Young kids grow up playing dress up in their mom’s closet, walking out tripping over the floor length dress that magically grew a train, in heels 5 sizes too big. For junior Haven Dalke that is true, except the clothes fit her perfectly, and the pieces do not come from her mother’s closet, but rather her own creative hands.
Learning to crochet at eight, Dalke’s mom taught her on a random night while watching a movie. She immediately fell in love with the art form, finding it relaxing and resourceful.
“I named my business after my great grandma Delia, who taught my mom to crochet,” Dalke said. “She is basically the reason I learned, and others in my family have, and it has become a good bonding thing between my mom and I.”
Her love transformed into bigger aspirations of starting her own business on Instagram, and by 2025, that idea became a reality. The business started under the name Delia Hill Crochet, a tribute to the person who is a significant reason why the business is established today.
“I just recently started my business this last summer to make some additional cash besides the job I already have,” Dalke said. “I feel like it’s also just super easy to establish a small business with social media platforms and communication now, so might as well do it, especially since it’s already a hobby of mine.”
Aspects that come along with running a business, such as time management, pricing and advertising are challenging, but Dalke’s proud of her progress and strives to improve.
Running a small business can be daunting, however, Dalke is motivated to continue. Junior Carmen Marousek, a close friend of hers, has bought a few pieces and is a regular customer.
Running a small business can be daunting, but Dalke stays motivated because she is able to do what she loves and is able to earn extra money. Even though time management, pricing and advertising has its struggles, she perseveres due to the support from those around her. Junior Carmen Marousek, a close friend of hers, has bought a few pieces and is a regular customer.
“She used to crochet a lot during class and bring it to my house when we were hanging out,” Marousek said. “People should buy from her because all her pieces are of amazing quality. I have worn the swimsuit and top she has made me many times, and it has no rips. They are perfect.”
Although Dalke doesn’t have any big future plans that involve building her crochet business into something more, she wants to continue to create for the people who order. Making extra money on the side is great, but at the end of the day, it’s the connections she makes with her family and customers that make it worth it.
