Kenilworth Market: Hillside Yarn

Established in 2021, Hillside Yarn quickly became a beloved haven for crafters of all kinds. Its founder, Suzanne, is a warm and welcoming figure, always ready with a smile and a piece of advice.

Suzanne's journey to opening Hillside Yarn began in the rolling hills of North Wales, where she grew up on a charming street named Hillside Ave. From the tender age of four or five, she was captivated by the art of knitting and crochet, skills she learned from her grandmother. These early lessons sparked a lifelong passion that would eventually lead her to a complete career transformation.

For over two decades, Suzanne worked in programme and change management, however Suzanne decided it was time for a change. She wanted to turn her hobby into something more, something that would bring joy to others and herself.

And so, Hillside Yarn was born. Suzanne's Market Stall offers a vast array of yarns for knitting, crochet, and other crafty projects. The stall is lined with colorful skeins, inviting customers to touch and feel their way through the selection process. In addition to yarn, Suzanne sells needles, hooks, buttons, and other accessories that make any project possible. She even creates baby and young children's clothes to showcase her yarn, techniques, and patterns. These adorable prototypes are also available for purchase.

But Hillside Yarn is more than just a Market Stall. Suzanne is dedicated to helping her customers succeed in their projects. She freely offers advice on yarn choices, project ideas, stitches, and answers any related questions. Her enthusiasm and expertise make Hillside Yarn a welcoming place for both novice and experienced crafters.

One of Suzanne's favorite aspects of running Hillside Yarn is selling at local markets. These vibrant events allow her to connect with her customers in a personal and meaningful way. She loves watching as they see the true colors of the yarn, feel the textures, and share their own crafting stories. The immediate feedback she receives at these markets provides valuable insights and helps her refine her offerings.

Suzanne also discovered an unexpected but delightful bonus in her market endeavors: the community of fellow traders. This supportive network of small business owners has become like a second family to her. They look out for each other, promote each other's businesses, and share in the triumphs and challenges of market life. Suzanne treasures these relationships and the sense of camaraderie they bring.

Today, Hillside Yarn is more than just a business—it's a community hub, a place where creativity flourishes, friendships are forged, and every skein of yarn tells a story. Suzanne's journey from North Wales to Kenilworth, from a career in management to running a yarn stall, is a testament to the power of following one's passion and the joy that comes from sharing it with others.