Women at Work: Kylie Williams, Kylie Weaves Crab Line

Dovetail Workwear July 22, 2023

Woman in black jacket and beige pants jumping joyfully among coiled crab fishing lines in various colors, surrounded by forest trees.

What does a day in your work life look like?

Look at my order sheet and see what I need to make for the day. Pick out crab line colors for mats, baskets, coasters and jellyfish.

What made you start doing the amazing things that you do?

I was inspired by rope coasters at a friends house. He is a retired boat captain and his sister had sent him a set. They were made of new rope and it gave me the idea to make some out of recycled crab line. This crab line would head for the dump if I didn’t use it. Then I knew I needed to expand my line and I just grew from there.

Did you complete any training? If not, how did you learn your trade/skill?

Good old fashioned trial and error.

Coiled multicolored rope baskets in turquoise, coral, and cream tones sit on a wooden deck, with additional bundled ropes visible in the blurred background.

What do you want people to know about being a woman in your field?

I think people respect it. I’ve worked really hard to learn the skills that I have and I’m super proud of that. I’ve had to not be shy and learn that it’s ok to be proud of yourself.

What are you great at, and what do you suck at?

I feel like I suck at saying no. I want to please everyone and I usually end up overloading myself. It’s ok though I love what I do. My strength is working hard. I am not a quitter. Never have and never will!

Woman in tan hoodie and cap kneeling among coiled colored ropes and fishing lines, tongue out playfully, trees in background.

What are the top five things that are always in your pockets?

Pliers
Serrated knife like a dexter or victorinox
Phone
Gloves
Lint

What are you doing when you’re not working hard?

Usually in the woods with the family. We love taking the dogs out hiking. I have two toddler boys so we’re always on the move

How do you encourage other women to start doing what you do?

I just tell them to go for it. Life is too short and you’ll never know unless you try.

Who’s a role model who helped you in your journey to where you are?

Our buddy Craig Will. It was his house that I first saw the coasters and he gave me my first spool of line to go try it out. He always has my back and I appreciate the heck out of him.

Also my husband. He’s really good at pushing me to be better. He’s been there every step of the way and he has made me some really cool tools to help the process.

If you could give your 20-year-old-self advice, what would it be?

Hey go get some old crab line and start making stuff. Quit being reserved. Have confidence. Be happy with yourself. But honestly timing is everything so I think I started this at a good spot in my life.

Coiled colorful crab fishing line in blue, yellow, and coral red tones, with close-up detail of braided rope construction and hanging strands on wooden post.

Do you have any special projects or cool things you want people to check out?

I have been making these large baskets lately and people have just been falling in love with them. Also started to make medium size so just trying to hit all the needs is my goal.

What does work wear designed for women mean to you?

Oh man! From the start I kept sending Dovetail thank you messages. We used to have to slip around in men’s Carhartt. There wasn’t much out there. But when Dovetail popped into the scene it’s just like boom, here you go, we’ve filled your every need. It has been incredible, they care, they are workers themselves so they get it. I feel great in the clothing. It’s practical fashion and that’s totally me.

What did you want to be when you were growing up, or a little kid?

I always wanted to be a veterinarian, but then as a kid came to the realization I couldn’t put an animal down. So I just went where the wind blew me and here I am now.

What do you have to sacrifice to be good at what you do?

My hands for one haha. Time with my kids. I work at home so trying to stay busy and play hide and seek gets a little tricky.

Left: Woman in helmet and patterned jacket cheers with arms raised in forest. Right: Woman in black beanie and jacket examines coiled crab line outdoors.

What scares you?

Attention. I’ve always been the quiet, keep to myself type. So starting this business and putting my work out there scares me daily.

Tell us something surprising about you.

My sister and I have the same birthday 8 years apart. People always find that surprising.

Are there any organizations/nonprofits you work with that you think we should know about?

I donate a ton. Most of the local high schools, Toledo summer fest, I got asked to donate to Capitol Hill Ocean Week which was huge, grad nights, baseball teams. Anything I can donate to, I do. I believe in putting back into your community.