BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: BWilhelm Creations

DECORAH — For the past seven years, Bree Wilhelm of BWilhelm Creations has "turned yarn into happiness" by creating handmade crochet plushies full of personality and made to be loved. Whether you're shopping for a child or yourself, there's something waiting to become part of your story. Products include handmade crocheted plushies (stuffed animals and seasonal characters), seasonal home décor (pumpkins, holiday items and themed decorations), crochet keychains and small accessories, cozy handmade blankets, custom crochet creations made to order, and one-of-a-kind gifts for birthdays, baby showers, holidays and other special occasions. BWilhelm Creations will next appear at the Fall Market at White Barns in West Union on Sept. 11-12. DecorahNews.com spoke with Wilhelm about her journey with BWilhelm Creations. DN: What inspired you to start this business? BW: As a little girl, I used to sit at my grandma's house and watch her pour love, patience and creativity into every stitch. It sparked a passion that eventually became my own. When she was no longer able to crochet, she gave me all of her patterns and crochet hooks. DN: What is your background, and how did you develop your skill set? BW: I grew up playing every sport possible and have always been active. I started out babysitting in Ossian, then attended South Winneshiek High School, Iowa Lakes Community College and Waldorf College, where I played basketball. As I got older, I realized that sitting down to crochet while binge-watching Netflix is relaxing and helps life slow down a bit. DN: Tell us how you market your business to grow sales. BW: Honestly, it's mostly about getting my name out there. Not a lot of people know what I do yet. DN: What has been your biggest success to date? BW: The Market at White Barns vendor events in West Union have always been huge successes. They bring out the best customers and such positive vibes. DN: What is the best thing a customer has ever said about your business? BW: "My child hasn't put down their plush since we brought it home." "Your booth just puts a smile on my face and brings me so much happiness." DN: What has been the biggest challenge you've been able to overcome? BW: Getting so many compliments on my talent isn't something I was ever used to. DN: What inspires you to get out of bed every morning? BW: My three dogs. They are my whole world. They also know that when my alarm goes off, it's time to eat, so they make sure I get out of bed. DN: What is the best business advice you've ever received? BW: Do something that gets you out of your comfort zone. DN: What are one or two things you want to improve within your business over the next 12 months? BW: Taking better photos of my finished products and posting more consistently on social media. DN: What interesting fact about your business don't most people know? BW: One plush can take hours, or even days, to make. Every stitch counts. Missing or adding just one stitch can change the shape of an entire project. My husband knows not to tell me a long story while I'm crocheting because I'm counting stitches in my head and probably not paying attention. He also helps me load my car for vendor events and pack everything up when I'm done. DN: What is your favorite book? BW: Crochet pattern books. DN: What is your favorite genre of music or favorite musical group? BW: Country music. A lot of people also know me for my obsession with Niko Moon. DN: Of all the places you've traveled, which has been your favorite and why? BW: Just give me a cabin by a lake where I can sit and crochet. DN: When you're not working, what is your favorite thing to do? BW: Go fishing with my husband and our three dogs. DN: What advice would you give to a young person looking to start their own business? BW: Don't be afraid to fail. Be afraid of never trying. Editor's note: Business Spotlights are produced by the newsroom of DecorahNews.com and are not a paid advertisement. The goal is to recognize area businesses by telling their stories. It is challenging to be an entrepreneur, regardless of the type or age of the business. DecorahNews.com recognizes the huge role that businesses play in our rural communities. If you own a business in Decorah or Winneshiek county and would like to be considered for an upcoming Business Spotlight, tell us about your business here.