly support you, who are your real friends, and who want the best for you will always encourage you. As for those who don’t, just let them show you their true colors. It’s not a loss when you step away from someone who never wanted you to be yourself and succeed. I would stop worrying about all the ‘what ifs’ and be truly present in what I enjoy. That is inspiring people to craft, crochet, and make things as a unique human experience—one that you cannot replicate.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/getcraftywithjackie
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftywithjackie/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaclyn-krizanic-aaa85a179/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CraftywithJackie
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/craftywithjackie/
Image Credits
Jaclyn Krizanic
