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The pandemic hit , and it made a shift in my life as it did to many. Over the years I have always spent my time helping others with what they love, I never sat down and actually figured out what I actually loved to do. So when Covid hit , it kind of forced me to find out what I love . I started picking back up on old hobbies like Painting , making homemade products and crocheting . I always love the idea of helping others. I launched my Podcast “ Tell em knee” May of 2019 . I was shocked at how many people were interested in what I had to say, this then lead me to want to show people what I found essential especially during the current times we were in. I started making sugar scrubs , lip glosses , with natural ingredients, everything I felt was essential in life especially when it comes to my skin. That went well sold out and I was like, why not start back crocheting . I had some old yarn in one of my old storage containers and bought a new hook, then boom the magic began . I recorded the process and posted the ending results on my social media. The support from my post was crazy . I then decided , I love this and I love the ability to create whatever my mind wants. The dream I had about being a designer back in high school ,was slowly coming true. Despite so many people telling me that , “ that’s not a great career path” . I told myself that this will be a challenge , but how can you grow if you don’t challenge yourself . I then launched T.E.K. Essentials crochet line. Sept 2020 So I then started to invest in buying more yarn and started with simple crochet tops & ear warmers, people loved it . I started getting orders, dms , emails etc . I then knew this is it, it’s my time. That’s when T.E.K Essentials became my new found passion. The crochet industry is a tough industry because many don’t find it as they say “ trendy” . That’s why I made it my objective to show people that yarn can be sexy and trendy , without your basic granny squares .

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Sometimes we have to go against what other day is normal and more acceptable , and chase the unknown to see the what ifs. For many years I was afraid to take a step and find out what I love , fear of failing , fear of not being able to make a living , fear of others not understanding .
One day all of that flew out the window , I embraced the unknown . The Crochet industry is the definition of the unknown and unseen . Yarn is like a pencil in the hands of a creator . You can create anything you put your mind to , taking it from nothing to something completely stunning . The crochet industry is a skilled industry that many posses the talent for , anyone can crochet but only few can actually design and create.
T.E.K Essentials was created with the vision of showing others that , you can be your own Aesthetic . Each crochet item is handmade , some items take days , some items take weeks . Each item created is special because only few can remake it, so it’s not as accessible as regular fashion pieces .
I create all types of crochet items , all of my designs are original . I don’t use a pattern , I literally let my creativity guide my look. I sketch it out and bring it to life. I make sweaters , dresses , skirts, shirts , cardigans , jackets , hats & accessories. Unlike most crochet designers , I dare to bring something different to my clients . Giving them pieces, that when they wear them people are stopping to ask them , “omg where did you get that ?”.
This industry is not for the weak , it is a tough one especially in a society where crochet is somewhat looked down on . You have to have discipline and you have to not get discouraged. Some months you might not sell or meet your target goal . Some items you create might not ever sell because people think it’s to pricy, sometimes it’s just because they don’t want to wait on production. That’s okay , that doesn’t mean it’s not a beautiful design . Also one bad month doesn’t determine your whole business as a whole , that’s the fun side behind running a business abs being an entrepreneur. Nothing is predictable.
I would say the thing I’m most proud of , is that no matter what society is trying to force on being acceptable , I keep creating and designing with the idea and faith that , one day my designs will hit someone’s run way , will be in someone’s wardrobe, that one day I will be known as the well known Crochet designer , Nia G. I aim to encourage all people to chase that dream that many didn’t think you could do. Inspiring others that it can be done.

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Being consistent , that’s honestly they truth in all things . People love to watch others and see what they are doing . I grew up as a military brat, so I moved a lot and met a lot of people . I always keep my connections with everyone I meet. So when starting out I had many encouraging me , but your biggest supporters are and will always be strangers . I’m okay with putting myself out there no matter the feedback I might get. I like to let others tap into my world and watch me create. People love to watch someone chase their dreams . It’s honestly inspiring. With posting on my Instagram, making Tiktok videos and fb/Instagram reels , this helped me build my reputation . Making the process fun and showing others how much I love it. This allowed me to reach many clients & grow my client base .Also thinking outside of the box when it comes to designs , not doing the typical crochet people are used to . It’s true when they say , the energy you give us the energy you receive.

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This is a great question , I had to unlearn the thought of thinking that everyone can see your vision, and that just because they don’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not obtainable. For years I knew what I wanted to pursue would be different from many . I knew this in high school when I job shadowed a photographer at the news & observer in Raleigh NC , and was told to stick to something that would pay better money . To the time I picked up my crochet hook and started to perfect my craft and people telling me that “ no one wears that anymore”. Even to those around me that would try to push me more into a corporate 9-5 environment , because they believed what society believes . That chasing your dreams won’t make you any money. For years I listened and put my dreams and vision on the back burner . Chasing after someone else’s dreams and helping them obtain them by working jobs that didn’t serve me but somewhat made me feel worthless even though I brought exponential value to the company. I knew that it was something more I was meant to be doing.
Unlearning that small thing , has brought so much more peace and happiness in my life. It’s okay to have your 9-5 corporate job, but make sure you are putting in the same amount of work you put in for someone’ else’s dreams , into your own dreams. Anything is possible , look at me now , this is my 2nd interview for my business . This is literally just the beginning to many more . No one knows what’s instore for your life , so no one can say your vision will not come true.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tellemknee.me
• Instagram: t.e.k_essentials
• Facebook: Nia Grisby

Image Credits
Nia Grisby