Joan Lim lets us into her wonderful world of knitting, which works wonders for taking care of your mental health!
We love entrepreneurs and small business owners at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve created Launchpad, a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It’s a privilege and pleasure to learn from so many talented and inspiring folks, so we’ve decided to share the love by interviewing some of the lovely Launchpad members. Looking for inspiration? Check out how Joan Lim, the founder of House Of Pumpkin, gets it done like a boss.
What is your backstory and why did you decide to launch your business?
I always envisioned that kids and parents needed a go-to place where they could design their own knitwear. At House of Pumpkin, our customers can find top-tier quality fibres paired with creative and fashionable designs. Our pieces are must-haves that become favourite essentials for everyone who purchases them.
From sweaters and cardigans to accessories such as wristlets and tablet cases, everything is made with keen attention to detail and professionalism. Skin-friendly fibres and whimsical colours make for the perfect combination.
What has been your biggest challenge so far and how did you overcome it?
When it comes to the most challenging period I surpassed, my mentality played the biggest part. Since Singapore has tropical weather and luxuriant flora, at the start people were hesitant about wearing knitwear, as they associated it with colder settings.
I created The Knitting Place because I wanted to teach people the art of knitting while educating knitters that knitwear can look fabulous and be worn even in tropical destinations. It’s all about the type of fibre, design, and knitting pattern. Knitted tops, skirts, and cardigans can stylishly be worn for a stroll on the beach. Currently, our creative ateliers focus on teaching the base of knitting, while encouraging creativity and socialising based on a common hobby.
How do you keep stress levels low?
I have my moments of burden and unease, when stress and anxiety hit and when my energy levels plummet. However, I’ve made it my mission to unwind at the end of the day through knitting.
In the last decade, I’ve turned to knitting almost as a reflex to adjust my stress levels and maintain my mental health. Knitting is the perfect way to let go of daily stressors that put pressure on your emotional well-being. While focusing on stitches and how the fibres come together, my mind goes to a quiet and safe zone.
Creativity also plays a paramount role in relaxing. Creating new knitting patterns sparks joy and enables me to have a brighter approach to life. Seeing the progress of my work offers me a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that brushes off any self-doubt or stress accumulated during the day.
How do you deal with self-doubt or criticism?
One of my main drawbacks is that I’m highly self-critical since I’m a perfectionist. I always need the knitwear to be perfect, so taking criticism is tough for me because I tend to personally internalise it. I tried to overcome this and be more mindful of the fact that I should be my own biggest supporter. However, every time I see my kids wearing my knitwear, I feel like it can be improved on and I start overthinking it.
My efforts of alleviating self-doubt have stretched over three years now. The moment I feel like I’m closer to finally being free, the tiniest criticism comes along and ruins everything. However, I believe that perseverance is key and I’ll eventually be liberated of this.
Favourite place to work?
I truly love knitting at cafes. There’s something about the aroma of freshly-blended coffee beans, the buzz from hasty people intertwined with whispers from relaxed customers, and the warm lighting that inspires and energises me, while at the same time making me feel cosy.
Can you share a work mantra that you use?
“One more step, one more try, one more knit.” This is the daily mantra that gets me going. Whenever I have low energy moments or I feel like I’ve stepped outside the track and forgotten my goals, this mantra reminds me to remain focused and resilient.
One thing you can keep talking about for hours?
Knitting patterns! There’s virtually nothing else I’m so passionate about that can turn me into an extrovert other than knitting patterns. I’m truly mesmerised by them.
Your go-to self-care activity?
Golfing. It enables me to blow off some steam and vent my anger whenever the knitting pattern doesn’t come out as perfect as I want it to.
One piece of advice to your younger self?
Stop procrastinating! No more excuses, low energy or pessimistic views over what you can achieve. More dreams have been crushed by procrastinating than failures have ever killed. Keep trying even if you don’t feel like it.
Get in touch with Joan Lim online.
Launchpad is a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It is designed to make the entrepreneurial journey not only easier, and more successful, but also a whole lot more fun. We offer almost daily activities for members to connect, along with weekly masterclasses, member networking roulette, small-business mentoring and media profiles on Honeycombers. Check it out and join us!
