Five years ago, an 11-year-old boy unexpectedly became popular on the internet thanks to his unusual passion—crochet. Now John Larson is 16, and his hobby, which has turned into a full-fledged business, continues to gain popularity.

Adopted from Ethiopia at six months old, John currently resides in La Crosse, Wisconsin. At five, he first picked up a crochet hook, and it quickly became his main hobby.

Over the years, John has crocheted many things: sweaters, hats, blankets, toys—just about anything you can imagine. His work inspires many, and his story reminds us that by following your passions, you can achieve a lot.

It’s fascinating to learn how John’s attitude toward crochet has changed over the years.

“My work has become much more complex. Now it’s not just a hobby for me, but a way of self-expression. I’ve developed my own style and started coming up with new designs. I especially enjoy creating men’s clothing,” John says.

Although crochet is often associated with something old-fashioned, John has made it popular among younger generations.

When asked how he managed to make crochet modern and appealing, he replied, “To attract young people, you need to create things they’ll want to wear. For example, I crocheted a shirt for my brother that fit him perfectly, both in size and personality.

This item garnered huge interest, and now many want to replicate the design. It is stylish, minimalist, and suitable for both men and women. I try to follow fashion trends. John continues, “You can adapt anything popular to crochet.”

Over the years, John has turned his hobby into a profitable business. He shared the challenges he faced along the way and advised those aiming for business success.

“My mom helped me figure out the legal and financial aspects, and I’ve learned a lot. In the past, many people thought crochet was something you didn’t need to pay for. However, I charge for my work, time, and resources.

If someone wants an exclusive piece, they need to be prepared to pay for it. The same goes for social media work—companies should value your work and pay for it,” John explained.

Looking back, John shared some of the most memorable projects and events he experienced.

“Unforgettable moments include meeting celebrities like Drew Barrymore, Melissa McCarthy, and Kelly Clarkson, as well as traveling around the world. One of my most memorable trips was to Brazil, where I watched the cotton yarn-making process.

But the most important thing for me is my charitable work in Ethiopia. I built a library for children, equipped a school with a science lab, installed desks, created a soccer team, and built a girls’ restroom.

Now, I’m working on rebuilding the school I would have attended if I had stayed in Ethiopia. I hope to visit again soon,” John says.

John Larson’s story is an inspiring example of how a hobby can grow into something bigger.

He not only made his hobby a successful business but also helped many people, continuing to inspire others to achieve their goals.