Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanay Cobb.
Shanay, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My family just moved from South Carolina to Georgia. It was summer and this would be my 8th-grade year. My mother had some yarn and a hook. She was making a crochet blanket. I wanted to make a blanket too. She showed me how to make a chain. Then she attempted to show me how to make a row… It was lopsided and terrible. The entire project would bow in an out. I would take things out and try again often.
Eventually, I gave up on lines and went for circles. Round things came to me easily. Over time I figured out the straight lines for blankets, scarves, etc. I was no longer a fledgling crafter. I had my own set of hooks, would get yarn whenever possible, and taught myself to read patterns. In high school, I would make things give them away or charge peanuts. In college, I slowed a bit but would still dabble with the lovely fiber learning new techniques that were a bit more complex. After college, I found yarn stores and people were supportive in the idea that I should charge people for my work for what its worth. Now I share my crochet work on social media, teach kids and adults when asked. I love to crochet.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Smooth road… no journey with growth happens on a smooth road. Learning how to read patterns was a hurdle. YouTube videos to explain what and how wasn’t as vast as it is now. My dad had some craft (knit/crochet) books. I took my time and managed to get good enough to read symbols so foreign patterns aren’t much of a struggle to do either.
On selling things. I have only done two craft shows with the assistance of others. I am very grateful for them giving me the opportunity. Craft shows can become costly and there is no guarantee people will buy enough for you to recoup what you have put out. They also provide valuable experience. If you know the kind of people that frequent that particular kind of craft show you can create to the demographic. Social media is all about sharing and just putting yourself out there. Most of my orders come from the lovely people I know or work with. Finding your niche is a struggle since I just like to make whatever is asked of me. I just enjoy creating and hope that people enjoy it as well.
Last struggle for me is working full time and crafting. This has been pretty easy to overcome only because I work for people that let me crochet at work. Since I get to craft at work I get orders from work too. I am grateful for all the struggles and bumps in the road. Every time I get the opportunity to share a “granny craft.”
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Starving Artist SC – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I crochet a lot. I don’t specialize in any specific aspect of crochet. I have worked with everything from thread to chunky yarn. I am known for making whatever people ask with at most sometimes a photo reference. As a company, I am most proud that I was given the opportunity to teach kids to crochet. They truly excelled at it. I tackle challenges by keeping my customers involved. This allows them to get the most out of their request. This ability to involve people that can’t crochet in the crochet process sets me apart. I also have two other crocheters that I share my posting space with. Each of us can share with other mutual friends growing outward.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Going forward I just hope to have more time to create, participate in craft shows, and share my space with others that crochet. Biggest change will be fully launching my website. Sharing my happy hobby post-apocalyptic life skill means the most to me.
Pricing:
- Stuffed animals start at $45
- Scarves start at $20
- Knee highs start at $45
- Blankets start at $100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shanaydc4.wixsite.com/starvingartistsc
- Phone: 404-855-1935
- Email: StarvingArtistSC88@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/starving_artistsc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarvingArtistSC/
Image Credit:
Herringbone hand scarf pattern by: Janaya Chouinard
Chum shark pattern by: Critterbeans on Etsy
Ankle of the knee high pattern by: Janet Rehfeldt on Ravelry
Swimsuit pattern by: CapitanaUncino on Etsy
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