Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jazmin Mehne. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jazmin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
I was so excited to start my crochet business this year, but the most challenging part was coming up with a name! I finally selected The Jazmin Dragon, a little nod to my love of anime! Some of you may recognize it as the name of Uncle Iroh’s tea shop from the Avatar series. The Jazmin Dragon is a passion project that has helped me combine my love of crochet, plants, and anime.
Jazmin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I have a deep love for crafting and creativity, always on the lookout for intriguing projects that would challenge both my hands and mind. Among the various hobbies I’ve pursued, crochet holds a special place in my heart.
I was a child when my mom taught me how to crochet, but like any child, I lost interest over time. I dabbled with it here and there, never thinking I could be considered an expert. But everything changed in 2022 when I discovered the wonderful world of crochet plushies, or Amigurumi. The sense of accomplishment, the thrill of learning something new, and the joy of creating these adorable little creatures have brought me immense happiness.
Today, I take immense pleasure in spreading the joy of my handmade creations among friends, family, and the wider community at vendor markets. Each intricately crafted item, from the lovingly stitched plushies to the carefully made felt eyes, sparks joy in the hearts of children and adults alike. My current focus revolves around crafting crochet plants, succulents, and a variety of Amigurumi plushies, for all ages.
I started this business in mid 2023, and it has led to an outpouring of support that I never anticipated. I can’t wait to see what the future brings as I continue to push myself to grow and learn!
At 27, I am the sole owner, manager, and operator of The Jazmin Dragon, making it my second business as an entrepreneur. I relish the administrative and marketing challenges that come with running a business, finding the process truly rewarding.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I feel so lucky to have a small but vibrant market right in my area! Unlike bustling cities with huge populations, the towns nearby have less than 10,000 people. This means that by boosting my social media posts, I’ve been able to create major buzz about my products to the people living close by. And you won’t believe the amazing thing that’s happened – after a few markets, I actually started getting recognized! People have seen my posts on social media, spotted me at other markets, or even received one of my adorable plushies as a gift. It’s been such a delight!
But it’s not just the marketing that’s making waves. I take immense pride in the quality of my creations. Every single handmade item is meticulously made to cute, clean, and downright aesthetically pleasing. I’ve put in the effort to understand color theory, so I can choose the perfect color combinations. I also ensure that I have mastered the crochet pattern before selling the final product. Oh, and let’s not forget about the custom eyes I make from scratch. All of these extra touches have truly taken my projects to new heights.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The most effective source of new clients for me has surprisingly been in-person events. Despite my natural introversion, I’ve deeply appreciated engaging with individuals face-to-face. These events provide an opportunity for me to share my passion for crochet and observe authentic reactions to my work. More than anything, I value the personal connections made at these gatherings. The presence of physical interaction allows potential clients to experience the softness and quality of my plush toys, and I believe this tactile experience contributes significantly to my sales.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jazmindragon.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaz.dragon/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaz.dragon
Image Credits
All images are my own