Know those times when you’re scrolling through Instagram, find some really cute products and instantly save the post to ‘come back to later’?
Well, that’s what happened with us when cute crocheted products started to show up on our feed. That’s when we met the Founder of Knits by Raccoon.
And her story of starting up is as cute as the products and content you see on her feed. So let’s hear it from her!
Tell us about your business. What is it about, and when did you start it?
I’m a lawyer by education and a crafter by profession.
I run a knitting and crochet business where I create toys, Kindle covers, book covers, sweaters, blankets, and many other crochet items. I started Knits By Raccoon from my hostel room at the Army Institute of Law in Mohali during my third year.
My parents gave me a limited monthly allowance, and since I’ve always loved winter and wanted to wear beautiful sweaters, I began making them for myself.
By my fifth year, in 2019, a batchmate saw one of my sweaters and suggested I create a page to sell them. That’s how it all started.
The first item I ever sold was a headband!
Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to start your business?
My name is Shubhangi Hooda, and I’m a lawyer.
Before going full-time with my business, I worked as a legal researcher at the Punjab and Haryana High Court with two judges.
Even while working full-time, I was managing Knits By Raccoon on the side.
In 2021, I completed 200 orders within six months while still employed. I’ve always had a passion for crafting. Ever since I was a child, my parents used to hide my colors and scissors because I would spend too much time on my crafts. That passion is what led me to start Knits by Raccoon.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your business, and how did you overcome them?
I come from a working-class family, and no one in my family has ever run a business, which was my biggest challenge.
I had to figure out how to price my products, calculate profits, account for shipping costs, and choose the right shipping company.
I had to learn what yarn worked best for each product, how to market them, and so much more. It was like shooting arrows in the dark for the first four years of running Knits By Raccoon.
I overcame these challenges through experience.
Although my business was always profitable, the profits weren’t significant at first. Once I started tracking my finances, I got better at managing them.
Educating myself on social media marketing helped me reach more people. I learned how to run ads effectively and how to choose the right materials to price my products properly. It was all about learning as I went along.
Are there any books, icons, or role models that inspire you in your entrepreneurial journey? Tell us a little about them.
I have a few OTT recommendations, haha!
Girl Boss, Self Made, Erin Brockovich, and Joy are great ones.
Also, check out Follow Karlo Yaar by Uorfi Javed. If you want some inspiration, follow Uorfi’s journey. She blew my mind once she went viral.
She knows exactly how to navigate the world of social media, she respects the paparazzi, and she’s incredibly confident and fearless.
Another inspiration is Parul Gulati—she teaches fearless marketing. She’s always unapologetic about promoting her products and often uses them herself, which I find really inspiring.
What do you wish more people knew about women entrepreneurship?
Women entrepreneurship goes beyond just “supporting” women.
It’s about breaking the stereotype that only men can run businesses. It’s about women being independent and capable of earning their own money.
I wish more women knew how to grow their businesses on Instagram and were confident enough to show their faces on their brand pages. I want to see more women fearlessly running their businesses and showcasing their talents.
What is the one thing you would like to say to other women who are pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams?
- Be fearless and unapologetic when promoting your product.
- Be proud of running your business, even if you only have 300 followers.
- No one can market your product better than you.
- Learn how to create engaging Reels!
Find the story of Knits by Raccoon cute, you’re going to find their products even cuter!
Head over to their website or the Instagram page right away.
Want to hear more stories from women entrepreneurs? Don’t forget to follow our blog for more.
