About Me

About Shelly & Hats N Things

Hi, I’m Shelly Christiano – the heart and hands behind Hats N Things by Shelly, a handmade crochet business built with love, a little risk-taking, and a whole lot of yarn.

I didn’t plan to start a creative business. When the pandemic hit and I left my job in healthcare to care for my aging parents, I picked up crocheting to ease anxiety and fill my days with something joyful and calming. Before I knew it, our home was overflowing with yarn, and all the neighbors’ kids were wearing handmade hats.

What started as a simple hobby became a full-time business. In February 2022, I opened my Etsy shop, and a few months later, I took a leap of faith and joined my first craft show in Flagstaff, AZ. Since then, my business has grown into something I never imagined—serving customers across the country through Etsy and at some of the top artisan shows in Flagstaff and Phoenix.

What I Make

I specialize in high-quality, affordable crochet items, including:

• My best-selling animal hats – like bears, puppies, foxes, dinosaurs, and penguins (just to name a few!)
• Water bottle holders
• Bandanas
• Crochet flowers and fun seasonal items

Each piece is made with care using premium cotton or acrylic yarn, and I keep my prices accessible ($5–$40) so everyone can find something they love.

In 2024, as demand grew, I started working with contract crocheters to help make base hats while I continue to assemble and finish each one myself to ensure quality and consistency.