We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joyce Jennings a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Joyce thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
I learned to crochet in 7th grade junior high school in my home economics class in District Heights, MD. A class that is no longer apart of the curriculum. Home economics was one of my favorite classes that I had to actually be focused and not chat with my friends. The most difficult obstacle for me staying in touch with my passion was not being able to purchase my own yarn so I could not only do the hobby in school but in my free time. Listening skills are most essential to remember my stitch count.
Joyce, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a self taught African American crafter . I love all things crafting and crocheting I am from pg county Maryland with over 30 years of crocheting under my belt. I am a teacher by day crafter by night. Becoming a single parent early on in my daughters life; crocheting helped me deal with the grief of loosing my other half. The biggest obstacle I’ve had with my passion was when I broke my hand and couldn’t crochet for months. my daughter felt that I was skillful enough to make her custom pieces and the more she posted my items the more others wanted them and joyz craft world was birthed from there. I make custom one of one pieces that no one else will have. I am a seasoned vet and I am true to my craft. All of my items are custom hand made and geared towards the client. I showcase my love of fashion and culture through my pieces. I am most proud of the reaction from my pieces and support of returning customers. I am strictly word of mouth. I am a people person, there is joy in each of my crafts just like my name, I am dedicated to what I do, I am willing to adjust to better myself and my craft. I do what works to accommodate my clients.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Yes, I want to learn and better my skills to retire as a veteran special educator and open my own craft store. My own craft store is my life dream. My happy place. Being able to take my skills as a special educator and my love for crafts to give back to my community is my life’s mission. I am so grateful for my daughter for making me just “do it”.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
Yes, the amount of classes and books that were available to me at no cost. yarn comes in so many textures an it can be pricey. Knowing and understanding hook sizes! I’m learning new patterns by the day simply from my phone. These resources were not accessible to me 30+ years ago.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://joyzcraftworld.bigcartel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyzcraftworld/
- Youtube: JOYZCRAFTWORLD
Image Credits
Jazlyn Bailey – EnTRAPreneur Playground