Phelicia Adams has two years of experience as a home economics teacher, but said initially, she had not envisioned herself in the teaching profession. It was her mother’s desire for her to join the field, and although she wasn’t drawn to it at first, Adams has found herself growing to love the profession, thanks in large part to the inspiration she draws from her adored students. Teaching, it seems, runs in the family, as her aunts and grandmother were also educators.
Being a source of inspiration for her students is a significant source of joy for Adams. While teaching occupies her full-time, Adams is also a well-known crochet designer. The roots of her passion for crochet trace back to her mother, who practised the craft while pregnant with her. Adams said she believes that her exposure to crocheting began in the womb, as her mother dedicated entire days to honing her skills, and this played a crucial role in fostering her love for the craft.
She shared that her mom never formally taught her the art of crocheting; instead, she learned by keen observation. One day, while her mom was engrossed in crocheting a chair covering and briefly stepped away, Adams seized the opportunity. Picking up the yarn and needle, she began to crochet, finding it surprisingly straightforward once she followed the pattern her mom had set out. It wasn’t until she was 16 years old though that Adams realised she possessed a natural talent for crochet designs. Excited by this discovery, she delved into learning various patterns through YouTube tutorials.
Her enthusiasm led her to regular practice, and in 2019, she made the decision to turn her passion into a business. Now, Adams engages in crocheting every day, showcasing her skills and creativity in the craft. Despite being a time-consuming process, her unwavering love for the craft is what fuels her dedication and perseverance. “I love it! Listen to me, I love it so bad!” Adams expressed. “Some nights mommy is gah come out and wake me up so I can go in me bed and sleep. Because I does drop to sleep with the knitting in me hand… She has so much photos with me sleeping with knitting in me hand.”
This strong work ethic has proven invaluable in her role as a crochet designer. Adams highlighted one of the most challenging aspects of her craft, stating, “When a mistake is made, requiring the entire design to be restarted, it’s painful. But it allows me to maintain focus on my craft so I can avoid mistakes.”
Interestingly, even though she harboured a deep love for crocheting, Adams contemplated quitting due to external pressure. She recollected friends teasing her with remarks like, ‘Is only old people is do this thing’. Despite not taking these words kindly, her passion for crocheting ultimately prevailed. She explained that what keeps crocheting interesting is the novelty of always being able to create different patterns; no design is completely the same.
Adams also incorporates her creations into her wardrobe as a strategic promotion tactic. She explained, “At first, I never used to wear [my clothing], but then I realised if I am selling it and if it is something I love, I believe that I need to start wearing my own clothing.” She added that whenever she wears a piece of her work, people always enquire where she bought it from, and Adams gladly hands them her business card.
Adams pointed out another challenge of being a crochet artist in Guyana. She highlighted that many people are unaware of the time and expense involved in crocheting, and initially, she used to design clothing at a loss. It is only recently that she has been able to turn a profit. Additionally, there is a scarcity of yarn available in the country, and customers may require specific colours that local stores may not have in stock. Adams explained that if she were to source materials online, her clothing would become significantly more expensive due to the associated cost and she takes into consideration the economic context of Guyana.
Despite grappling with these challenges, crocheting has brought numerous positive rewards for Adams. She emphasised that crocheting serves as a calming activity, often sparking her creative ideas. Furthermore, it has proven to be a financial benefit and her brand has gained significant exposure on social media, earning her the moniker “crochet girl.” This visibility has opened doors for her, allowing her to showcase her designs at local fashion shows such as Moonlight Stories and Orange the Runway.
Fortunately, Adams finds solace in a robust support network that helps alleviate some of her challenges. She expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from her family and friends, with a special mention of her friend Dexter Gardener, whom she described as an encouraging and supportive presence. Additionally, her girlfriends, whom she affectionately refers to as her sisters, have been steadfast supporters throughout her journey. Currently, Adams is in the planning stages of developing her own clothing line and establishing a physical location to sell her crochet designs.
