Ashley Morken
It can be really tricky to do a handmade business focused on a variety of craft categories, but Lil’ Hippie Co. here in Fargo is a fun example of how it can be done! From handcrafted candles to crocheted amigurumi, Taylor is curating a vibe that is whimsical, natural, and fun. Read on to learn about this local maker and catch her at holiday markets coming up!
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Taylor, and I am a local artist from Fargo, ND, although I am originally from Frazee, MN. I work as a Project Manager Assistant at Stantec, a local engineering and consulting firm focusing on environmental sciences. When I’m not working or creating, I enjoy visiting local breweries, attending concerts, tending to my plants, and going on hikes with my three dogs. I’m also a neurodivergent artist and am an advocate for mental health and wellness. I find peace in moving my body and have been practicing yoga since 2018. I am a 200-hour RYT (registered yoga teacher) and enjoy volunteer teaching yoga at local non-profits.
Describe what type of products you make under Lil’ Hippie Co.
I chose “Lil’ Hippie Co.” as my business name because it’s just vague enough for me to create anything that falls under the “hippie” brand. I hand-wrap wire crystal and stone jewelry, such as rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. I also dabble in creating natural scents and create a variety of hand-poured soy candles, oil-based rollon scents, room sprays, exfoliating scrubs, and soaking salts. Finally, I also enjoy crocheting. I crochet market bags, headbands/bandanas, hats, and home décor, but my favorite thing to crochet is amigurumi, which is a Japanese word for “crocheted or knitted stuffed toy.” I love making crocheted friends that people can “adopt” and bring home!
Tell us how you got started with your business.
I’ve been dabbling in the arts since I was a wee tot, as it helped me communicate and manage my emotions. I’ve always loved using my hands to create things, even if what I’ve created isn’t always appealing to others. I really got into creating during COVID-19 and opened a small online shop in November 2021 that included only jewelry. I only sold to friends and family until I did my first show in Fargo in April 2022. Since then, I have received so much support from the community and Lil’ Hippie Co. continues to grow.
You do a large variety of types of craft within your business! How do you determine the direction of your focus for each market you do?
I’m still rather new at local markets and have been enjoying the guessing game. I’ve been trying new markets that I’ve never done before and keeping track of what’s popular, but it’s been super hard as I’ve received so much support for all my products. I try to bring a little bit of everything to my markets to ensure there’s something for everyone.
Where do you get your inspiration from for what you create?
I love getting inspiration from other artists through Instagram or TikTok, but I also really enjoy making things up as I go. I try to make a basic plan for my products before I go into it so I can remind myself of what I’m trying to accomplish, but most of the time I go in with a vague idea in my head and try my best to recreate it.
What is your personal favorite item or piece you’ve created so far?
’ve been taking a lot of custom crochet Pokemon orders and I love them all! They turn out so cute and it’s really easy to connect with people over something I loved as a child and still love to this day
What is something you’ve enjoyed the most about doing this handcrafted business?
There is such a rich artistic community in Fargo, and I’ve connected with so many amazing and talented artists who’ve been so welcoming. I love connecting with customers at markets as well! Seeing someone’s face light up when they see something I’ve made is a feeling I’ll never take for granted.
What is the most challenging thing?
I struggle with keeping up on my social media and website. It takes a lot of time to take pictures, edit, and upload posts, and I find myself ignoring it all so I can continue creating instead. That’s way more fun.
What is one craft or art medium you haven’t really dabbled in yet that you want to try someday?
I’ve tried embroidery, sewing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, jewelry, crochet, knitting, you name it. But I would really like to try rug making. I see process videos on TikTok and think it’s so cool how the rugs come together
What is a word that best describes you?
Purposeful.
What advice would you have given yourself five years ago?
Don’t let outside forces determine how successful you’ll be. There is nothing more powerful than a woman who knows who she is and what she wants.
Where can people find your work?
I try to stay as active as I can on social media and respond to messages on my Instagram and Facebook. If you prefer to connect in person, you can find me at the Fargo Brewing Mini Makers Market on November 19th and December 17th. I am currently revamping my website and hope to have it updated soon, so keep an eye out!
lilhippieco.com
Facebook | /lil.hippie.co
Instagram | @lil.hippie.co
