Today, The Platinum Mask channel would like to introduce Yazmin Clarke for a conversation.
Hey! Please explain to the audience what you’re promoting.
My business involved with Handmade Crochet Items.
What was the biggest obstacle in your journey and how did you overcome it?
One of my biggest obstacles was overcoming my low self confidence and thinking no one would be interested. It has taken me time to over come it , with time and having the support from family and friends has help a lot. Also I have been inspired by other small businesses, see how they succeed.
What separates you from similar artist in the Dallas-Fort Worth area?
Well I know there is a lot of creative and talented people around me. I want to say I dedicate alot of time and energy on my work so my clients can receive a good quality item. I’m kind of a perfectionist so if something doesn’t look right I redo it until it looks like a great quality item. I want them to be happy with the product they receive . We are distinguish for our custom handmade items. Our clients input is very important to us and we consider it.
Is there anything you wished you would have known earlier in your journey?
That things might not be easy but with hard work and dedication things can have a good turn around. Also having more self confidence and not purposely put obstacles on our own.
Were there any major challenges due to the covid-19 pandemic? How did you overcome them?
I started my business in 2019. I paused it in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and also because I was expecting my second child. It was difficult at that time to have the business up and running. There wasn’t a lot of support going on during that time for small business due to the economic impact the pandemic had on them. I knew that it wouldn’t be a good time for Sulala Crochet so all the service was put on hold. But at the end it help because I was able to focus on my baby and practice more on my skills and gain more self confidence. It took some time to over come those obstacles but the outcome was great .
What was your upbringing like and did you discover your passion early on?
I was born in the city of Cuauhtemoc, Chihuahua,Mexico. But immigrated to the USA when I was 5 years old to Warr Acers , Oklahoma. I was raised in Oklahoma up until 13 years old and move back to Chihuahua for a couple of years . I got to learn my roots more and learn about the natives in my state named Tarahumaras I remember seeing them work with their hands and make different items from earrings to, shoes , clothing and souvenirs that always inspired me . But really I believe the love of working with my hands I inherited from my Grandmother on my Mom’s side. She like sewing and would make clothing for herself or would tweak certain clothes if she didn’t like them. I started Crocheting in 2016 once I was expecting my first born had to be put on bed rest for a while and I started learning on my own about Crocheting . I started watching videos and I would practice more and more. I even made my son his first crochet shoes.
Do you have a mentor and can you remember any key advice they have given you?
I have had a lot of support from friends and family. I would say my two mentors are My husband and cousin Johanna. They both help me stay focused but also give me advice on how to market my items thru social media and have them stand out. They have and continue to help me push myself out of my comfort zone. I’m grateful for them and everyone else too !.
Were your friends and family supportive of your mission?
Yes ! My husband is the one that motivated me to open my business virtually on Instagram in 2019. I receive the support of family and friends from purchasing to sharing one of my post or encouraging me to do more of this or that. Or even modeling my products. I really appreciate all that they do!
Any links you want to share for the viewers?