My passion for knitting traces back to a cherished birthday gift from my grandma when I was just a little girl. At my request, she bought me a knitting book and a pair of adorable kitty cat needles that would turn the spark I held for crafting into a wildfire. With her patient guidance, I embarked on my first knitting project— a holey pink chenille scarf that I wore with pride. I soon started creating little gifts for my teachers at the end of each school year and fashioning accessories for my beloved plushies.

As I transitioned from a crafty child to an anxious young adult with ADD, knitting remained a comforting companion. When my hands are busy, I'm able to keep my mind both focused and at ease. However, the true evolution happened when I revisited the giving spirit of my childhood.

I realized that, as much as I enjoyed knitting for myself and loved ones, there were only so many creations I could keep and give away to my immediate circle, which is when I discovered a greater purpose my projects could serve. In 2017, I took a leap of faith and sent off my first batch of knitted donations to a charity dedicated to supporting Native American communities in need. That experience was transformative.

The knowledge that my creations could bring comfort and warmth to those who needed it most added a profound layer of fulfillment to my crafting. Since then, my knitting journey has taken me on a path of giving. I've donated hundreds of handmade knit items to various charitable recipients, including children's hospitals, veterans' homes, senior centers, and shelters. These creations have reached the hands of people facing adversity, whether due to homelessness, domestic violence, illness, or natural disasters.

Every so often, a request from a loved one for a custom knit brings an extra layer of joy to my knitting. Gift-giving, especially when it involves something handmade, creates a special connection that truly brings me joy. It's an intimate way to share a piece of myself, and my outlook, with others.

It's a no brainer for me to do an activity I adore that also can make someone's day a tiny bit better. Whether the recipient is near or far, my hope is that receiving a Bia Original brings them a little smile, knowing that someone who invested time and care into their handmade item, is rooting for them.

This journey, filled with stitches and stories, has evolved from a mere hobby to a mission of spreading warmth and hope. Welcome to Bia Originals, where every stitch is a thread of love and every knit carries a little piece of my heart.