Yarnish turns three <3 <3 <3

Hello Yarnies! <3 

Over the past few days, I have been trying to find the right words to describe this particular blog post. So many popped into my mind: inspiring; beautiful; passionate; exciting; astonishing; extraordinary; remarkable; and so much more. 

Although now I sit here at my computer typing up this post, I realise these are not only words to describe Yarnish turning three. These are words to also describe Nicole and her prodigious accomplishment. 

I know this is something I say often, how honored I am to be part of the Yarnish Team. I'm so new, but I still cannot help myself be swept up in the positive emotion of seeing a small Australian family-run business achieve so much so soon. I say that, as if it sounds as easy as whipping up a granny square! I can only imagine the literal blood, sweat and tears Nicole must have forsaken in order to launch her business off of the ground; the sacrifices, the gambles, the sleepless nights, the heartaches. All to be where she is today. 

Yesterday, I did a mini-photo shoot with Nicole and her beautiful daughter, Shelby. Seeing the both of them hold their '#3' birthday balloon high in the sky was simply precious. And I'm sure for the both of them, it will be a lasting memory. This is certainly a moment to be celebrated!

Yarnish was born from humble beginnings. In 2014, Nicole started to crochet for charity. She then quickly realized how tough it was to find yarn in Australia. The lack of availability of high-quality, beautiful yarn was incredibly frustrating for Nicole. Over a few years, she often spoke about starting up a online yarn store but in 2016 she finally took the plunge! 

In its early stages, Yarnish HQ was in Nicole's dining room. She had one shelf of stock in her double garage. Her first stock items were the Papatya & Cicibebe Ranges that were imported from Turkey - which, to this day, have been massive favorites among shoppers! 

I have often wondered why Yarnish was called 'Yarnish'. I asked Nicole how this name came to be: 

"Mum and I sat in her lounge-room tossing over name ideas one evening when I was on a ‘sleepover’. I wanted something that was ‘short & sweet’ but catchy. Yarnish it was!"

The Yarnish slogan is 'not just a yarn store', and I feel that truer words have yet to be spoken! Yarnish is the reason for the amazing Facebook Community. Everyday, my news feed is flooded with inspiration, accomplishments, creations, kindness and happiness! I see so many beautiful friendships, which have blossomed as a result of Yarnish!

I asked Nicole a few other questions about Yarnish. Here's what she had to say: 

Where do you see Yarnish in another 3 years? 10 years?

"Yarnish is growing so fast looking into the future seems a bit scary. I don’t want to EVER lose the personalised service, so there are no plans to become the next ‘insert name of large chain store we don’t mention’. I imagine we will see a few more team members joining us. I am also keen to expand upon our own yarn collection."

What is the biggest surprise you have had so far?

"Being contacted by the lovely Moira to teach on-board the Cruise Express Crochet Cruise in October this year."

What is your most memorable moment so far?

"It’s hard to pick just one - so I won’t ... ≧◡≦
1. Being recognised in the supermarket for my amazing WITB live performances ♥‿♥
2. Receiving the lovingly handmade Yarnelda from gorgeous Simone Howes (●´ω｀●)
3. Road tripping to Canberra with Shelby & Astra!!!"

Nicole also wanted to share: 

"The last three years have been an amazing journey. At no point along the road have I ever regretted taking the first step. I have made so many awesome friends through our Yarnish Community. I really can’t imagine being without Yarnish in my life."

To conclude, I want to say 'thank you' to Nicole. For being so brave to establish Yarnish and for creating a beautiful space for us crafters to craft. 

Happy birthday Yarnish!!  

Reneé

xxx