Innisfil woman turns therapeutic hobby into business venture

Meet Innisfil's Katie Gosley founder of BubbaNut Handmade, where she makes and sells one-of-a-kind crocheted items. 

Gosley is a creative entrepreneur, but she didn't always work for herself.

Prior to starting her own business, used to have a "dream job" working with animals. 

"I had great coworkers, I was learning new things," she remembers. 

But then, in 2007, after feeling unwell and attending multiple doctor appointments and going through various medical tests, Gosley was diagnosed with Lupus, an incurable autoimmune disease where the body attacks itself causing inflammation, pain, and possible organ damage. 

"I could no longer multitask, I was forgetful," she said. 

So she took to the keyboard and found an online Lupus community where she found support for her diagnosis. 

"There is so much help and the girls helped me through my diagnosis," she said. 

And although she has many friends, it is rare they get to see Gosley in person.

Why?

Because she is agoraphobic.

People with agoraphobia have a fear of being in big crowds, and public spaces, which can trigger anxiety attacks. 

But she has found ways to circumvent her physical and mental health challenges, mostly through crocheting. 

During her interview with InnisfilToday, you could see one of her hands very discoloured (purple) compared to the other. Lupus has many effects on the body, one of which is the inability to regulate the temperature of the hands. If Gosley does not keep them moving, she says they "lock-up" on her.

“Crocheting helps me because I am constantly moving my fingers," she said. 

She started with one ball of yarn, gifted to her after her diagnosis,  and used it for six months: crochet, tear it out, crochet, tear it out, repeat 

Thanks to an online crochet community, she found patterns, tips and tricks and before long became a pattern tester for a fellow crafter who is now one of her closest friends. 

One of her very first projects was crafting slippers with proceeds going to Lupus Ontario. That winter,  just before the holidays, she had orders coming in from so many people all wanting a pair of slippers to gift while supporting the cause. Once the donation campaign ended, she was still being asked for slippers. The year following, was the first time she was able to contribute to her family’s Christmas, purchasing gifts to give, thanks to her newfound crafting business. 

BubbaNut Handmade can be found on Facebook and Instagram.