How SimpleCozyFree was Born

I started this blog because, truthfully, I was looking for a way to make money that wouldn’t require me to sound salesy, while still giving people free access to the things I create. To me, that feels like a win-win. But my brand existed long before this blog did, and I want to tell you the story of how the name came to be.

Where it all started

I started my Instagram account years ago with a completely different niche and a completely different brand name. I learned a lot about marketing, hooks, and strategy. I worked so hard that I eventually burnt out, and I stopped enjoying creating content in that niche. It became too difficult with some hard personal things I had going on in my life at the time.

The simple living era

After some time off, I decided the best niche for me might be simple lifestyle content: helping others simplify their lives, because I was always looking for the simplest ways to keep my household running smoothly. But reality check: this wasn’t sustainable for me. I felt like I had to show my house, my kids, and my whole life, and since I’m a big believer in show vs. tell, I put that pressure on myself. Let’s be honest, I have ups and downs, and that pressure to look “perfect” was a lot. (There’s more to where that comes from in my past, but I’ll save that story for another day.)

The one good thing that came out of it was my brand name: SimpleCozyFree. It summed up my life in a nutshell, and I felt like it could fit any direction I wanted to take my page… and that turned out to be true..

Finding my way back to my hobbies

I took more time off because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do next. After 3–6 months, I realized I needed something that would let me have more fun, feel more relaxed, and not feel so boxed in. That’s when I started leaning into my hobbies again. I had sacrificed so much time that I hadn’t really enjoyed any of them for about a year, so this was exciting for me.

At first I thought I’d lean into gaming and other hobbies on the side, but over time I noticed my crochet content performed better and attracted more women, which is who I wanted to reach. So I leaned into crochet. Now I know what you’re thinking: “I thought you didn’t want to be boxed in?!” And you’d be absolutely right.

The cupcake and the sprinkles

Crochet is my main focus, but I still let myself post other things when I want to, and I share more unrelated things in my stories, which really helps me feel less boxed in. Having a focus does help my page, especially on Facebook. I like to think of my crochet content as the cupcake, and the extras as little sprinkles on top.

What I love most about this season is that I get to choose what I share. I don’t feel pressure to show more than I’m comfortable with, but I’m also not closing the door. Maybe one day I’ll share more of my home or the little routines that make life feel cozy, and that’s okay too. The difference now is that it’ll be because I want to, not because I feel like I have to.

My brand finally feels right, and the name SimpleCozyFree fits perfectly, because I create things that are simple, cozy, and free.

So what’s this blog for?

This is where I’ll share my free crochet patterns, beginner-friendly stitch guides, and the real behind-the-scenes of building a handmade business, including the wins, the mistakes I learned from, and everything in between. Along the way, I’ll probably sprinkle in some of the other cozy things I love too. I’m still learning as I go, and I’d love for you to learn alongside me.

If you’re new here, start with my free patterns or come say hi on Instagram. I’m so glad you’re here.