Daily Inspiration: Meet Tabitha Murray

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tabitha Murray.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started? 
Growing up for the majority of my childhood my Granny lived with us, and when she got her own place, I stayed with her a lot. I got my passion for crocheting from her. She taught me when I was a small girl. Everyone knows that we don’t really appreciate these pastimes handed down at the time and if I could could go back, I would have paid more attention and learned more. I would have also not taken a very long break in my crocheting, and I would have learned how to knit from her. I still have my Mama, so that is in the works. So, Granny taught me the basics and every year my kids would get a new handmade sweater, hat, and scarf. I still have them to this day. Fast forward a few decades, I needed to find means to supplement income. I ordered a crochet hook set and some yarn. Crocheting was just like riding a bike. 

I still remember my first market. I was so nervous, and I was just using 1/4 of a table of my friends’ area. I sat there with my little snowmen wondering if they were actually going to sell. They did, and I was so proud of the few bucks I made. From then on, I was dedicated to learning and creating all kinds of new friends and patterns for all ages to enjoy. 

Somewhere around the 2-year mark after a few almost sold out shows I wanted this to be more. I decided to name my business after my granny. My Granny and Mom’s side are from Germany. My Granny always called me her Schatzi, which means treasure in German. So Schatzi Stitches was born. I am continuing to grow, and I strive to learn and create treasures for everyone. I do have a full-time job as well. On weekends, you can find me at markets and on weeknights curled up with a hook and a ball of yarn. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Is anything in life actually a smooth road? 

The nerves before every market wondering if I will sell anything. Then there is always the disappointment after a market when I don’t reach my goal in sells. I know deep down it isn’t the product. Life if hard right now, and not everyone can splurge on a plushie or special item. 

Being a crochet artist, working full time, being a wife and mother finding the perfect balancing act is definitely something I have not mastered. But all we can do in this life is the best we can. 

At first, I struggled finding markets and creating business relationships with people. I have grown my network of friends, and we share markets and ideas. I love meeting new creators of all kinds and helping and sharing ideas. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
When I am not crocheting, at a market, being a mom, taking care of my dogs, kids, or husband then I am probably at work. I work at ECU Health. I work on the back end with insurance companies to get authorizations for patients to get treatments they need. My main concern is for Multiple Sclerosis patients receiving infusions such as Ocrevus and Tysabri. I work hard every day to make sure these patients’ insurance companies will pay for treatments. I also work to get authorization for Botox. Not the wrinkle botox kind. Botox is used for migraines, spasticity, tremors, stroke patients, etc. 

I am not a doctor or a nurse, but when I do talk to patients, and they show such gratitude when I can schedule their treatments, it certainly warms my heart. What I do has meaning, and I strive every day to work hard. 

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I am so very honored to have this opportunity. I wouldn’t be here without the love and support of my friends and family. My Granny for the foundation learning. My Mom for helping me along the way. She also helps with my stock and loves to create, just like me. My husband for dealing with yarn and hooks everywhere! My best friend that has come to pretty much every show I have ever done. 

The next three months, I have quite a few markets plan if you would like to come meet me and take a new friend or hat home. 

Oct 7th and 8th Selma Railroad Days Selma 

Nov 11th Farmer and the Dail Snow Hill 

Dec 9th Christkindlmarket at Old North State Food Hall Selma 

You can also check for upcoming markets on my Facebook page. 

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schatzistitches/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SchatziStitches
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@schatzi_stitches

Image Credits
Destiny Crisp