Emmalyn Perez started her Etsy business, BewitchedStitchery, while living out of a van with her husband in 2023. She created cross-stitch patterns inspired by pop culture, including Taylor Swift and the “Twilight” and “Harry Potter” franchises. Her business gained momentum, but it was hit by President Donald Trump’s global tariffs on imports from China in February 2025.

Tariffs’ Impact on Small Businesses

Perez’s best-selling product, a magnetic accessory called a “needle-minder,” was affected by the tariffs. The machines that produce this product are restricted in the U.S., making it difficult for Perez to relocate production and maintain profitability.

Original reporting: NBC Connecticut (Hartford) — read the source article.