Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anahi Bravo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Anahi, appreciate you 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?

Crochet has been a skill passed down through my family since my great-great-grandmother. I started learning from a young age, but I never truly appreciated the art bestowed upon me until much later.
I began to pick up crochet again once I had my firstborn. I was going through many silent issues a first-time mom experiences, and crochet was a way to deal with the postpartum depression and anxiety.

Sometimes I do wish I could have started earlier to crochet and learn to develop my skill even further, but I also strongly believe that everything happens for a reason. I continue to learn every day, no matter what I’m creating. I think that time is the biggest obstacle in my craft. I can get lost in my projects and realize I’ve been cooped up for hours. Which would be ok if I didn’t have little humans depending on me.

The most essential skill for me is the ability to let go. There are times when I start a project strong, and halfway, I loose inspiration. I walk away, and sometimes I get to come back to it. Many other times, I don’t come back at all. There were times I got in my own head that I should be finishing it, otherwise I can’t start something else. The best thing I have learned is to let go and keep going.

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 Mexican immigrant, and fiber arts is in my blood. My great-great-grandmother used to live off of crocheting table covers and selling them in the markets.
I started to crochet for my children only. I was only making accessories for my kids to wear and stuffed animals for them to play with. A friend saw my creations and encouraged me to post online. I started to make stuff for people and created items that brought me so much joy. Even though I have created many different items for different people, I always felt I could do more.

I found a fellow fiber artist, Aileen Pasco, online and worked with her at the public library. She was bringing awareness about the issue of plastic bags in our environment. She created a workshop that helped people make plarn, plastic yarn. I learned so much from her and was invited to work with her on different projects. I participated in an art installation that showed an underwater scenery with a coral reef made out of plastic. I collaborated in crocheting these pieces along with my mom.

A few months later, Aileen asked me if I wanted to be part of another project. I said yes right away because I knew it was a special project that would bring awareness to our community. I collaborated on making a Freedom to Choose crochet mural along with other talented artists. The mural brings awareness that women have the Freedom to choose what to do with their own bodies. Not to mention that this mural is about 17ft x 11ft! I helped with putting it together, which was a challenge but a very fun challenge.

After being part of these projects, something in me sparked. I want my art to bring awareness to my community. I want to be able to create pieces that not only helps me process my thoughts, but it can also inspire others to create.

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

The best way to support is to show up. Is there an art gallery opening? Show up! Is there a vendor market with artists and creatives? Show up! Is there an art show across town? Show up!

Even if you cannot purchase anything, showing up for the artists is the best thing we could ever ask for. Talking to the artist and hearing their creative process can also inspire you in your everyday life. I will guarantee that you will make that artist’s day just by stopping by and asking about their creations.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Falling into a slump is the worst feeling ever. There was a time when I did not have the motivation to even touch my yarn or crochet hooks. I felt like I was a walking zombie, just doing the same monotone routine every day.
I had to stop taking custom orders, and therefore hurting myself financially, but nothing could get me to pick up my hooks.
I was stuck in an ugly cycle; crochet helped me ease my anxiety, but not knowing what to crochet was giving me anxiety.

Until finally one day my older sister told me just pick something that you see that makes you happy. FOR YOU. Not for your daughters not for a client; YOU.

I was so caught up in my small business trying to make people happy that I forgot myself in the process. It hurt so much but it was learning experience that I have very present in case it ever happens again.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: crochetingsbya