We recently connected with La’Shea Thomas and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, La’Shea thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
I write them down in my notes app. My friends send me crochet related inspo video via instagram dm. My friend sent me a video tutorial on how to make a beach bag. I hesitated to try it at first however, low and behold I was able to complete the entire bag. If she never would have sent the video on a whim I wouldn’t have ever known that I was talented enough to create, crochet, complete ( the three C’s if you will) that beautiful bag all in one sitting. When customers are inspired with a vision I try my best to fulfill that want and make them happy.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a professional young adult in the DMV area with a very busy schedule this winter and I plan to end the 2022 year strongly. I am currently working a full-time job and a part-time job with the public schools in my area. This winter I am finishing my last semester as a part-time student to obtain my associates degree in business administration. I am a crochet artist with business skills and entrepreneurial goals. My craft is crocheting, which was a hobby at first, and I learned this skill from a valuable woman nicknamed SweetHeart. The idea of monetizing was from a dear friend who has an eye for talent and this person knew that there is a business market for items that I create during the wintertime. I entered the business world by being recruited with established yarn artists in my community. Sweethearts collection gave me a new purpose to honor the woman who passed down her gift to me and to dedicate my brand in her memory. The art of crochet, handcrafting, has impacted my life for the better and I aim to perfect the craft. I like to call crocheting my side hustle, and the people closest to me support my dreams in many ways. For example, thanks to my special friend’s gift to me recently I am freely able to work and travel on the go with my new favorite yarn organizing crochet bag. That thing is a modern portable life hack with many pockets for all my crochet tools or equipment and to top it off it’s in my favorite color blue. I utilize the yarn bag for new projects I make thus helping meet deadlines for orders faster. I crochet a variety of items that either protect people from the cold weather with hats and scarves, cover babies’ cute heads during nap time, and create special pieces for outfits. I provide these crochet products for sale; however, I am also able to service clients uniquely by accepting customized special request items including two-piece sets and national sport team theme blankets. First things first, the customer is always right. When entering new territory there is always a worry about if a customer will like the result of an item in my collection or if a crochet clothing piece will fit correctly. To solve this problem of fear of failure I take accurate measurements to avoid errors and communicate with the customer each step of the process.
This year for Arlington County’s Black Employees Council (BEC) I had the honor to give a speech that allowed me to showcase my black excellence and my gifts for their annual Black History Month Trades Program to show appreciation for Black Culture. Thankfully I did not speak first because I was one hundred percent nervous, AMEN. I was successful by speaking about my brand Sweethearts Collection, how it earned its name, and what it means to me and my future. In the closing statement I included my use of technology through social media to market my business and gave thanks to being chosen as a feature candidate. It is my proudest moment in history thus far for my brand and it touched my heart to be surrounded by a lovely group of beautiful black people. I thank God for putting me in the position to experience and enjoy every single person that participated in the eventful presentation which was extremely dynamic, very educational, and super fun. It will be a memory I will cherish in my spirit for a long time. I am very grateful, appreciative, and delighted to give my first speech in a safe space in my community. In conclusion, my brand Sweethearts Collection has come a long way with the support of others and my faith keeps me going. I want the readers to know that you have one life to live as a human being, and you were not born with a phone on your hip so enjoy real life with people that make you happy. I am excited to see how much it can grow as it is approaching its two-year anniversary into the world.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best place to meet new clients is at vendor events, there are people who want to support you. Local vendor events and pop-up shops are the best way for people to network, especially in a space with other creators. You can research vendor events in your area because there is always a need for creators and opportunities in this thriving city area you are able show your brand. You will meet new people and you could potentially be a vendor at a future event. Once you take a step to put yourself out there you could vend in various locations such as festivals, fairs, and markets. You would learn the rules and requirements before the vendor event as that information will go to you most likely via email. After all the hard work is done it is show time and you will have the freedom to authentically introduce yourself to connect with many people. You must put your best foot forward and keep a vibrant positive energy about you to succeed in this business field.
We’d love to hear about you met your business partner.
During the winter season there was a donation drive held at my local community center. I saw an a repost on my social media account through Instagram and was able to show up to support the event. I love volunteering and doing what I can to make a difference in the community. Little did I know that people hosting the donation drive would be my future business partners. The main goal was to produce many donation bags for homeless Men and Women and to showcase local creatives in the DMV area. During a break I took a networking opportunity to introduce myself to one of my future partners to congratulate her on the turn out of the event, and to show her that I too am a yarn artist with my handmade hat donation.
Fast forward to the summertime in 2020 they were hosting a donation drive for the CCNV shelter located in Washington, D.C. at the same local community center. My friend and I attended the event to support however during the outreach process there was a big surprise no one expected. Nearly waiting in the hot sun for an two hours myself, my friend, and one of my business partners were surround by 5 big county police trucks while waiting for donations because of one false phone call given by a resident across the street. The caller stated that we were gathering supplies for the protest that include weapons which was not the case at all. The police supported us and donated to the cause. After we delivered supplies to the shelter we kept in touch. A month or two later we had a conversation about me joining their team and that is how I partnered up with my business partners at EjimaYarn. I support what they do for the community and that they have a similar hobby as me just a different hand technique. Inconclusion support your community because you never know what you can do to help each other.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ejimayarn.com – Sweethearts Collection is featured.
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/miss_lashea25/ my bussiness Instagram is: www.instagram.com/sweetheartcollection2020/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmEWlFGMGOw
Image Credits
Tiara Jones is the photographer. Follow her on Instagram @tiarajonesphotography. Enter the URL <https://www.instagram.com/tiarajonesphotography/>