Christine Laframboise founded Waxwing Yarn Company in response to her personal frustration with the waste and clutter created by surplus yarn. An avid knitter for over 10 years, Christine realized that the industry standard of 100g skeins often resulted in significant leftover yarn, leading to overconsumption, overspending, and unnecessary waste. Waxwing Yarn challenges this industry norm by offering 25g skeins in addition to the standard 100g skeins, giving customers the flexibility to buy the precise amount they need for their projects.
At its core, Waxwing Yarn operates on three key values:
Christine discovered the Business Centre of Guelph-Wellington through the Stepping into Business program in late 2023. At the time, Waxwing Yarn had not yet launched, but thanks to her preparation and dedication, Christine was admitted into the Starter Company+ program despite the usual requirement of having an operational business. This early support helped Christine turn her vision into a reality.
Through the Starter Company+ program, Christine gained valuable insights into various aspects of business, from digital marketing to leveraging generative AI. Weekly workshops provided actionable knowledge that she could immediately apply to her venture. Beyond the classroom, the program’s networking opportunities helped Christine connect with other entrepreneurs, building a support system and even forming strategic partnerships that have elevated her business.
The program also provided Christine with a dedicated business mentor. This mentorship proved invaluable, especially when she encountered challenges like pricing her products for B2B sales—a new market she had not initially planned to enter. Her mentor’s guidance helped her navigate this unfamiliar terrain and adapt her strategy.
Christine’s entrepreneurial journey is rooted in her deep love for crafting and her professional experience in supply chain and logistics management. Her corporate background, paired with a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a concentration in accounting, has equipped her with the skills to handle financial planning, logistics, sourcing, and bookkeeping for Waxwing Yarn.
Christine recognizes that entrepreneurship requires knowing where to focus her efforts. She explains, “There are certain tasks that only I can do, particularly when it comes to the craft and creative aspects of my business. But there are other tasks that can be outsourced, allowing me to spend more time on value-added activities—whether it’s writing patterns or connecting with partners to develop new product lines. Taking a step back from tasks like bookkeeping helps me ensure the business remains sustainable and focused.
Christine’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond her products. She is an advocate for reshaping the perception of Canadian wool, often seen as coarse and limited in use. Inspired by the Pepsi Challenge, she plans to host interactive “touch tests” at local markets and pop-ups, allowing people to feel the unexpected softness of Canadian wool compared to other varieties like Shetland and Icelandic wools. This hands-on approach, combined with education and advocacy, underscores her mission to position Canadian wool as a versatile and beautiful fiber.
Christine’s time with the Starter Company+ program has not only provided her with practical business knowledge but also fostered a sense of community that has been instrumental in her entrepreneurial journey. “Having a small business can feel lonely,” she shares. “When I come to the sessions, everyone there can relate to the challenges and successes that I’m facing.”
Waxwing Yarn Company is now poised for growth, thanks to Christine’s meticulous planning and the support she’s received from the Business Centre. With a focus on transparency, community, and sustainability, Waxwing Yarn is redefining the crafting industry one skein at a time. So, if you’re looking to craft with purpose, Waxwing Yarn Company has everything you need to bring your creative vision to life.
