Krochet Kids Intl. is a non-profit clothing brand based in Uganda, Peru, and California. This company was started by three men who learned to crochet in high school: Kohl Crecelius, Travis Hartinov, and Steward Ramsey. The three began using their shared talent to sell hats to other students and eventually raised enough money for an elaborate prom. After prom and high school, crocheting was abandoned, but the three grew a desire to help people in developing countries. Many developing countries have government camps that people live in for countless years at a time, but the people living in these camps long for a way to provide for their families. Crecelius, Hartinov, and Ramsey saw this need and decided to translate their passion of crocheting to provide jobs for women in developing countries who were searching for a way to provide for their families. Thus, Krochet Kids Intl. was established in 2007. Since the foundation of Krochet Kids Intl., the business has grown from a small business in a hut in Uganda to a thriving company serving women in both Uganda and Peru. This company provides wages above the poverty standard and introduces each customer to the creator of their product so that the customer can know the creator’s story and encourage them on their journey out of poverty.
The innovation that Krochet Kids Intl. presented is seen in their view of poverty. These men went into developing countries hoping to provide funds and food for the citizens but found that creating jobs is what was most needed which ultimately shifted how non-profits are viewed. The fact that they saw a need and created a business off of it proves their innovation, ability to pivot, and entrepreneurial spirit. Crecelius, Hartinov, and Ramsey used a basic skill that thousands of people know and turned it into a way to help women out of poverty. This is something that inspires me about entrepreneurship. Anyone can take a basic skill and create something that can help others just like these three men who love to crochet did.
I like what you said about how they went trying to help with food and stuff, but when they actually examined the need they changed their point of view. It really is true that we often hurt and add to the problem when we try to help. The fact that they recognized the difference between helping and hurting and then came up with an idea to actually help shows tremendous entrepreneurial spirit. Super impressive!
This past summer, I’ve noticed a trend with businesses partnering up with individuals from poor countries and providing them with jobs. This is a very special business, as it recognizes a problem with poverty and builds a company around it. As a consumer, I would be more likely to buy from a business with this concept of helping those in need. It is very neat that Krochet Kids introduces the customers to the creators of the products.
It is tremendous when a new venture is entirely centered on benefiting those less fortunate than them. Krochet Kids Intl. recognizes how important it is to actually shift the economic atmosphere by providing jobs instead of donating money. Their approach is a lot more sustainable and allows for growth in the surrounding area to benefit more people.
I loved that you added in a video! I have never heard about this business but now I am interested in them. Their business ideas are very unique and will really benefit people in Uganda and Peru. I think I would definitely support this business because they are centered around helping people who are less fortunate.