Dearest readers, I’m thrilled to introduce you to the talented crochet genius, Husseina Omeiza, from Abuja, Nigeria. At 22, she’s not just crafting beautiful pieces with yarn; she’s weaving a unique story of creativity and business acumen. Get ready to dive into the world of crochet through her eyes and discover the passion and dedication that fuel her artistic journey.

What is the love story between you and your hook? When was the first time you crocheted something?

I started crocheting when I was 8, thanks to my cousin. Crocheting was a craze among little girls at the time, and we mostly crafted not so stylish bags. In secondary school, my crochet adventures were confined to school projects. Fast forward to July 2021, amidst constant university strikes, I found solace in a neglected crochet hook at home and some vibrant yarn from the market. From that moment on, I never parted ways with my trusty hook.

How did you turn it into a business? And did you see your brand growing to the level it has?

Turning my crochet passion into a business was unexpected. After creating a stunning piece, my sister ordered one, and I showcased them on my WhatsApp story. An old classmate ordered, and it snowballed from there. It evolved organically as I made items for myself and friends, shared them, and attracted orders. As for the rapid growth of my brand, I anticipated it but not this quickly. Grateful for every moment that’s come with it.

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What has been your biggest accomplishment and challenge in your industry?

The most significant accomplishment has been the organic growth of my crochet brand from a personal hobby to a thriving business. However, the journey comes with its challenge — finding the delicate balance between meeting the rising demand, preserving the handmade personal touch of my creations, and juggling the pursuit of a degree alongside maintaining a social life.

What brands and mentors do you look up to and emulate from in your industry?

In the vast landscape of inspiring artists in my industry, I find valuable lessons from everyone. Yet, certain names serve as beacons of motivation, especially on challenging days. I admire Crochet Goodie for her impeccable and neat creations, marveling at how far she’s come. JayB Signature’s down-to-earth warmth is a constant inspiration, and it creates a welcoming atmosphere for me. Yarn Over’s creativity in design captivates me, while Mere Crochet’s unwavering dedication to her craft and the business aspect of it is truly commendable. Additionally, Mihankushea’s remarkable skill level makes crocheting appear effortlessly easy, adding another layer of inspiration to my journey.

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What is your favourite piece of crochet you ever made?

Ah, picking a favorite piece is like choosing a favorite star in the sky — nearly impossible! Each creation holds a special place in my heart, and I confess, I might be a bit too attached to all my crochet babies. It’s like asking a parent to pick a favorite child – they’re all uniquely cherished! 😄

When should we expect to see a collection from your brand?

For now, I can’t pinpoint an exact date but the plan is to unwrap my first collection sometime in 2024. The anticipation is bubbling up within me, and I genuinely can’t wait to share those creations with you all!

How can you quantify your growth in the past years since you started? What people, tools, knowledge has aided your growth

I can’t quantify my growth in words. I honestly won’t know what measures to use. Every year, I keep surpassing my own expectations for Crochet by Hussi, and my heart always does a victory dance.

My family and friends? They’re the real MVPs – supporting CBH more than my wildest dreams, and I owe them big time (maybe a lifetime supply of crochet goodies? 😄).

As for tools and knowledge, the internet is my crochet BFF. I devour crochet books and patterns like a kid in a candy store, treat YouTube as my personal crochet university, and occasionally indulge in paid courses from fellow crochet artist.

What is the longest time you’ve spent on a piece recently?

Recently, the marathon was from March to October—spanning a full 9 months. This project turned out to be nothing short of a blessing. It wasn’t the crocheting that stretched across those months but the constant dance with inspiration, the search for patterns, the unraveling (or “frogging” as we call it), and the cycle of starting anew. The process taught me firsthand that anything is achievable with dedication. It might have taken a while, but every moment of pondering and starting from scratch was absolutely worth it.

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What is one life lesson crocheting has taught you?

If there’s one life lesson crochet has hammered into me, it’s patience. Spending hours crafting a single piece taught me the fine art of waiting my turn in ATM queues with Zen-like calmness. It’s like crochet is saying, “Hey, if you can patiently make intricate stitches, you can handle waiting for your cash, right?” So now, sitting things out and queuing up feels like a breeze. It’s been a wild and woolly ride, and crochet has stitched patience into the fabric of my being.

Where do you see your brand in 5 years time?

In the next five years, I’m charting a course that blends dreams with reality. Picture my crochet pieces not merely as creations but gracing runways and sparking global fascination. Collaborations with fellow artists and designers will add diverse layers to my brand. Sustainability will be intricately woven into our DNA, exploring eco-friendly avenues and innovative design processes. The online crochet universe will witness an expanded presence, offering engaging content, tutorials, and workshops where crochet enthusiasts can explore and discover their passion. Envision a well-established brand with an international footprint and a dedicated team.

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As we wrap up this crochet-filled conversation with the incredible Husseina, one can’t help but be entangled in the threads of inspiration she leaves behind. With a hook in one hand and a vision in the other, Crochet by Hussi isn’t just crafting; she’s creating a tapestry of dreams. So, here’s to the artist who turns yarn into magic and stitches laughter into every design. Keep those hooks flying and dreams weaving, because in Hussi’s world, every knot is a step closer to crochet paradise! Cheers to the master of the crochet realm! 🧶✨