Brand Profile: Krochet Kids Intl.

mike lewis

• July 01 2009
• 3 comments

The Krochet Kids: Executive Directors Kohl Crecelius and Stewart Ramsey and Chief Financial/Operations Officer Travis Hartanov.

The cahect of crochet has spread through many hipster scenes, and while for some it’s simply a hobby, three friends from Spokane, Washington have seen it as a way to help bring about the change they want to see in the world, starting in war-torn Uganda.

Kohl Crecelius, Travis Hartanov, and Stewart Ramsey grew up snowboarding, skating, skiing, and surfing together and added crocheting to their list of shared interests after Kohl’s older brother Parc got them hooked. Their skills spinning yarns quickly grew and their beanies became noticed around their high school and the crew took advantage by selling lids to the kids to foot the bill for prom.

After high school, the trio went their separate ways for university but kept in close contact, linking up for summer breaks and surfing at Hartanov’s Newport Beach house. “I grew up snowboarding in search for the perfect champagne powder and then in college I lived in a beach house where my search was broadened to include the perfect barrel,” says Hartanov.

In addition to taking advantage of time between semesters to search for waves and powder, the civically minded crew began volunteering abroad, including Uganda. “We had a buddy that started an orphanage [in Uganda] while in college and I traveled there to help out,” says Ramsey. “I saw people and a country ravaged by war and disease and my heart broke. It’s gnarly to see what people can live through and still be stoked at the end of the day. Relationships led to relationships, and we got to know some of the folks who had survived a 20-year long civil war and were now ready to rebuild themselves.”

Upon returning to the States Ramsey and the rest of Kids and their crew made a pact to commit their time, energy, and effort toward helping the less fortunate through the easily learned skill of the yarn and hooks. “We saw a huge opportunity to take this simple skill that we had, that required few tools, and allow it to provide hope and jobs for people in developing nations,” explains Crecelius.  “Simply, we saw it as an area that could benefit the most from the programs we wanted to offer.”

The Kids raised funds through selling beanies they made themselves and tapped all of their resources to figure out the best way to achieve their goals. In the summer of 2007 the triad traveled back to Uganda and met with local organizations and began training a group of women to crochet and formed a 501(c)(3) non –profit that imports the beanies and sells them here in the States. “The women have an opportunity to earn a reliable income,” says Crecelius.  “This allows them to provide for their, and their family’s immediate needs.  Also involved in our programs is education and mentorship surrounding budgeting, small business practices, and future business plans and endeavors.”

While the logistics of sourcing from a remote, landlocked African country are difficult, the team has been fine-tuning its processes and now offers a line of seven beanies and four t-shirts. They have also designed the program to be replicable in other areas of the world. “We have been researching countries in South America—such as Bolivia, Columbia, and Peru—and we’ve also been talking with organizations in India,” adds Crecelius.  “Our hope is that we’ll not only continue to produce hats, but [can] diversify our products depending on the areas of the world we work within.”

Moving forward the Kids have big plans and goals for the power of crochet. “I would love to change people’s minds about what they wear and why they wear it,” expands Ramsey. “I consider Krochet Kids Intl. an example and a vehicle…the idea is to empower people to help themselves.”

KKi’s products are currently available through its website, krochetkids.org, and they’re focusing on getting the $25 and $30 beanies into retail doors where they believe the products’ stories will help them stand apart. “I’d like to be viable in all markets from skate, snow, and surf to contemporary fashion. Our fashion and style core will always be people who like to shred, but anyone can buy a hat [and change lives].

KKi on location in Uganda: