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

Hi Michelle, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
I am a believer of consistency! Consistency as a habit has helped me tremendously. Burn out is real and can happen quick, so I set a schedule I can follow. I make lists that I know can be accomplished for the day. Sometimes we want to do everything and the truth is we can’t! We need to allow ourselves to break down bigger goals into smaller ones, so that we can be consistent with crushing them daily!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I make soft huggable plushies using yarn! I make them by crocheting. I love being able to create something with my hands, it is a very satisfying feeling to have a pile of yarn become something you created.

I started crocheting when I was pregnant with my son. I only wanted to make toys for him, but after seeing how much he enjoyed them, I wanted to share them with everyone. It was definitely not easy when I first set up shop. I had a newborn and was trying to run a business by making items with just my own hands. I would say it was a little crazy. Since I was also working at the time, it was not a priority.

One day I said to myself, I want to give more attention towards my business, and so I did. Just switching my mindset have helped me so much in all the areas of my business. I would say that this business have taught me that everything is possible if you put in the work and believe. I haven’t done anything different in terms of crocheting, all I did was think differently and positively about what I wanted. Then I did it consistently!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in San Pedro, so no brainer they are going to Crafted! Crafted is where my shop is located as I mentioned! It is a year round small business marketplace that is home to hundreds of creators and artists. If you’re into beer, the Brouwerji is in the building right across!

Next we have to go get ramen on 6th street! Ko Ryu Ramen is so yummy if you’re into noodles! How about dumplings? You can visit Northern Cafe on Western in Rancho Palos Verdes! They also many other Chinese dishes to choose from.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to thank my Crafted Family! This is where my shop is located, and I’ve been with Crafted for 6 years. My son at the time was 8 months when we moved in. I basically raised him there, and they’ve been very accommodating with this mama that was trying to juggle with it all!

My family and friends who never questioned my crazy ideas, but instead is always there to say go for it and to do whatever my heart tells me.

My friend, Claudia Garcia. As a small business owner herself, we instantly clicked with one another, making this journey a little less lonely. If you’re looking for beauty tools and cute lashes, she is your girl! Check her out on Instagram @ashnicbeauty.

Website: www.mintybleu.com

Instagram: mintybleu_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mintybleu/

Image Credits
Minty Bleu

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