THREADS OF SUCCESS

Katelyn

Pegg

uses TikTok to drive a crafting businesses.

Isat down at my desk one morning, sun pouring through the windows, and pulled out my computer– the same way I had for the past 4 months. After logging onto my Zoom meeting, I grabbed my phone as I waited for class to start. Going straight to TikTok, I checked my page to see the recent video I posted the day before. To my surprise, it had already reached over 100,000 views in one night. It was from that moment on that everything began to change.

Ever since I was little, I have always loved making things. From duct tape wallets to beaded necklaces, I was always crafting something with my hands. And once the quarantine started, I had a lot more time on my hands.

I started making smaller bracelets for my friends and family and as the pandemic went on, I was always making a bracelet in my free time. Because it was an easy way for me to share what I was creating, I started posting about my bracelets on Instagram. At the time Instagram seemed to be the most user friendly, and it was a simple way to show others the crafts I was making.

Over time, I had noticed that it was much easier to go “viral”on a video platform like TikTok compared to Instagram. So after posting on Instagram for a few months, I decided to give TikTok a try. I wanted to be able to reach more people, so in order to do that, I had to test out multiple platforms.

One day I had gotten bored so I decided to film a quick TikTok video without giving much thought to it. When I checked it the next morning, I was shocked.

Over 100,000 views. On my first video.

Not only was I able to reach more people, but my following went up which in turn helped grow my Instagram.

Eventually, I was able to reach millions of people, with some of my videos reaching up to almost 15 million views. And while I wouldn’t consider myself an influencer, as my business has grown I have been able to show the crafts I make to a bigger audience.

My favorite thing about making bracelets is being able to share them with other people. It makes me happy to see other people wearing something I put so much time and love into. Some customers will even send me photos on instagram after receiving their order and I love seeing the positive impact my bracelets can have on other people.

I have been selling my bracelets and keychains for around two and a half years now and I have noticed steady growth over the years. I have expanded from google forms order forms to a full website that I am able to customize, control and operate.

I would not be anywhere close to where I am today without the help of TikTok. I can definite-