Meet Cole Simmons | Fiber Artist & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cole Simmons and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cole, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process when I started my own business was creating fun and wearable art for women of all sizes, and shapes. And so Unique Stitches, LLC came to be. Not only did I want my creations to be fun, but I wanted them to be Unique. I want to make women feel beautiful, confident, and one of kind when they wear my creations. All of creations are made by hand with intent. I pour every bit of peace, love, pride, and beauty into every stitch.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My crochet art is literally me! Colorful, unique, and one of a kind. I create from inspiration from other fiber artist as well as ideas that come to me while in the midst of creation. I am most proud of my creative process. Visualization plays a huge role in the way I create. I don’t really use patterns for my creations. Getting to the professional space that I am now, was challenging. I had a completely different plan for my life before I turned my love of creating into a business. I had zero knowledge about how to run a business and what it would take, but I did it anyway. Thankfully, I had the support and guidance of other business owners. At times, I wanted to give up for so many reasons. But I couldn’t stop crocheting if I wanted too. Creating is apart of my DNA. My late grandmother Carol “Mema” Faulkner is the person who taught me how to crochet. So there is no way I would ever not use this gift. My success is her success.
I have learned many lessons, but the greatest one, is never give up. No matter what obstacles I face. Creating has always gotten me through.
I want the world to know that no matter where your life takes you, never stop creating. Express yourself out loud, proud, and unapologetically.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spot in the Queen City (Charlotte, NC) is NoDa, which is a very beautiful, artsy area full of shops, restaurants and artistic scenery. Many local artist come to NoDa to show case and sell their art work. I also enjoy dining at Optimus Hall. It has many yummy places to eat as well as places that serve delicious cocktails and beer. They have outdoor and indoor seating and easily of my favorite places to visit in warmer weather.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The first person who deserves a major shoutout when it comes to my story, is my best friend and mentor, Jessica Mills of @asageaffair. She is the person who encouraged me to start selling my creations. She helped me with coming up with a name, designed my logo, as well as worked as my creative director, and marketing manager in the first few years of starting my business. I also have to shout out my dear friend Moon of @sagemoonmassage. She has given me much guidance when it comes to the business side of Unique Stitches, LLC. We are also sisters in business. She helped make my dream of having a shop space a reality. I am truly grateful to both of the amazing women for their support and love.

Website: www.uniquestitches.bigcartel.com

Instagram: @uniquestitchesllc , @colecrochets_

Facebook: Unique Stitches