Today we’d like to introduce you to La’Shea Thomas.
Hi La’Shea, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
When I was about 12 years old a close family friend named Sweetheart taught me how to crochet. I would watch her crochet baby blankets for church members or just make gifts for her family. I was interested in how she could create and she took it upon herself to teach me how to make scarfs. Once I made my first scarf by myself I was very happy and accomplished. Over the years it became an on and off hobby of mine that I just did for fun.
One day, I was looking at all of my yarn and I wanted to create a new item. I tried to make a hat pattern and after a few tries, I was successful. I received compliments from peers, teachers, and adults during Basketball season. As a business management major, I had an idea: what if I can make crocheting into a business? At first, I had doubts because I did not know how it could happen or work out. One morning I spoke to a dear friend who believed in my business idea 100% which was so powerful for me during a dark time. It stuck with me. Fast forward a year later I am partnered up with my business partners at EjimaYarn and I have a name for my brand “Sweethearts collection”.
During the pandemic in 2021, I learned how to make beanie hats, baby hats, bags, headbands, crop tops, shorts, baby blankets, dresses and I am working on making long sleeves shirts. If it wasn’t for Sweetheart teaching me this lifelong gift I wouldn’t have been able to connect deeply with great people who recognize the gift and help expand upon it. I am forever grateful.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
During this pandemic, a lot of unexpected struggles have happened. There were many life experiences I was not mentally prepared for. Down to the reduced working hours, the stress, the loss of family members, the depression, and mental health breakdowns. It was a lot over overwhelming feelings and new experiences all at once. My close friends and close family tried to be there for me but I knew I needed help. I don’t know where I would be if it wasn’t for my therapist and God. My therapist/life coach gave me the support I needed to begin the healing process and self-love journey because I have been in many dark places within myself unable to see the light. Crocheting was that something that kept me busy and relaxed me. I would sit outside on my patio during the spring/summer time to crochet because it was too loud above me. My best work happened with night projects past 4 am. There were times when I wanted to give up but I kept going. I am proud of myself. Crocheting impacted my healing process in a major way and is still helping me recover with its connection with people. The more I discover crocheting the more I know there is more to learn and that I still have time to grow. I want to perfect my craft as it will assist significantly to guide me to the woman I want to become. I am trusting the process.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Professionally I work for the Public School System in my area during the day. Sweethearts Collection is my business, my brand, and my everything. I like to call my specialty that is crocheting; “My Side Hustle” because it adds flavor to the art of crochet. I want to be known for being a seamstress and I want respect in the business world since I plan to become a Business Management major.
As a working NOVA Nighthawk, I want people to know who Sweetheart is and become actively involved the name Sweethearts Collection. I am proud that I am a skilled multitasker that makes great quality various products out of raw materials. Each individual item takes time to produce, and I feel happiest when each item is complete. When I crochet in a public area, I get comments, compliments, and people get intrigued into what I am making. I stay working on my projects on the bus, metro, and car. I love that what I do is another way that I can connect with strangers and people from many different backgrounds.
Whether it’s people’s history knowing their grandmothers, mothers, or sisters that crochet they are widely familiar with the craft and respect it. Being a millennial, I feel that this craft doesn’t radiate with others in my peer group but the wide world of Instagram and TikTok have shown me otherwise with a simple hashtag. I would like to aid in putting the art of crochet on the map because people of all ages and genders can really have tons of fun and successfully do this activity. I do my best work in my safe space which is my apartment it helps me focus as well as remain calm. I set the mood by lighting candles and grind with my endless supply of yarn while listening to music, podcasts, or tv shows/movies. The active process of crocheting and physically touching the softness of yarn helps me heal/de-stress from a long day.
Being on a powerfully supportive team really makes all this possible and I do not know where I would be without EjimaYarn. We have a healthy dose of giving back to the community with donation drives and being about business with the exchange of ideas. It’s very special and we make history together be doing meaningful acts which is something I wish I would see more of these days. What sets me apart from others is that I am uniquely me and I have accomplished many milestones with God’s help.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Please follow me on Instagram: miss_lashea25 & Instagram: sweetheatscollection2020. ( My dream in black submission video on Instagram adds insight to Sweethearts collection.) (Stay tuned for Sweetheartscollection website coming soon)
Please follow my business partners on Instagram as well they are twin knittas: ejimayarn or visit the website www.ejimayarn.com. There is a special Sweethearts tab and feel free to read more about us on “About Ejima Yarn” section located on the bottom of the page.
Thank you for your time, love, and support. <3
Pricing:
- Beanie Hats $35
- Custom Tops/Crop tops $40
- Dresses $100
- Scarves are $50
- Blankets start at $35(for baby)
Contact Info:
- Website: ejimayarn.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/miss_lashea25 | instagram.com/sweetheartscollection2020
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/QcwVwQS2H6o
Image Credits:
Corey Fletcher
