Turning Threads into Triumph with Crochet Plushie Entrepreneurship
Financial consultant Genna Tatu turned a hobby into a lucrative side hustle, earning $80,000 annually. Her Etsy shop, ‘Crochet by Genna’, offers custom-made plushies, setting her apart in the market. She continues her full-time job, dedicating 15-20 hours weekly to her business.
By Beth Snider · December 5, 2023
Genna Tatu, a 26-year-old financial consultant hailing from Meridian, Mississippi, has transformed her newfound passion for crocheting into a highly lucrative side hustle, raking in an impressive annual income. This remarkable journey commenced in the winter of 2021 when her 75-year-old mother, Janet Tatu, presented her with a cat jumper crochet kit for Christmas. Little did Genna anticipate that this simple gift would serve as the catalyst for a thriving business venture.
Dedicating approximately 20 hours per week to her craft, Genna delved into the art of crochet, creating an eclectic range of plushies, from adorable gingerbread men to majestic rhinos. Her fascination with amigurumi, the Japanese craft of crafting stuffed animals, fueled her passion for creating these charming and cuddly toys. Recognizing the burgeoning potential of her skills and the surprising demand, she decided to elevate her hobby to a business level.
In 2022, she took the plunge and established her venture, aptly named “Crochet by Genna,” on the popular e-commerce platform Etsy. Pricing her creations between $10 and $200, Genna tapped into the rising popularity of crochet, particularly plushies. Astoundingly, within the first year, her online sales soared, confirming the market’s appetite for her unique creations.
What sets Genna apart in this competitive space is her commitment to customization. Unlike many crochet sellers who offer pre-made items, she adopted a made-to-order approach, creating each plushie after receiving a customer’s request. This strategy resulted in some extraordinary projects, including a surgical tool plushie and a touching creation that incorporated the fur of a customer’s deceased cat, her willingness to go the extra mile in personalizing creations has become the hallmark of her brand.
Despite success in the crochet world, Genna continues to fulfill her responsibilities as a full-time financial consultant, juggling both commitments, meticulously crafting products, and ensuring timely order fulfillment. The dedication and passion are evident in the extensive collection of over 400 plushies showcased in her online shop.
Genna envisions further growth and diversification in the crafting market - she has a successful vlog with over 53k subscribers, and her patterns are available for purchase as well. The combination of excellent craftsmanship, personalization, and a keen entrepreneurial spirit has propelled Genna Tatu into the ranks of successful side hustle entrepreneurs, illustrating the earning potential of handmade custom artistry.