It all started when I was 13 years old. My family discovered a long-lost relative—my father’s brother, who had moved to the U.S. from Cuba many years ago. We decided to visit him for the first time in Tennessee. This was my first time leaving Florida, and I was immediately captivated by the scenery, the friendly people, and the peaceful atmosphere. I loved Miami, with its Cuban culture, music, and food, but I couldn't help but feel drawn to the quiet, nature-filled life that Tennessee offered.

One day at Walmart, I saw some knitting needles and yarn and asked my mom, "Do you know how to make these?" She smiled and said, "Yes, I used to knit baby clothes and blankets." I was curious and asked her to teach me, and that’s when I began to learn how to knit. I was instantly hooked!

After moving back to Miami for school and later heading off to college, I met a lady who taught Spanish with me. She knew some American Sign Language and made me a beautiful crochet hat. I was fascinated by her skill and asked, "What tool do you use?" She told me about the crochet hook. I quickly borrowed a crochet book from the library and taught myself—little by little, I was mastering crochet!

In 2015, I moved to Maine for an engineering job, and that’s when I found myself surrounded by yarn stores! That was when my passion for knitting and crocheting grew even deeper. For me, these crafts are more than just hobbies—they are my therapy. The rhythmic motion of stitching feels almost meditative, helping me focus and stay present in the moment. It’s my mental escape—a way to quiet the noise of the world around me. And it isn’t just about relaxation; these crafts keep my mind sharp and creative.

Running Knotty Nieves has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. While being a solo business owner is challenging, it’s rewarding to see the smiles on people’s faces when they purchase or simply admire my work. Over the last three years, I’ve learned how to interact with customers, develop new products, and handle the intricacies of running a business. Every sale, every booth setup, is a learning experience, and even if someone doesn’t buy, the joy of sharing my creations with others is priceless.

My journey with Knotty Nieves is just beginning, and while it’s not always easy, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. My advice to anyone with a dream is simple: don’t give up. Trust in timing. Keep pushing forward, even when it feels uncertain. Your moment will come, and all the effort will be worth it.