The Hobbyist Turns Into an Entrepreneur

As they say, the best things in life come when you least expect them. In the pandemic, when everyone was pretty much locked up in their houses and making do with what they could to physically and mentally survive, Angie Rodillo decided to pick up a piece of yarn and hook to pass the time — something she did not expect was already the beginning of something she never would have thought.

Angie started with crafting small, beginner-friendly pieces, such as wallets and other ornaments, which she found to be mere sources of happiness and a way to look past the gloom, boredom, and anxiety the pandemic had caused. Feeling quite proud of her crafts, she posted them on her Facebook page and other social media.

Through the posts, various circles of friends and family members saw the potential in Angie’s crafts and gave her good feedback —- compliments that turned into a stream of orders. 

If friends and family members recognized her work, surely, other people would do too; this moment of realization for Angie urged her to share her creations on Facebook Marketplace and offer ready-made items and customized, made-to-order pieces. This was a pivotal moment as this is where she got clients from outside Metro Manila and even outside the country. Angie Craft Yarn’s customer base exponentially grew, and the joy this brings her heart will never fade.

How Being Part of a Community Helps One Grow

Some time after, Angie stumbled upon Iskaparate’s Facebook page. Learning about the community’s offers for its sellers and its community-good mission as an e-commerce platform, she didn’t have second thoughts about sending a message to which she immediately received a reply.

Angie attributes much of her success to Iskaparate, emphasizing that it gave her opportunities she never imagined. Joining Iskaparate not only provided her with an online platform where she could list her products but also introduced her to the broader crafting community.

Through Iskaparate, Angie participated in her first-ever exhibit. She recalls how surreal it felt to showcase her work alongside other talented artisans. For someone who began with no intention of selling, this was a dream come true.

The experience made Angie realize that success often stems from collaboration. The stories of her fellow handcrafters served as constant inspiration. Seeing how others had transformed hobbies into thriving businesses gave her the motivation to keep pushing boundaries.

Bigger Dreams to Achieve

As fulfilling as it is already to be able to sell what once was only a chill activity, Angie dreams of achieving greater things, and one of them is opening a permanent physical store filled with a warm atmosphere and her vibrant creations.

Apart from storefronts, Angie hopes to build an online platform that acts as a gallery for her crochet masterpieces. While she’s still walking toward that destination, Iskaparate.com will always remain willing to fulfill that role. Through the platform, Angie will be able to reach even more people.

What Patience and Persistence Do to New Entrepreneurs

Angie is the perfect role model to follow for small and new entrepreneurs. Coming from experience, Angie says to remain patient and persistent, because getting the intended results does not come overnight. A business is a journey, and if one is quick to give up, it might not stand too strong.

Angie also emphasized a mindset that the majority, entrepreneur or not, tends to overlook: that small victories along the way should be celebrated. Even if there is the slightest chance of acquiring even the smallest sales, it is worthy of rejoicing for and being a source of motivation.

Start simple by focusing on introducing your product to the world, regardless of how small or trivial you may view it to be. There will always be someone who will appreciate it.

Angie recalls how she consistently posted her crafts online, even during quiet times. These efforts, no matter how seemingly insignificant, laid the foundation for the opportunities that came later.

“Kahit pa small chance lang na makabenta tayo, grabe ‘yan. Kasi doon tayo mag-uumpisa,” she says with gratitude.

Signature Products

Crochet White Bunny

Angie Craft Yarn’s Crochet White Bunny is a stuffed toy made from soft milk cotton yarn and stands at 9 inches tall. Made with natural fibers, its material is breathable, hypoallergenic, and non-toxic, making it perfect for hugs and cuddles without the risk of allergies or irritation. Given its medium size that’s not too big or too small, this crocheted bunny is best given as a gift for children and can even serve as a bedroom companion for all ages!

Handmade Flower Tote Bag

With Angie’s Handmade Flower Tote Bag, cuteness and functionality come together! Featuring a beautiful flower motif, this crocheted bag is made from 5-ply milk cotton yarn and measures 12.5 inches x 12 inches. Its cute yet timeless and practical design makes it perfect for all sorts of clothing styles and occasions you may need it for!

Tumbler Case

Made to protect your tumbler, this tumbler case measures 3.5 inches in diameter and 10 inches in height. Made from raffia yarn, it is lightweight, durable, and effortlessly chic to carry on your shoulder!

Shop on Angie Craft Yarn now!