Website: www.vickiehowell.com
Astrological Sign:  Scorpio
Trade:  Craft Designer/TV Host/Author
Year Your Business Was Founded: Hmmm, that’s a tough one. I think the current incarnation of my site was launched in 2004, but its original form (aka Mamarama) started in 2001.
Children:  I have two handsome little men in my life, ages 4 and 6.
Other DIY affiliations:  DIY Network’s Knitty Gritty (host) & Stylelicious (co-host), New Knits on the Block & Not Another Teen Knitting Book (author of both), Knit.1 Magazine (columnist and designer), and Budget Living Magazine (frequent contributor and Advisory Board member.)
Myspace URL:  http://www.myspace.com/vickiehowell
Blog URL:  http://www.vickiehowell.com/blog2.html
Favorite Crafty Show(s):  Martha, Brini Maxwill and the upcoming “Craft Lab”
Favorite Dramatic phrase used to end a conversation:  And…scene. *bowing head and closing eyes*
How did you get started?  I launched my first hand-made website (Mamarama) as a creative outlet for myself, shortly after becoming a mother. From there, after moving to Austin, I started a 2nd business (Ruby Goes Retro) with my former sister-in-law. Once I landed the Knitty Gritty gig however, I refocused my energies on designing, writing and promoting instead of solely producing goods for internet sales. And…scene.

Biggest Hurdle you encountered? Balancing the demands of my career with being a good mother, daughter, sister, girlfriend and friend. It’s something I work on every single day.

Lessons learned the hard way? That even in the crafty business, it’s unwise to do a job without a signed contract-- no matter how much you think you can trust the people you’re working for. Sometimes it’s hard to be both artist and business woman at the same time. It’s a crucial skill to have however, in order to become and stay successful.

Strangest thing ever to happen on the Knitty Gritty set? Dressing up in a wetsuit and going through a drive-thru car wash to demonstrate the color fastness of a particular yarn for a “Knit Bit”. Either that, or the time (also for a Knit Bit) that I had to roll around in goose feathers. Sometimes I think my producers keep me around solely for their own entertainment purposes. ;-)

Advice on marketing and promotion: Two words: networking and grass-roots. Think of creative ways to get your name/product out there and team up with other entrepreneurs to cross-promote with.

Future Projects? My 2nd book, Not Another Teen Knitting Book, comes out in June 2006. I’m also currently working on my 3rd book, Catwalk Crochet, which will be out in 2007 and the Knitty Gritty book, which is scheduled to hit shelves at the end of 2006. Also, keep your eyes open for upcoming editions of my Knit.1 Magazine celebrity column and possibly two different product lines with my name on them. ☺

Favorite Indie Business(es)? Well, of course, all of Austin Craft Mafia businesses. I also *heart* Parts & Labour (in Austin), ReproDepotFabrics.com, Subversive Cross Stitching, Chia and Blue Genie (in Austin).

Sage Advice? Be kind, rewind. Just kidding.
Learning how to promote yourself and your business is as important as being a talented within your craft. Like with anything else in life, it’s a balancing act.

Best thing about:
Hosting Knitty Gritty: The fact that I get paid to do something that I love, while working with amazingly talented guests and being supported by so many kick-ass fans. I feel very fortunate.
Knowing how to sew: I can make things myself so I don’t have to buy them.
Having a best friend who is a badass hairdresser: Clearly, the question is also the answer. Seriously, what could be better than one of my favorite people in the whole wide world having the skillz to make me look purty?! That definitely doesn’t suck. Now, if I could just meet a shoe-maker, my life would be complete…
Living in Austin: The creative undercurrent of the city. The support of artists and small businesses in this city is unparalleled. Really, it’s fantastic.

Worst thing about:
Knitty Gritty: 7am make-up calls and having to be away from my kids for 3 weeks at a time.
Knowing how to sew: I can make things myself, so I can’t justify buying manufactured versions instead.
Not knowing how to use a serger: That mine stares back at me mockingly from my office table. I will conquer you this year, oh Serger! Oh yes, I will conquer you.
Living in Austin: Being so far away from my mom, brother and best friend. I really miss just being able to meet them for a quick cup of coffee or a late night glass of wine.


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