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

Jenelle Ashaki, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

The kindest thing anyone has ever done for me, as Ashaki By Design, is share my work with their family, friends and acquaintances. I say this because there is nothing more meaningful than having the support and encouragement to keep doing what I love. For me it is the simple things, that make the biggest impacts. So even if someone is unable to make a purchase and they spread the word about the latest from Ashaki By Design, it shows me that someone is interested and sees the value in my skills.

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

I learned to crochet at the age of six. I later decided to turn my love for the craft into something serious and in 2009, I began showcasing in fashion shows, and having my designs captured in photoshoots, which featured collections, such as “Spring Is In” and “Irie Vibez”, for a period of six years. In 2015, my team and I hosted our first fashion show and soft launch in preparation for our 2016 venture. In August 2016 my team and I hosted our own Fancy Mas Band for the carnival season in my homeland Grenada West Indies. Flowers of the Caribbean, which incorporated crochet into the costumes.

I hit a few hurdles within my personal life, which created a pause in my journey; however, Ashaki By Design has gone on to be featured in Voyage Tampa and IamGrenada online magazines. Showcasing in our first International Fashion Show, in April 2023 Swim Week Guadeloupe. Launching our online store www.AshakiByDesign.com in January 2021 and we will be gracing the runway, for the first time in eight (8) years this August at Crochet Fashion Week in New York.

I rebranded in January 2021 and have continued to develop my designs and skill level, as my goal is to have Ashaki By Design be the brand that encourages “Freedom of Expression and Beauty”, through every stitch that is created with my crochet hooks. “Ashaki By Design is Beautiful By Design”!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

A huge pivot came upon me in the Winter of 2015, my team and I had recently put on a successful fashion show and soft launch, and I unexpectedly found myself unemployed on New Years Eve. Fast forward ahead, not only was I unemployed, but I had recently made a commitment to host a Carnival band which combined crochet and carnival. So here I was filing for unemployment, looking for a new job, trying to keep my head above water, and also determined to stay true to my commitment. Throughout that time crochet kept me whole, focused, alive (mentally, physically, and it also assisted with a few bills here and there). I was able to fulfill my commitment but over those 11 months, I lost my motivation to fight, and I had to make the hard decision to start completely over. I decided to relocate, leaving behind my family, my friends and lots of the things I love. I only had my clothing, my need for a fresh start and my crochet.

After relocating, I found out that my father was ill and then four months later, he was gone. I felt as though my life had completely shattered. “What else can I handle?”, I asked myself this question daily. Honestly, I continue to struggle with finding myself again because nothing has ever been the same. I pour everything into my crochet designing because it brings me joy and allows me to be free to create and express who I am. It’s the only thing that is completely mine and no one or anything can ever take it away from me.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The goal behind the Ashaki By Design brand, is to remind each individual that they are special and unique. Each design is handmade to showcase a personal level of Freedom of Expression.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.AshakiByDesign.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashakiby_design
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashakibydesigncrochet

Image Credits
Trav Mullins Craken Pegase