Ara Ko Lopez

Ara Ko Lopez was born in Korea but raised overseas from a young age, an experience that has shaped her perspective and made her the person she is today. A proud military spouse, she has spent over 20 years as an English teacher, translator, and interpreter, and has also explored voice-over work and librarianship. Ara is the founder and owner of Crafty Ara, a cozy home-based business where she shares her love of crochet, knitting, and sewing. At the heart of her work is a simple purpose: to bring warmth, comfort, and connection to others through handmade pieces and shared stories. For Ara, crafting isn’t just about creating beautiful things; it’s about weaving joy into everyday life, cherishing the small moments, and sharing them with loved ones, including her two rescued kittens, Stitch and Parker, who came into her life at just two weeks old and now fill her days with playful energy. When she’s not creating, Ara enjoys cooking, capturing life through photography, reading, and traveling. 

You can follow her creative and travel journeys on Instagram at @CraftyAra, @cupio, and @feedingFOMO.