Where It Started
As a parent, I’ve learned that some of the most meaningful experiences are often the ones that arise unplanned. The quiet moments that, over time, turn into something special. Knitting and crocheting with my ten-year-old daughter, Charlie, has quickly become just that.
I first learned to knit and crochet from my grandmother. The time we spent sitting in her living room while I fumbled through the basics was filled with laughter, her wonderful story-telling, and her famously unapologetic opinions. Some of my favorite childhood memories are tied to opening her handmade gifts: bright, colorful socks, cozy slippers, hats, and sweaters. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what went into those gifts, but I felt it. There was something more personal in knowing that someone had taken the time to make that, just for you. That feeling stayed with me.

Passing It On
Now, years later, I find myself sitting beside my daughter, teaching her the same stitches my grandmother taught me. What started as a simple way to spend time together has become something we both look forward to. It’s our way to slow down- to talk, laugh, and work through things together.
Crocheting has taught Charlie that it’s not only okay to make mistakes, but that it’s often part of the process, especially when trying something new. I’ve watched her go from complete frustration with new stitches, materials, and patterns to confidently attempting her own designs, fully expecting she may have to start over. Her ability to find value in that process, rather than frustration, has been incredible to watch. Of all the lessons I hope to teach my children, resilience is one of the most important.

From Hobby to Something More
Charlie, a fifth grader with the drive of a border collie and a sharp entrepreneurial spirit, is always thinking about what comes next. She doesn’t just want to make something for herself, she wants to know what others would enjoy. That mindset is what turned this from a simple pastime into something more.
Together, we created the name Birch Hill Creations, inspired by our family’s Cape Cod beach home, where Charlie is now part of the fourth generation to spend summers and school vacations. In keeping with the idea that each item is made with care, it felt right to name our effort after something that means so much to us.

The Moment It Clicked
Earlier this year, my husband and I were invited to join a team participating in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk in Boston, MA. We quickly jumped into fundraising through the usual channels—social media, texts to family and friends, and selling Super Bowl squares. But one afternoon, while Charlie and I were sitting on the couch crocheting and brainstorming, she looked up and said, “Mom! Let’s sell all these things and donate the money!”
And just like that, the idea clicked.

Building Something Together
Charlie came up with the concept of crocheting scrunchies and packaging them as surprise grab bags—like blind boxes of toys her and her sisters enjoy. You don’t know which one you’re going to get. Driving a “collect-them-all” sentiment while making the experience fun, exciting, and the thrill of mystery. Since then, she’s been hard at work making scrunchies of all kinds, along with stuffed animals and summer items like tops and bags.
Together, we’ve committed to spending the winter and spring building inventory with the intent to launch at our local farmer’s market this summer. Charlie and I have agreed to donate 100% of the proceeds to our fundraising efforts. Charlie, of course, is already thinking bigger, talking about building a website and expanding into online marketplaces.

Why It Matters
This summer, we’ll proudly join thousands of others walking the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for breast cancer research, supporting a cause that has impacted our family and so many others. Knowing that Charlie and I are contributing in our own way by crocheting for a cause makes it that much more meaningful.
What started as a fundraising idea ties directly back to something I learned years ago in my grandmother’s living room: that time, effort, and intention matter. I can see Charlie beginning to understand that.
She knows why we’re doing this. She knows where the money is going, and she understands that what she makes connects to something bigger than herself. That’s not an easy lesson to teach and is powerful to experience firsthand.
Crocheting started as a hobby, but quickly became our time together. Now it’s something we’re using to give back, to build something meaningful, and to carry forward a tradition that started long before me.

Someday, I hope Charlie does the same. ❦

About the Authors

Jackie Giunta is the founder and CEO of Arcana Innovations and a mom of four based in Massachusetts. With a background spanning military intelligence, federal law enforcement, and the private sector, she now focuses on building and integrating technology for national security and public safety missions.

Her daughter Charlie is a fifth grader who loves creating, trying new things, and bringing her ideas to life. She serves as a class representative on her school’s Student Council, plays soccer and basketball—her team recently won their division championship—and stays active in band and drama club. Charlie enjoys math, science, reading adventure stories, playing guitar, and spending time with her siblings and friends.

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