Pingora Yarns [Success Story]

When she opened a yarn shop in Lander, Carrie Johnson says she received lots of help from a business partner she didn’t even have to pay.

Carrie is the owner of Pingora Yarns, which provides knitters and crocheters with high-quality fibers. Most of her products come from Wyoming and surrounding states, many of which are processed at the Mountain Meadow Wool Mill in Buffalo.

Getting Started

Months before opening her store in October 2017, Carrie began working with Sarah Hamlin, regional director for the Wyoming Small Business Development Center Network. Carrie credits Sarah with keeping her focused and on-task as her business plans progressed.

‘Because I have a lot of questions and a lot of ideas, bouncing them off of somebody like you would a business partner has been really helpful’

SBDC Support

The Wyoming SBDC Network assisted Carrie with a variety of things, including:

• Business plan development
• Marketing strategy
• Website development
• QuickBooks consulting
• Business classes

Carrie also took advantage of Wyoming SBDC Network classes, and Sarah arranged for Carrie to work with a marketing class at the University of Wyoming.

Recognition and Success

• Named Rookie of the Year by Lander Chamber of Commerce
• Opened first local yarn shop in over 20 years
• Sources primarily Wyoming and regional fibers

Business Philosophy

Pingora Yarns focuses on providing high-quality, locally-sourced fibers to knitters and crocheters, supporting regional wool producers and processors while serving the creative community in Lander.

Community Impact

By opening the first yarn shop in Lander in over 20 years, Carrie has created a valuable resource for the local crafting community while supporting Wyoming’s wool industry.