Sandy Bahrich

Owner of Firefly Notes, Hand Crafted Notions Tins and Stitch Markers, tells us what makes the knitting community special, her perspective on leadership and teamwork—and gives us a peek inside her new studio space!

One of the most popular designs, the Robin tin and matching stitch markers

About Firefly Notes

Hi, I'm Sandy. Originally from Victoria British Columbia, I have been on the mainland for over 20 years, and in Steveston specifically for 10 of them…

I live with my husband, 2 teenage sons and a wiener dog named Cooper.
In my business, Firefly Notes Creative, I design notions tins and enamel stitch markers for knitting. I started this venture back when I was a new mom in 2008, as a means of keeping my fingers well in creativity—and possibly helping to contribute to the family income. It has since taken on a life of its own!
We hand craft the tins with a glossy coat of resin and assemble all our stitch markers in house. Over the years, the business has grown from my kitchen table to a Steveston based studio that employs multiple people from around our community. I am proud to be able to offer a flexible and inclusive workplace where we can all get creative.
Here are some photos of what I create with my team and a little peek inside my studio.

Latest news - New Studio!

Updated July 1, 2023

Sandy: We moved into our new space this spring. It’s located at the beautiful Steveston landing. Our studio has the most amazing views of ocean, boats and mountains and is so bright. Lots of natural light. The boardwalk is alive with people and the smell of good food. We love it there! It is also larger than our last studio space. We all feel grateful to work in such a beautiful space and I for one have to pinch myself everyday to make sure that it is real! Right now, business is steady. We are busy bees working on our annual advent calendars almost year round while taking care of regular orders at the same time so we never seem to stop, really! Again, I’m so grateful for our amazing customers.

*A couple members of my team at work in the new studio.*

*My dog helping me review the day’s online orders*.

*When I put my feet up, I’m ready to post on social media.*

Q&A with Sandy

Updated February 6, 2023

What is it about your business that continues to bring meaning?

Sandy: So many things!

On one hand, creativity and design. I nurture this side of myself in what I do—not only for a living but for fun. I have always been drawn to old stuff. I am a history and vintage buff.

Resurrecting and reimagining beautiful bits of history moves me inside. I try and imagine the person, place and time that these illustrations I play with were born from. Also, fonts really float my boat! When it all comes together, BOOM! I am filled!

On the other hand I like commerce. I am proud to run my own business. To employ others whom I cherish and respect. This also fills me up.

What’s special about the community and customers that you serve?

Sandy: I tend to serve the fibre community—not exclusively but mostly! And as little as I knit (I really don't have time to get beyond scarves and washcloths as of yet!) this community has embraced me.

I especially love the generational acceptance in the knitting community. There really isn't ageism in it! Old and young, hipsters and grannies all coexist, respect and learn from one another. It is warm and lovely.

Are there any experiences during your career that made an impact on you?

Sandy: I was not an entrepreneur when Firefly Notes started. I was a new mom looking to stay creative and relevant. Each time I learned a new business task that pushed me out of my comfort zone was an experience that made an impact. There are too many to list.

What is it like to balance family and work life?

Sandy: I have more people working in my studio now than I have ever had. I am learning to let go of the tasks that I thought only I could do—and ultimately buying back some of my time. The extra hands really help tremendously. The balance is not perfect—that's for sure—but it's not bad either. My two sons are teens now so this also makes it easier.

What are your thoughts on teamwork and leadership?

Sandy: I LOVE my small team. I don't know how I ever did it without them before! Most of them have grown with me over the years and it feels like we are a family. I am not sure how I ended up so lucky to have a host of employees with such great work ethics who I can also call my friends.