Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa DiOrazio.
Hi Lisa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi, I’m Lisa..
..the hands behind Happiness Handmade! My first memories of my grandma were of her sitting in her rocking chair crocheting with a basket full of yarn at her feet. I was always in awe of how fast she could move the hook and create beautiful things from just a piece of yarn! It is now my turn to carry on the family tradition!
I absolutely love crocheting one-of-a-kind keepsakes that hold meaning to the recipient. I am also a certified crochet instructor and love teaching others of all skill levels to learn this timeless craft. My mission is to bring God’s light, love and happiness to everyone, everywhere through Happiness Handmade.
I launched my Etsy shop in August of 2024 and my pumpkin garlands garnered a lot of attraction quickly which helped my shop grow. I then started focusing on in-person markets throughout the Kansas City area as will as virtual live selling through a platform called Palmstreet. This year, I began selling beginner-friendly, digital crochet patterns on Etsy for fellow crocheters! I also started a Youtube channel where I share free crochet tutorials and inspirational vlogs.
My business became and LLC in August of 2025 and in that same month, I became a certified crochet instructor through the American Crochet Association. I have since started to host crochet parties I call “Done in a Stitch!: A 2-hr crochet party! I provide all the supplies needed for the party and the goal is for you to make your very own crochet creation under my instruction. It’s a way for people to learn crochet in a fun and relaxed environment. (Very similar to the paint and sip model but for crochet!)
My prayer is to truly bring joy to others through my crochet makes, digital patterns, crochet parties and anything else that I can dream up! I am also working on a children’s book that will hopefully be released next year!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I can honestly say that Happiness Handmade has been a Godsend for me. I was in such a rut in my corporate job and crochet became an outlet for me. I also suffer from anxiety and OCD and with medication, therapy and crochet it is far more manageable than before. Crochet gives me a creative outlet, brings me closer to family members and friends, and it has introduced my to an incredible community of crocheters who all find immense joy in this craft. Of course, building a small business is not without its own unique challenges. I do not have a business background and really have no idea what I am doing 99% of the time! There have been many moments where I’m driving my youngest to daycare in the morning and just think to myself – “Girl, what are you doing!?” But I love the challenge and it feels so good knowing that I am building something from the ground up.
As you know, we’re big fans of Happiness Handmade. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I absolutely love working with clients to create something one-of-a kind of them! For example, I crocheted a MASSIVE Toothless for a client’s son’s 1st Birthday party. I have also crocheted a pillowcase with the colors and flowers representing a painting that hung in my client’s grandmother’s house. I’ve made 100 mini pumpkins for a client to pass out to her guests at her bridal shower. I’ve crocheted a ballerina doll for a client to remind her of her memories as a child learning to dance. I made a little red-nose reindeer lovey for a client who is expecting her first child this December. It’s the special moments of someone’s life that I get to capture in a handmade, keepsake to be treasured forever!
My Done in a Stitch! classes are also a great way to get together with friends, family or even co-workers to have a little night out (or in) and have a unique experience! It offers a stress-free option for those planning a girl’s night, co-worker bonding event or a bachelorette party/weekend – I bring the supplies and expertise, you bring the fun!
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I’m a pretty open book! One thing that tends to surprise people is that I have a Youtube channel! My channel is for aspiring and experienced crocheters who are looking for community! My mission is to help crocheters go from unsure and confused to confident entrepreneurs with a successful crochet business! I call my subscribers the sprinkle army and I go live on YouTube every Thursday night for a chill, crochet and chat session. I call it “Crochet Thursdays”!
Pricing:
- Done in A Stitch! parties – $25/person (I recommend no more than 10 people per party so I can devote enough attention to everyone learning.
- Private crochet lessons – $25/hr. I offer 5 week and 10 week lesson plans!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.happinesshandmadekc.com/
- Instagram: @happiness_handmadeKC
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565528459595&sk=about
- Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HappinessHandmadeKC
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@happiness_handmadekc
- Custom Order Form: https://www.happinesshandmadekc.com/custom-orders
