About this episode
Have you ever fantasized about quitting your job to open a cozy yarn shop in your hometown? For Heather Burns, owner of The Knotty Sheep , that dream became a reality. In this episode of Simply Hooked , we go behind the scenes of a brick-and-mortar fiber arts business. Heather shares how she left her 9-to-5 career to build a thriving community hub in Wake Forest, NC. In this episode, we share: The Leap: What it actually takes to leave a traditional career and sign a lease. Shop Talk: The biggest challenges (and wins) of running a physical retail store. Community First: Why the secret to a successful Local Yarn Shop (LYS) isn't just the yarn—it's the people. Advice for Dreamers: Practical tips for makers who want to turn their knitting or crochet passion into a full-time career. Grab your current WIP and a cozy drink—this is your invitation to explore the business side of the yarn world. 🌟 Where to Find Heather & The Knotty Sheep: 📍 Visit in downtown Wake Forest, NC at 214 East Jones St. 📲 Follow on Instagram & Facebook @knottysheepnc 💻 Shop online at theknottysheepnc.com 🚀 Learn more about the John C. Campbell Folk School that Heather mentions. RESOURCES & LINKS 🧶 Enjoy a FREE donkey pattern! 🔆 More About My Learn to Crochet Course 📺 My YouTube Channel 🔆 Simply Hooked on Facebook 🔆 Simply Hooked on Instagram 🧶 Simply Hooked Crochet Patterns For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, Hooked on Growth , which goes into much more detail on scaling!