Stitches and Stanzas: Weaving Advocacy, Creativity, and Change

By Rebecca Engle

Building my business has been a journey of passion, creativity, and advocacy. I founded Stitches and Stanzas as a way to combine my love for writing and crafting, turning both into something meaningful and impactful. What started as a personal outlet has grown into a platform where I can share my work, inspire others, and create change in the disability community.

One of my biggest accomplishments is publishing my book, Step Into My Shoes, which was inspired by my own experiences as an autistic person navigating school and social environments. Writing this book wasn’t just about storytelling—it was about advocacy, about creating something that could help others understand what it’s like to be a special education student, to face challenges that aren’t always visible, and to still thrive despite them. Seeing how my book has resonated with readers, especially those who have felt unseen in traditional narratives, has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.

Beyond writing, I’ve worked to grow my business in ways that align with my values. Stitches and Stanzas isn’t just about selling products—it’s about fostering a community, using my voice to advocate for change, and creating work that matters. My poetry and writing often center on themes of disability, identity, and empowerment, challenging ableist narratives and offering a perspective that isn’t always represented. Every poem, every piece of writing, every creative endeavor is a step toward making the world a more inclusive place.

In addition to writing, I’ve also focused on expanding the handmade side of my business. Knitting has always been a personal passion of mine, something that brings me both comfort and joy. Over time, I realized that my handmade pieces could be more than just a hobby—they could be a way to connect with others, to share a piece of my creativity with the world. Whether it’s custom pieces or unique designs, each item I create carries the same level of care and intention as my writing.

Another key aspect of my business has been my work in advocacy and policy. As someone deeply involved in educational policy, I’ve used my platform to push for better support systems for disabled students, particularly those in special education. My master’s and dissertation work focus on improving support models for autistic students, moving away from outdated behavioral approaches that don’t truly serve them. This research directly informs the work I do in my business, ensuring that everything I create—whether through writing, crafting, or speaking engagements—stays aligned with my mission of making real, tangible change.

I’ve also had the privilege of serving as a board member for multiple nonprofits, using my expertise to shape policies, develop resources, and advocate for systemic change. Through this work, I’ve been able to collaborate with other leaders in the disability community, ensuring that the needs of autistic individuals and special education students are not just acknowledged but actively addressed.

Of course, growing a business isn’t without its challenges. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of charging what I’m worth. Like many women in business, I initially struggled with valuing my own work at the level it deserved. It took time to shift my mindset, to recognize that my expertise, my creativity, and my time all have intrinsic worth. Now, I approach my business with confidence, knowing that the work I do is valuable—and that I don’t have to justify that to anyone.

At the end of the day, Stitches and Stanzas is more than just a business. It’s a reflection of who I am, what I stand for, and the impact I want to make. Through writing, crafting, and advocacy, I’ve built something that not only allows me to express myself but also helps others feel seen, understood, and empowered. And that, more than anything, is what success means to me.

Connect With Rebecca

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