We were lucky to catch up with Akeer Martin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Akeer, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

The risk I took was starting my crochet fashion brand. I was very scared and nervous because I had no clue where to start so google and a couple of people that I know in the business world helped me. I knew I had dreams and the vision but me being a semi- shy person, I had to step out of my shell and say to myself “Ok Akeer there’s only one way to find out”. My business is starting to get recognized and it’s growing. All because I put fear behind me. If you never step out there, you’ll never know.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Ok so I use to be scared to tell my story but I’ve learned that it’s my testimony. I started crocheting at the age of 6, i first used it as a coping mechanism because i grew up on abuse but when i started to get older i would have visions about things i wanted to crochet and i would bring them to reality and that’s how i found out that it was actually a gift GOD blessed me with. Like I don’t use patterns. I can see something that’s made out of regular material and turn it into crochet form. I make everything. I make custom stuff for women, men,and children. I get joy out of seeing my clients smile with excitement when I deliver them their finished products. I always keep them informed and build a relationship with them because they’re trusting me to bring a vision to life.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

So I like to mention my testimony because it has made me into the person I am today. I grew up in an abusive household and it made me an angry person because I couldn’t defend myself and I never felt protected. I went into foster care at the age of 15. I had my daughter at the age of 17. I’ve been through a lot of trauma but now I’m in a place in my life where I’m at peace, I’m calm, I’m not angry because I’ve let go of a lot of hurt. I’ve always been a loving person. I remember when nobody believed in me except for a few. People use to tell me I would either be dead or in jail but I’m not. I don’t have a record but I have a criminal justice degree. I was told I would be a statistic but I’ve excelled in every way. I’m a go getter and fighter. I’ve hit rock bottom but I never gave up. A lot of people see me and are shocked when they find out what I’ve been through.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to learn that every battle isn’t meant for me meaning I couldn’t fight other people battles and mines. I’ve always wanted to take everyone with me until I realized I can’t. I had to unlearn that my blessings are for me. I had to unlearn how not to be so angry and let my past and the hurt go because I’ve always wanted to be loved by family and to feel like I had family. My biggest thing I truly had to unlearn was reacting. Every action doesn’t deserve a reaction.

Contact Info:

• Website: Catchbyhook.com
• Instagram: Catchbyhookllc
• Facebook: Catchbyhook
• Other: TikTok: Catchbyhooksm

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