Today we’d like to introduce you to Lashonda Rice
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m a born and bred New York native. Recently, my family and I relocated to Pennsylvania, My love for crochet started at the age of nine. My classmate taught me how to crochet with a pencil. That weekend, my grandmother gave me my first crochet hook. She also taught me a few stitches. Each weekend she taught me different stitches and techniques.
I initially started making baby items and hats.
Some would say I’ve had an interesting and varied career; I am a United States veteran. Before Becoming a legislative aide, I was a teacher, then I became a NYC police officer (retired) and best selling children’s book author. Crochet has always been in the forefront.
It helped me with childhood PTSD. Growing up in an abusive home, then fostercare, then back to the same abusive home was no easy fete.
When I became a mother, I started focusing on dolls. My natural hairstyle dolls are popular because of the undeniable representation. “They aren’t just dolls created with brown yarn, I create them to promote pride one doll at a time.” It’s been said that my ability to mimic african-american hairstyles with yarn has raised the bar in fiber art and has inspired crocheters globally since 2009. My art dolls can be seen all around the world in the arms of notable people. “As a United States veteran and police officer I’ve seen so many horrific things. Crochet gives me an outlet, a way to escape from stress and PTSD.” Although my bespoke dolls are always in demand, Custom designs are limited. I’ve had the pleasure of creating one of a kind creations for museums & artist salons. Ready to ship items, patterns, and classes are also available.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If I may be honest, some of the struggles along the way was having faith in myself even when no one else did. Realizing some of my biggest supporters would be strangers. Learning that every empty seat at the table isn’t for me.
Balancing life as a business owner, mother, wife and friend.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Christian Crochet Addict ?
The Christian Crochet Addict
Is a crochet brand specializing in crochet dolls created in all shades of brown. My dolls are not just created with brown yarn, they are realistic African inspired with textured hairstyles & attire. Each doll tells a story in yarn form. From the clothing to the facial expressions they all tell a story of the culture. My first doll was created for my daughter. The goal was just to create a doll that resembled her. I have made several attempts to make a doll over the years but never gave my 100% until I became pregnant.
Under the umbrella of my company I have published two children’s books. “Sunshine’s Tangled Tresses ” and “Please Mind Your Business.”
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I firmly believe there can be no reward if you don’t take some risks. One major risk was when I decided to take early retirement from the New York City Police Department. A coworker/friend said, “I hope that you aren’t quitting for that doll thing.” Well since then, this “doll thing” has afforded me the opportunity to speak about how I over came adversities on various stages. This “doll thing” opened the door to me being featured in a international crochet magazine. I’m grateful for this “doll thing”
Pricing:
- My lowest price point items (children’s books and mini crochet items) are 10.oo usd.
- My higher price point items depends on the details ranging from 250. usd and up
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thechristiancrochetaddict.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechristiancrochetaddict
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechristiancrochetaddict
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/thechristiancrochetaddict
