One of the Babes: Dope Crochet
Ericka runs a badass jewelry and apparel business, Dope Crochet, featuring items she has crocheted. We're stoked to have her on as a vendor for our female-fronted band showcase with Glitter Tribe on Saturday.
Get to know more about this babe in her "One of the Babes" Q&A:
Q: What inspired you to start Dope Crochet? Was it natural? Did you have any role models?
A: I've been crocheting since I was a kid. It never occurred to me that I could do something amazing with it until I was in college. Istruggled to find earring and accessories that were just as unique as what I was feeling. I certainly didn't want to rock the same thing everyone else had. So, I set out to create what I was looking for, and hat's how Dope Crochet was born.
Q: Do you have any tidbits of advice for people with passion projects?
A: Trust your gifts and your instincts. Nobody can stop you from going out there and killing it, but you.
Q: How do you stay inspired?
A: My daughter, music and conversations with strangers inspire me. I'm learning to be open to evolving; that's really a guiding force for me right now.
Q: What have been your favorite moments of creativity?
A: When I stumbled upon this amazing Japanese yarn store. They had some crazy textures (steel-wool blends, linens and even paper yarn), and they were so beautiful. I loaded up with as much yarn as I could that day, went home and free-styled some earrings, bow ties and bracelets. It was a good yarn haul, and some of my faves were birthed out of that session.
Q: What have been the most challenging moments in your career thus far?
A: Knowing my limits! wish I could vend at every show, make everything on my list in a day, but I am a solopreneur with a growing family.
Entrepreneurship is not always pretty. I realize there are times when I'm not doing all I can for the business because I'm with spending time with my daughter. Or I'm not being a good mother because I'm putting orders before that impromptu dance session she wants to have when her favorite song comes on. What I try to focus on and accept is that I am still understanding and learning how to juggle my role. Setting boundaries for all my "jobs" is something I really have to do to be okay, and it's something I'm still working on.
Q: When you're discouraged, what do you run to or away from?
A: I just rediscovered my love for running. It can be my quiet time, my jam session, my time with God. It can be whatever I need it to be. I love it.
Your favorite band: D'Angelo and the Vanguard. Recently saw them in concert and they truly committed to the audience and gave us everything. It was inspirational.
#bossbabesATX Note: D'Angelo and the Vanguard are one of our favorites, too!
Your favorite book: "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi
Your local Austin gem: Ballet Afrique
Your social media handles: @dopecrochet on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Periscope