I’m Betsy.
I believe in telling authentic stories, championing people doing great things, fostering community and finding joy. And all those aspects ripple through both my life and my work.
Over the years I’ve been called many things: a crafter, an activist, an advocate, the godmother of craftivism*, among others. I’m also a writer, speaker, brand marketer and workshop facilitator. Why so many things? Because they’re all interconnected and work together. (Keep reading to see how.)
Where I began:
In my early 20s, I learned how to knit. Learning how to make something new from essentially two sticks and string changed everything.
My first scarf wasn’t perfect, but it was mine. The final product proved that I was a maker and had joined a long line of makers that extended from the past into the future. I was part of a creative continuum, which was exciting!
This spark ignited work that combines words and craft in numerous ways. Sharing my voice through stitched work showed me it was safe to share my written work too. Previously, I was so scared to share my work with anyone else that I kept my story secret. Sharing my words changed everything for me, and the act of doing so gave me the tools to help others find their own stories.
I also began researching how textiles have been used as a vehicle for protest, personal agency, transformation and healing, which led to invitations to speak, write and hold workshops all over the world.
How it all comes together:
My writing, editing, marketing and creative experiences allow me to ideate and create data-informed and well-researched content that tells your story. If I’m working with you on a consulting project, those same skills also mean I can help you uncover your story. And if you’re a workshop participant or lecture attendee, those skills get reswizzled once again to share how your story is powerful.
Let’s do something great together:
I’m always looking for new collaborators, clients, projects and like-minded people to know, so if you have ideas about how we might work together or just want to say hi, send me an email!
Work experience:
In full-time positions, most recently I’ve worked in higher education media relations; edited and published apparel factory audits written by people all over the globe in the labor industry; and managed the Spoonflower blog as part of their brand marketing team. (I’ve also worked in publishing, healthcare and university admissions, so my curiosity to learn new things runs deep!)
These positions were all about wrangling words in different ways, meaning I’m a happy camper working with stories and helping others get more comfortable doing so too. (Bonus points if there’s corresponding data to dig around in!)
Having worked with and written for the media, edited the words of others and championed what many people are up to means I know how to champion your work too.
Education:
After getting my B.A. in English literature at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I received my M.A. in sociology from Goldsmiths, University of London. My dissertation was on knitting, DIY culture and community development and while I was in grad school, I had the great fortune of assisting with knitting workshops all over London. What’s my biggest takeaway since graduation? That humans can thrive when we find our people, even more so when we have a creative outlet that lets us learn, grow and communicate.
* Where did this term come from? Many years ago I was interviewed by a Greek newspaper. Since I don’t read Greek I had the internet translate the piece, which said that the journalist wrote that I was the godmother of craftivism. This was according to early internet translation technology, but I liked it and it stuck.
To be honest, I got a kick out of picturing myself as the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella (yep, complete with talking mice friends), helping spread the word about craftivism (no matter if you call it craftivism or something else) and helping people believe in their creative work. I’m still waiting for my magic wand.