Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlyn Bryan.
Hi Kaitlyn , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been crocheting for over ten years now. My grandmother first introduced me to the craft when I was young, but it truly became a passion of mine after high school. I dove into tutorials, forums, and online resources — teaching myself new stitches, techniques, and how to read patterns. As time went on, crochet became more than a hobby. It became a way for me to create meaningful, handmade gifts for the people I love.
In June 2021, my son Oliver was born. I wanted to make safe, soft toys that he could play with — things that would help him learn about colors, foods, and shapes through play. Just four months later, I launched Oli’s Market, with the same mission at heart: to create safe, handmade toys for other children to enjoy.
I poured myself into the work — refining my designs, studying safety standards, and becoming CPSC-certified as a small batch manufacturer. Every plushie I made had to meet the highest standard, because I treated every creation as if it were for my own child. For years, I ran the business in Oliver’s name as a tribute to the love and joy he brought into my life.
In January 2024, I decided to take it one step further. I took the original crochet patterns I had created and turned them into beginner-friendly kits. Our very first kit was a cheerful avocado plushie, and from there we introduced a whole collection of fruits and vegetables. Once we saw how empowering it was for people to make their own plushies, we expanded into animals — each with its own story and personality.
Over the past year and a half, we’ve shifted our focus entirely to teaching others the magic of crochet. We developed clear, easy-to-follow patterns, video tutorials for absolute beginners, and more recently, detailed step-by-step videos for each animal kit.
To reflect our new direction, we rebranded from Oli’s Market to Little Loop Company — a name that captures the spirit of handmade connection. At Little Loop, all of our animals are made by you and loved by all.
We may have a new name, but our mission remains the same: to create joyful, safe, and meaningful handmade experiences for kids, families, and anyone discovering the magic of crochet.
Crochet has been such a healing and joyful part of my life, and my hope is that every kit we send out becomes a little spark of that same joy for someone else. Whether you’re learning to crochet for the first time or sharing the experience with someone you love, I’m so grateful you’re here and part of our Little Loop world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all — but I think the bumps in the road have shaped the heart of this business.
When I first started, I was a new mom, running a handmade toy business during nap times and late nights. I didn’t have a background in business or marketing, so everything was trial by fire — learning how to set up an online store, price my products, handle inventory, and navigate things like CPSC compliance. It was overwhelming at times, but I was determined to get it right.
One of the biggest challenges came when I transitioned from selling finished plushies to creating beginner crochet kits. It meant shifting not only the products, but the entire way I approached customers. I had to learn how to teach through packaging, videos, and written instructions — all while making sure the experience was fun and beginner-friendly. That took a lot of trial, error, and feedback.
Another challenge was knowing when to rebrand. Oli’s Market had become something so personal to me, and changing the name felt emotional — like letting go of a part of my story. But I knew Little Loop Company would allow the business to grow beyond just me and become something that more people could see themselves in.
Running a small business as a parent means constantly balancing growth with presence. Some days I feel like I’m doing it all, and other days I’m just doing my best. But every step, even the hard ones, has led me to a place where I get to share creativity, connection, and joy with others — and that makes it all worth it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve never felt connected to the typical 9–5 lifestyle. I’ve always been a dreamer, someone who craved creativity, flexibility, and purpose. After having my son Oliver, that feeling only grew stronger. I knew I wanted to build something meaningful — not just for myself, but for him. I wanted him to grow up watching his mom build a business from the ground up and be proud of what that represents: passion, perseverance, and love poured into every decision.
What makes Little Loop Company different is our dedication to making crochet approachable and joyful. I design all of our original patterns myself — from adorable fruit and veggie plushies to whimsical animals with names, stories, and big personalities. Our customers love that our kits are truly beginner-friendly and that they walk away with something they’re proud of.
What I’m most proud of is how many people have learned a new skill through our kits. We hear from customers all the time who say they never thought they could crochet, but now they’ve made something with their own two hands — and that feeling is priceless. I’ve even had families tell me they’ve bonded over learning together, which means the world to me.
At its core, Little Loop Company is about more than just crochet — it’s about creativity, connection, and building confidence one stitch at a time. Every kit is packed with heart, and I think that’s what truly sets us apart.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
As a self-taught maker and small business owner, I didn’t start out with a mentor — and honestly, for a long time, I didn’t even know where to look for one. What helped me most was connecting with other small business owners in my local community and online. Whether it was chatting with fellow vendors at markets or joining handmade business groups on Facebook, I slowly built a circle of people who understood what I was going through.
My advice is: don’t be afraid to start small. Ask questions. Compliment someone’s booth setup. Reach out to another maker you admire and just say, “I love what you do — would you ever be open to chatting sometime?” You’d be surprised how generous people are with their time and knowledge when it’s approached with genuine curiosity.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of online communities. I’ve learned so much from craft business forums, Etsy seller groups, and even Instagram DMs. And if you don’t find a traditional “mentor,” that’s okay — sometimes a network of peers cheering you on and sharing advice is just as powerful.
At the end of the day, mentorship can take many forms. Look for people who inspire you and reflect the kind of business you want to build — not just in success, but in values. Surrounding yourself with those voices can make all the difference.
Pricing:
- Our kits are $23 each with bundle and save options at our local in-person markets
- We also offer a selection of finished plushies for those who prefer to purchase ready-made — prices range from $15 to $35, depending on the size and level of detail in each design.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.littleloopcompany.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littleloopcompanyllc
- Other: help@littleloopcompany.com
Image Credits
@Little Loop Company
@madelinesnaps.jpg
