How a Mother’s Love Built a Thriving Ribbon Business
My journey with Knot + Spool began in the most personal way—right at home. As a stay-at-home mom of five children, I poured my heart into raising my family and found joy in all kinds of creative projects. When my daughter, Madeline, needed help raising funds for a youth service trip to India, I wanted to support her in a meaningful way. That’s when I started making and selling handmade coffee filter wreaths. What began as a simple act of love quickly grew into something much bigger than I ever imagined.
Creating with Care
From the very beginning, I was passionate about making each wreath by hand. Every coffee filter was shaped and placed with care, creating a full, textured, and elegant design. I experimented with different dyes and colors, always looking for ways to make each wreath feel special. Friends and neighbors began noticing the detail and craftsmanship—and they were amazed that something as ordinary as a coffee filter could be transformed into something so beautiful. Their support and encouragement gave me the confidence to dream bigger.
Our First Little Shop
In 2015, with a growing number of supporters cheering me on, I opened the first Knot + Spool shop. It was just 500 square feet, but it was filled with creativity and love. One of the things I was most excited about was our ribbon selection. I started creating curated collections of ribbon and called them Ribbon Sets. These sets made it easy for our customers to decorate and style with confidence. People loved them, and it wasn’t long before Ribbon Sets became a favorite part of our shop.
But with limited space, it became harder and harder to keep up with the variety our customers wanted. We needed room to grow.
A Bigger Space—and Bigger Dreams
We moved into a 2,800-square-foot shop, which gave us space to expand our ribbon selection and create beautiful window displays—a part of the shop that quickly became one of my favorite creative outlets. I poured my heart into designing inspiring scenes that told a story and invited people in.
Some of our most memorable displays include a Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis-inspired wedding dress made entirely of coffee filters and a Queen of Hearts dress crafted from cards and filters. We also created whimsical vignettes with Maileg mice—skiing, sledding, and going on sweet little adventures. These displays brought so much joy and became a signature of Knot + Spool, drawing in customers and turning the shop into a destination.
Facing Challenges with Creativity
When the pandemic hit in 2020, we, like so many others, had to pivot. I focused on online sales and looked for ways to connect with our customers through our website and social media. One of the biggest blessings during this time was the support of incredible influencers who partnered with us. Their Ribbon Set collaborations helped us reach new audiences and brought renewed energy to our brand when we needed it most.
Influencer Collaborations
MyKayla Skinner, a 2021 Olympic silver medalist, brought her bright and joyful personality to the partnership. Her Ribbon Set reflected her energy and inspired so many of her fans.
Rachel Parcell, a fashion influencer and designer, brought elegance and grace to her Ribbon Set. Her followers were so supportive and loved her eye for beautiful design.
Ivy City Co., a brand known for their timeless and feminine dresses, added a touch of whimsy to our collaborations. Their love for creativity and thoughtful design made them the perfect fit.
I’m so grateful for these collaborations—and for every influencer and friend who helped spread the word about Knot + Spool. Their belief in our mission helped us grow in ways I could have never done alone.
Growing to Meet the Moment
Thanks to our amazing customers and online community, we continued to grow. We moved into a spacious 5,800-square-foot retail shop and repurposed our original 2,800-square-foot space for storage. We also added a 4,000-square-foot production and fulfillment center to help us keep up with demand.
Today, we offer over 10,000 ribbons, and to the best of our knowledge, it’s the largest retail ribbon selection in the country. We’re also proud to be one of the largest Maileg retailers in the United States.
Inspired by Family—Licensed for Passion
Another part of the business was born from something very close to my heart—my daughters. With one graduating from BYU and another from the University of Utah, we experienced the friendly but fierce rivalry known as the Holy War. That inspired me to become licensed to sell both BYU and Utah Ribbon Sets and Collegiate Bows. They were a hit!
That success led to licenses with over 20 college programs, including Alabama, LSU, and Ohio State. These Ribbon Sets have become a fun, creative way for our customers to show their school spirit—and I love seeing them proudly displayed in homes all over the country.
Check out our Collegiate Ribbon, Ribbon Sets and Bows!
What Matters Most
While the business has grown more than I ever dreamed, my greatest joy is being a role model for my grandchildren. I want them to know that with hard work, creativity, and faith, anything is possible. Everything we create—from a wreath to a ribbon—is made with care, and I hope it brings joy to the homes it touches.
Thank you to every customer, friend, neighbor, influencer, and team member who has supported me along the way. Knot + Spool is built on relationships and a love for meaningful, beautiful things. From my basement to where we are today, this journey has been one of heart, hard work, and hope.