Lil Knacks Creations: From Passion to Purpose – The Story Behind a Handmade Business

When life gets busy, especially with a full-time job and two children under the age of four, finding time for yourself can feel impossible. For Kira, the founder of Lil Knacks Creations, this reality hit hard, and she realised she needed something just for herself, something to fill her cup. In 2020, while on maternity leave with her first daughter, Lillian, Kira found the spark she needed—creating personalised, handmade wire names and decorations.

Now, four years later, Lil Knacks Creations has blossomed into a thriving small business, with Kira managing it alongside her full-time job as a police officer. On top of that, she still finds time to raise her two young girls, Lillian and her sister. The business’ name, “Lil Knacks,” is a heartfelt nod to Lillian, Kira’s eldest, and to the year her entrepreneurial journey began.

A Labour of Love and Creativity

Kira’s journey into handmade artistry began as a hobby to recharge and nurture her creativity. After discovering the art of French knitting through videos from companies overseas, she became inspired to try it herself. What began as a simple creative outlet quickly caught on in Perth, and soon Kira was receiving requests from friends and local buyers for custom-made items.

From her home in Perth, Kira creates each item by hand once her children are tucked into bed. Most nights, between 8pm and 10pm, she sits down to knit wool using an icord machine. She then feeds 3mm wire into the knitted cord and begins the delicate process of bending and twisting the wire to form beautiful, personalised names and shapes. What makes her work so unique is that she doesn’t use any templates—each creation is completely freeform, shaped by hand with care and precision.

Whether it’s a child’s name for a nursery wall, a custom decoration for a special event, or a meaningful gift, every piece is made with love, dedication, and attention to detail.

Small Wins and Big Successes

Starting a business is never easy, and for Kira, the early days were challenging. After making only two sales at her very first market, she questioned whether it was worth continuing. However, her determination paid off when she braved a second market and was met with much more success than she ever imagined. Not only did she make more sales than expected, but one satisfied customer even suggested she raise her prices, recognising the quality and value of her handmade creations.

This moment became a turning point for Kira. Her persistence and dedication had paid off, and Lil Knacks Creations was finally gaining the recognition it deserved. Since then, Kira has continued to grow her business, one market and one handmade item at a time.

Balancing Work, Family, and Passion

Lil Knacks Creations is truly a side project that Kira enjoys and finds fulfilling. Despite being a full-time police officer and a busy mum, she dedicates her evenings to working on her business. For Kira, it’s not just about making a profit—it’s about keeping her mind healthy and having something that’s solely hers, separate from work and family responsibilities.

With each new customer, Kira feels a deep sense of pride in what she’s built. It’s not always easy to balance everything, but the joy she gets from creating something beautiful and seeing her customers happy makes it all worthwhile.

Supporting Local and Sustainable Practices

One of the values Kira holds close is supporting other Australian businesses. She sources all of her materials from within Australia, ensuring that her supply chain benefits local producers. In addition to this, she reuses packaging where possible, minimising waste and doing her part for the environment.

As a small business owner, Kira understands the importance of sustainability and supporting local, which is why she incorporates these practices into her work as much as possible. It’s all part of her mission to create a meaningful, mindful business that gives back in more ways than one.

Looking Toward the Future

When asked about her goals for the future, Kira is clear: she hopes to grow Lil Knacks Creations to the point where she can cut back on her full-time job and dedicate more time to her business. The success she’s already achieved is proof that with hard work, creativity, and persistence, anything is possible.

For now, Kira is focused on continuing to create, attend markets, and spread the word about Lil Knacks Creations. Getting her name out there and converting followers into buyers is a challenge she’s ready to tackle head-on.

Kira will be attending the Perth Makers Market on November 3rd, 2024, and she’s excited to showcase her creations at this special event. Heathcote holds a sentimental place in Kira’s heart, as it’s where she got married, and she’s looking forward to introducing her handmade pieces to new customers in this stunning location.

For market visitors, Kira is offering an exclusive 10% discount on all Lil Knacks Creations items using the code PMM10. This is the perfect opportunity to pick up a personalised gift for the holidays or treat yourself to a unique piece of handmade art.

Discover More

In addition to the items available on her website, Kira also offers custom orders, allowing customers to request personalised creations in their choice of colours. Whether you’re looking for a special gift or a one-of-a-kind decoration, Lil Knacks Creations can bring your vision to life.

Kira is based in Quinns Rocks, Perth, and offers pick-up from Quinns Rocks or East Perth. She’s also happy to deliver within nearby locations or ship orders all around Australia—and even internationally.

To explore Kira’s beautiful handmade pieces, visit her on social media or shop online at her website and Etsy store:

Be sure to stop by the Perth Makers Market on November 3rd to meet Kira and see her stunning creations in person!