Julie Likley shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Julie, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I am proud of the grit and courage I’ve built within myself. I am always working on growing and evolving, which often means putting myself in uncomfortable situations. Whether it’s teaching a Zoom class, leading crochet workshops, or speaking to a group of people, public speaking has always felt terrifying to me. But I’ve learned to say yes to the very things I would normally shy away from.
By nature, I love staying behind the scenes, living in my little bubble of creativity and connecting with the world mostly through Instagram posts and Reels. Deep down, though, I knew I wanted more. It wasn’t until I started saying yes—thanks to the encouragement of my fiancé—that I began to see a real transformation. Each time I did something that scared me, I came out feeling a little stronger and a little less afraid.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Julie, and I am the designer and creator behind Hands of Zeal Crochet. I design crochet patterns, create content, and teach, but at the heart of everything I do is a love for creativity and a desire to inspire others to find fulfillment through making.
Crochet has always been more than just a craft for me; t’s a form of self-expression, a way to connect with others, and a reminder that slow fashion and handmade art still have a powerful place in today’s world.
What makes my brand unique is the blend of accessibility and artistry. I design patterns that beginners can follow while also creating couture-inspired pieces that push the boundaries of what crochet can be, even showcasing them on the runway. I love that I get to live in both worlds: making crochet approachable while also elevating it as a true art form.
Right now, I’m working on expanding my line of patterns, teaching more classes, and exploring how crochet can continue to intersect with fashion and storytelling. My hope is that through my work, people not only learn how to crochet but also feel empowered to add their own creative voice to everything they make.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Hands down, my fiancé. When we met and started dating, he had this rare ability to see right through all the layers of self-doubt, fear, insecurity, anxiety, and imposter syndrome. Somehow, he could see the bright, shining star within me – the bigger picture of what I was meant to do and where I was headed. He saw, and still sees, the fearless woman on stage leading a talk, the Hands of Zeal brand growing beyond just crochet, and the fashion designer confidently stepping onto the runway. Most of all, he saw the courage I so deeply longed to find within myself.
Having him by my side, rooting for me, challenging me, and holding up a mirror to reflect my higher self has helped those heavy layers start to fade. It has allowed me to step into the light. Sometimes it only takes one very special person to see you fully and love you not just for who you are, but for who you’re meant to become.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The defining wounds of my life began in adolescence. I experienced toxic relationships as a teenager, and during my junior year of high school, my parents went through a really rough patch that deeply affected me. In college, I carried a sense of extreme loneliness and insecurity, never feeling fully grounded in myself. Later, I went through a difficult marriage and divorce, and one of the hardest parts was watching my children grieve through that process. Even now, there are wounds that are still open, especially as I walk through challenges with my daughter.
Some of these wounds have healed with time, therapy, prayer, and the grounding rhythm of crochet. Others are still very much in the process of healing. I’ve learned that not every wound fully closes, but with each season, I find new ways to carry them with more strength and grace. For me, healing has been less about erasing the past and more about allowing it to shape me into someone stronger, more compassionate, and more determined to create a life filled with love, courage, and meaning.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A belief I am committed to, no matter how long it takes, is my philosophy and movement called Hands Over Machine. At its core, it’s the conviction that what we create with our own two hands holds a value that no technology can ever replace.
We live in a time where AI and machines are advancing rapidly, and while I see their usefulness, I also believe deeply that they cannot replace the heart, soul, and humanity that come through handmade art.
Crochet is slow, intentional, and imperfect in the most beautiful way. Every stitch carries time, story, and care, and that’s something no algorithm can produce. With Hands Over Machine, my hope is to create not just a brand, but a movement that elevates handmade work, celebrates slow fashion, and reminds people of the irreplaceable worth of human creativity.
This is a lifelong commitment for me. Even if it takes years to fully bring to life, it’s the project that grounds everything I do and fuels the way I share my art with the world.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am absolutely doing what I was born to do, and that is create. Growing up, I never would have imagined that I would be living an entrepreneurial life. It’s hard, scary, and unpredictable at times, and I work constantly. But despite the challenges, I have no doubt that I am on the right path – doing what God created me to do. Every stitch I crochet, every class I teach, and every piece I share is a reflection of that calling. I feel truly blessed to be living a life aligned with my purpose, even when it stretches me beyond my comfort zone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://handsofzeal.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/handsofzeal
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HandsofZealCrochet
- Other: https://Etsy.com/shop/handsofzeal
