Serenity Tyll, animal science sophomore has turned her hobby of making knit items into a business. Tyll made an Etsy store to sell her homemade knit products.

She said she began knitting at a young age and decided to turn her talent into a profitable way to help pay for her education.

The idea to create an Etsy account came from one of Tyll’s friends. The friend had her own Etsy account and Tyll was able to see people actually buy homemade items.

Tyll said she likes how her website helped her become her own boss and work for herself. Although running a business and managing school seems like a lot of work, Tyll said she has been able to manage it well.

The concept of selling crafts wasn't completely new for Tyll. She said she used to sell jewelry she made as a kid at her school.

Products Tyll makes range from headbands, hats, knit animals and custom orders.

“I make a little bit of everything,” Tyll said. “If you can dream it up, I can make it.”

Recently her most demanded items are for custom character hats for children.

Since she is a college student herself, she said she doesn’t price her items too high. The prices can range depending on the order people make.

“Prices range anywhere from about $5 to $25 or $30 for really detailed or custom orders, nothing too expensive,” Tyll said.

Aside from knitted products, Tyll also makes original artwork and jewelry she sometimes posts in her online store.

“I do acrylic paintings and water color and a little bit of chalk pastel too,” Tyll said.

Starting up an Etsy store or other online storefront might seem difficult. But Tyll said anyone can turn a hobby into something they do for profit. 

“You can take anything that you’re passionate about even if it seems silly, but if you’re passionate about it you can turn it into a marketable skill,” Tyll said.