Meet Kiauna Rudolph of Welcome To Yarnia in East Valley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiauna Rudolph.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always known how to crochet and would make items just for me. When I learned about Etsy, I started selling vintage items and then realized I could sell what I’m making! My shop’s gone through many versions, first selling beanies, then only steering wheel covers, and now a mix of everything.

My shop online has been the only place I’ve sold until early 2019 when I got the offer to vend at Mujeres Mercado, a locally based Latina market. I’ve attended two of them so far and selling in person is completely different than online selling and I definitely see my shop going in that direction!

Great, 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?
Online selling is hard. Etsy and handmade items are even harder. It’s a game of algorithms and popularity that if you fall off of it, it’s a very hard recovery.

A couple of years ago, I was on a steady up and up, being featured on the first page of relevant searches, high sales, all that. I took a break from my shop to go back to school and lost it all. It took about 6-9 months to recover from it and I’m still not back at the same place I was.

Adapting and changing has been huge in getting back on my feet! Making products people want, taking photos that stand out in the marketplace and trying new things I never did before have all launched me into the new version of Welcome to Yarnia.

Please tell us about Welcome To Yarnia.
I like to simplify it as “I make things from string” but that really is what I do!
When people think “crochet” (not really lately, but previously) they think of their grandma sitting and knitting them an ugly sweater. Or that scratchy crochet blanket that’s been passed down through the family that nobody likes. I really wanted to give crochet a facelift in my own way.

I’m better versed in crochet than knitting but enjoy doing both. I like to make simplistic items in modern colors for everyone. I don’t make anything that I wouldn’t wear myself or that I don’t feel proud about putting out there.

My next feat is making crochet sweaters that are inclusive for plus sizes. It’s something that lacks in the crochet and knits world right now and I definitely want to make something for EVERYONE to enjoy!

What’s your outlook for the industry in our city?
Unfortunately, in the Phoenix metro area, it’s hot most of the year and nobody’s wearing knit or crocheted beanies most the time. But it’s really helped me get creative in what I can sell and what people what locally! This is how I came up with selling steering wheel covers. Absolutely perfect for Phoenix summers.

I recommend going outside of your comfort zone, getting creative with what you can sell. Crochet and knit items are typically thought of as “cold weather” items but living here have made me stretch past my comfort zone and try new things!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/welcometoyarnia
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_welcometoyarnia/

Image Credit:
Chelsea Sieck

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