We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sigoni Schaap. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sigoni below.

Hi Sigoni, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I’ve always loved all forms of art. Growing up, my creative outlet was drawing and painting. I would draw every day while listening to music and it always made me feel calm and relaxed. Over time, life got in the way and I lost that creative side of myself without even realizing it.

Back in 2016, I was a single mom working paycheck to paycheck and I was dealing with a personal trauma that had been haunting me for years. My son was dealing with chronic asthma at the time and I was having to call out of work almost daily. Not only was I working every day of the week, but weekends as well.

I was constantly stressed and overwhelmed and filled with anxiety. Christmas was coming up and I had no money to buy gifts for friends and family. I started thinking about how I could afford gifts that year and that’s when it hit me. I thought, “My creative side… That is what I’m missing. That is what always used to calm me down.” So I went to the craft store and starting searching for something new.

When I was around 14, my best friend taught me how to knit. I loved the process and loved working with yarn, but didn’t have the urge to take up knitting again. So I continued looking and that’s when I found a crochet hook. I had no idea what this tool was at the time, but I felt it call to me.

That afternoon I pulled up some Youtube videos and started learning. I was “hooked” instantly. The craft came to me pretty quickly, like it was something I was meant to do. Of course there were some things I struggled with but I never once thought about giving up.

I don’t think there’s any way to “speed up” the learning process because I was learning every time I picked up the hook. The best way to learn crochet is to practice every day. To make something every day. You learn something new with every stitch, every project, every experience.

I do think it was helpful that I was familiar with yarn when I first started and I also think it helped that I have always been an artistic person. But by no means was I a pro from the start. I made so many mistakes in the beginning and I continue to make mistakes 5 years later.

Every mistake is a lesson learned and I LOVE learning.

After a few weeks of crocheting, I started to notice a huge difference in myself. I was happier, less stressed, and I wasn’t having nearly as many anxiety attacks or nightmares from my previous trauma.

I went from feeling defeated every day to taking my life one day at a time rather than feeling overwhelmed by all of my stresses. Bringing creativity back into my life completely changed my mindset and I will go as far as to say it saved my life.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I am a military wife and a mom to two amazing boys, ages 8 and 3. My business first started only a few months after I learned how to crochet. I began by making items for friends and family. Then started branching out to friends of friends and selling my items on Etsy. I soon realized that wasn’t the route for me. I couldn’t stand making the same thing over and over again. I needed the creativity aspect back.

My husband (who was my boyfriend at the time) is the one who gave me the idea to start a blog. He told me to quit my job and take the time I needed to start my business.

Although my husband hadn’t proposed yet, I knew we would be married in the future. But it was very VERY difficult for me to accept that he would be the one and only person to provide for us until I started making money from my business. After a long discussion, I decided to take the leap.

My business name, Sigoni Macaroni, came from a silly rhyme my grandma used to sing to me when I was a kid. “Sigoni, Sigoni, how’s your macaroni?” She passed away when I was 18, but she had always and will always be my idol. After 5 years of building my business, I’m now making a full time income and I still can’t believe it.

I’ve designed crochet patterns for several yarn companies, collaborated with many amazing makers, and I’ve created short form videos for a crochet craft store and magazine.

My goal from the start has been to share this craft with as many people as I possibly can. Not only is it fun to make handmade gifts, but it can also do SO much for your mental health. And believe it or not, there are many health benefits that come along with crocheting.

These days, my favorite thing to do is teach. When I first started learning, I had no one to turn to or ask for help when I was stuck. I always wanted to message a blogger or designer to ask a question, but never felt comfortable enough to try. A lot of the bloggers I knew at the time were only focused on the designing aspect, not necessarily teaching.

That’s when I realized I wanted to become that person for others. The person someone could feel comfortable coming to to ask questions when they’re struggling.

I have truly loved playing this role. I respond personally to all emails and questions and I’m planning on creating online workshops in the future. I’m very excited for this because I believe it will help many others who need more 1 on 1 support.

Through my blog, www.SigoniMacaroni.com, I have hundreds of blog posts teaching the fundamentals of crochet.
My goal is to break down different techniques to make them easier to understand. I design and provide free, beginner friendly crochet patterns on my blog as well.

I also create Youtube videos as more of a visual aide. Learning to crochet through video is much easier than learning through text! When I started creating Youtube videos, I soon realized how many more people I could reach that way.

Before Youtube, I already had created a very detailed, paid course on learning to crochet. But seeing as I went into this business wanting to share this craft with as many people as possible, I asked myself “Why not make it free?” So that’s what I ended up doing! That 10 lesson course, my Learn to Crochet Masterclass, is something I am most proud of.

My absolute favorite part about running this business is receiving messages and emails from beginners who share their story. A lot of the time I hear stories where someone has struggled for a long time to learn, but could never figure it out until they watched my videos and followed my instruction. These messages are what keeps me going even when things get hard. Running a business is no walk in the park! But I wouldn’t give it up for the world.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Shop small! Purchasing items from small businesses is one of the best ways to support them. I can be as simple as a digital crochet pattern, a physical item, an online course, or any other handmade product. Not only are you receiving something handmade, but you are directly supporting that person’s family, the growth of their business, and their dreams.

There are also free ways to support small businesses as well! Tag friends in social media posts, write reviews, share posts, post pictures and shout out the business, sign up for newsletters, or attend online classes/events that they host.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I learned to crochet when I was going through a very difficult time. I was suffering with depression and anxiety after a traumatic domestic violence experience. I was afraid I would never get back to feeling myself. Learning to crochet completely changed my life for the better and it sounds simple but it’s true. I was feeling less anxious, more confident, and started to have a more positive mindset.

The reason why I want to share this craft with the world is for this very reason. To help those who suffer with anxiety, depression, or other stressors learn to crochet and feel this same effect. If crochet can change my life, it can change someone else’s too.

There are so many health benefits to crochet. It reduces stress and anxiety, which has been my experience. Why? The act of crocheting calms and distracts your mind because you’re focusing on each individual stitch as you make it. It also helps with insomnia, helps ease depression, reduces the risk of Alzheimers, and can build. self esteem. With every project you make, you become more confident in yourself and in your skills.

And of course, you can also turn it into a business!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sigonimacaroni.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/sigonimacaroni
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/sigonimacaroni
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/sigonimacaroni