Meet Kimberley Urcadez | Crochet Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimberley Urcadez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberley, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
When it came to risks and my business I definitely took a few. My first one was just starting my business, I had first begun when COVID hit. At the time I was working and attending the University of Arizona; it became really tough having to go from one job to the next because of COVID and still do my classes. My then boyfriend at the time took on all the work to let me stay home and figure it out. I got back into crochet again and that’s where my business began.

The second risk I’ve ever taken was applying for Fourth Avenue Street Fair only a few months into doing events. I had been doing the Small Business Saturdays at the mall and wanted to grow and try more. This was a huge step considering I hadn’t done any festivals before. I got in for winter of 2022 and it changed my business. I definitely wasn’t prepared enough for it, but I took the risk and once I had my foot in the door it lead to so many more things. I now love attending Fourth Avenue and Tempe Festival of the Arts in the winter/spring.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I struggle with things mentally and crochet has been a huge help with that. I’ve always loved art (painting, drawing, throwing) but I never really stuck to anything aside from crochet. There’s so many different things to make and so many styles to learn. I personally love to do amigurumi, which is working in a constant circle. This style is how I make my plushies! Getting to where I am today has had its challenges. Especially when having to do events, I have a hard time in crowds and speaking to people. I thankfully have either my husband or mom to help me out and we’ve made it work. I’ve learned that even if you’re scared or nervous to just do it. The thought of doing festivals and being in large crowds or not having enough product absolutely terrify me, but once I did it and got through I realized it wasn’t so bad. Being scared to do something isn’t a bad thing, it just shows how much you care. One thing I feel the world should know about me and my business is I do this not for profit but because it makes me happy, crochet makes me happy. When I see someone run over to my booth all excited over my plushies it’s the best feeling in the world, to know someone loves my work just as much as I do.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I really love anything outdoorsy! Being from Tucson I’d take them to go hiking Sabino canyon, the desert museum, check out small downtown eateries, even drive up to Mt. Lemmon or a lake! One of my favorite trails in Sabino Canyon is Seven Falls. It will definitely leave you sore the next day but the waterfalls are absolutely beautiful and getting to jump in them is my favorite part.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d have to shoutout my mom and husband. My mother got me into crochet and taught me the basics when I was 9 and growing up she always ran businesses, I loved to help her and I knew it was something I wanted to do. As for me husband he took on so much during COVID (then boyfriend) to let me take time to figure out what I wanted, he always encouraged my art and ideas even when they seemed crazy.

Website: sofluffincute.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofluffincutestudio/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070418036949

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@sofluffincute

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sofluffincute Discord Server (for crocheters to connect): https://discord.gg/9Hvq6v95DD