Queer Weaver Seeks Help To Grow Small Business

Etsy shop Elvia Loominstagram

Hello all,

I’m Elsbeth, a weaver and craftsperson living on the east coast of the states. Fundraising for myself, I am seeking short-term support in growing my small fiber arts business. Funds raised go directly to rent, utilities/bills and studio needs, including yarn/weaving materials and tools. My apartment contains both my living space and work studio, and rent/costs have increased. This fundraiser is listed under “creative” because my life is centered around my work. Support for housing/living costs is vital to growing my business and vice versa.

In 2019 I started radically shifting my life toward evolving personally and as an artist. My weaving practice became a way to stay grounded through the chaos and pain of intense personal growth. I took my first weaving class a few years before, but it was in 2019 when fiber craft became my main focus. The changes I set out to make are happening, and my work evolves with me. Now, weaving is integrated into my everyday life, and my passion for this craft pushes me forward. The idea of starting a small business sprang from requests for commissions and a desire to work with my hands full time, leading me into a regular studio practice. I weave beautiful, usable objects that seek to remedy our detachment between item and labor. From kitchen towels to intricate, heirloom quality items, my work contributes to the cultural shift of "value" in the context of making things.

The past few years coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic have been super challenging. Already dealing with anxiety/depression, heightened stress, chronic pain and my ADHD/neurodivergent experience, I have had to move several times, facing big unknowns and income insecurity. Despite many “roadblocks,” I have worked hard to develop skills and techniques, and weaving has changed from a supportive scaffolding to a strong foundation. Funding in support for the next six months would make a massive difference for me. When working as an individual, weaving can be a very slow craft, and A LOT of time is essential for me to produce inventory. Relief from constant pressure around paying for housing, living costs and materials in the short term would give me the time and space required to weave a solid inventory and get my business off the ground.

Please watch this space; I will post updates as they are made possible.