Today we’d like to introduce you to Joana de Vasconcellos Santos.
Hi Joana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I properly started crocheting in April of 2020, due to the pandemic, in Mexico. Although I’m Brazilian, we’ve lived there for 3 years due to my husband’s job. It started out as a hobby, a way to stay sane during such a difficult time. But then, some friends saw my work, liked it and they started ordering some custom-made pieces. My family and I then moved here in August of 2021 and I’ve only recently decided to make a more serious effort to reach out to the community and make my work known.
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?
I think I’m still at the beginning of the road, and since I don’t know many locals, and because I’m very much an introvert, it’s hard to get the word out. I believe that’s my main obstacle right now, and it’s totally self-imposed. Lol.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The funny thing is, in Brazil, I was a clinical psychologist, so I don’t think I would ever discover my ability to crochet if I wasn’t living in a different country, away from most of my family, and unable to work on my field. In a sense, even though the last 2 years have been really hard, something positive came out of them.
I’m really proud that I can take some yarn and a hook and make some beautiful pieces that then go to people’s houses and make them more homey and colorful. I think that’s so amazing! That what I do can bring a little color and joy to others’ everyday lives.
What I think sets me apart from others? I guess that… me. Hahahaha.
I think that every handmade work is unique. You can give the same tools and pattern to another crochetier and it would look very different, because your tension is different, the way you stitch is very personal. And apart from that, even the material and colors an artisan chooses add on to that uniqueness.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice for those who are starting out, just like I am (lol), and it’s something that I have to also remind myself is: don’t be afraid of showing your work, even if we think it’s not perfect, even if you think it’s not as good as someone else’s work, be proud of it, learn from some mistakes you did on that project and take that lesson along with you. Don’t give up, keep on trying. The more you make and even the more mistakes you make, will help you improve. Be proud of that very first imperfect little project you’ve taken, it brought you where you are now.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mooncrochet.joana/
