Break out the confetti (or better yet, the yarn)! We are beyond thrilled to share that our very own Jimmy herself—Laura Zander—has been named USA Today’s 2025 Woman of the Year for Nevada!
If you know Laura, you know this honor is well-earned. From turning a tiny yarn and coffee shop into a knitting empire to leading the charge in making crafting more accessible, fun, and community-driven, she’s been stitching together something truly special for years. And now, the world is taking notice!
A Quick Stitch Back in Time…
Laura and her husband, Doug, started Jimmy Beans Wool after the dot-com bust, trading code for cables (knitting ones, that is). What started as a small business in Truckee, CA, soon moved to Reno, NV, and has since grown into a household name in the fiber arts world. Through it all, Laura has stayed true to her mission: making knitting and crochet more joyful, welcoming, and downright exciting!
More Than Just Yarn
Laura’s magic isn’t just in her business savvy—it’s in her heart. She’s built a company that values people over profits, supports artisans, and fosters a love for making, no matter your skill level. She’s also deeply committed to giving back, supporting makers and entrepreneurs, and helping the Reno/Tahoe community thrive.
So, What’s Next?
Well, we imagine Laura will celebrate by doing what she does best—dreaming up new ways to make the fiber arts world even better. But for now, we’re raising our needles (and maybe a few cupcakes) to celebrate this huge, well-deserved honor.
Congratulations, Laura! The entire Jimmy Beans family is cheering for you!
Read the full article to learn more about Jimmy’s journey to Woman of the Year for Nevada!
3 comments
Congrats! You must be proud of yourself! That’s a dream many of us knitters and crocheters wish to come true. Enjoy it!
Carole
Oh what a well deserved honor. A number of years ago our final lys closed. I was fortunate enough to find Jimmy Beans and it was like having a lys again just without a building to go to. I have ALWAYS been treated so well. Whether it was a question on an order or needing help picking a color combination I have always felt my business was important to Jimmy Beans. Congratulations on a wonderful company and the recognition.