Contestant's Case to Win

Bettina Knits is a uniquely versatile collection of wraps, scarves, stoles, and button wraps, hand made in the USA from exceptional quality yarns. They are terrific all year round in restaurants, theater, and for travel. Available in over twenty colors, they may be paired with jeans, gowns, and everything in between, worn day or night. The newly designed Button Wrap is fabulous for nursing mothers, allowing her to be fashionable with discretion. The Stole, in Champagne, Ivory, and Snow are fantastic for the coastal, fall, and winter bride, adding a touch of warmth with exquisite elegance. Bettina Knits are investment dressing....timeless, classic, and versatile.

I grew up watching my Mom design patterns and purchase fine fabrics to have exquisite clothing custom made to her vision. At age 87, she is still a mentor to me, having a tailor remake collars and change buttons on garments creating her own unique style with flair. I began by being fascinated with sweaters, intrigued by texture and beautiful quality textiles. Having difficulty in finding garments I loved, I set out to make my own. I was determined to learn the art of the hand knitting machine, which is a dying art known mostly to women in their 70's and 80's. Spending two years weekly with my 83 year old instructor two hours away, I devoured the techniques she imparted using hand knitting yarns, developing designs with passion and fervor. She has since passed, but she always wanted me to succeed and spend time with my children, as my husband is a pilot and is often away.

Having been a flight attendant for many years, Bettina Knits has afforded me the opportunity to be home for my son Chandler, 16, and my daughter Alana, age 12. Using my children as examples of determination and perseverance, I mirror the same, sharing the ups and downs of the business development. We applaud each other's triumphs, and empathize with the setbacks. I'm learning to lead by example, realizing that our children observe and emulate what they see us do and how we handle situations that arise. Throughout this process, I have joined business networking groups and philanthropies, reaching out to better connect with the community. As a result I have become more adept at public speaking and more of a leader, both of which I previously shied away from. It is my hope that my children will observe my journey, know that Mom is capable yet vulnerable, and pave their own path without reservation.