Meet Khadijjah Mote-Chasteen | Crochet Designer and Owner of Knitphoria Crochet

We had the good fortune of connecting with Khadijjah Mote-Chasteen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Khadijjah, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
People will be surprised to know that it doesn’t just take what you see on social media to be successful. It takes a lot of determination, countless hours of product making, doubting yourself…talking yourself back up, and learning as you go. Social media makes everything looks so instantly amazing, but real work goes into it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am most proud of my tenacity and ability to stay dedicated to my craft regardless my schedule. Crocheting is not only a way for me to provide financially, but also a therapeutic way for me to quiet my mind and practice stillness. Although I am far from where I’d like to be as far as creating full-time, I have been able to travel and meet new people through vending as well. I run the Instagram page for Knitphoria, so I can’t help but see other makers on my feed. I try not to because it can jade your creative process, but to see people flourishing where I’d like to is inspiring. I’ve learned to budget my time better and use it as currency, but it teaches me that there is a time and place for everything and to not beat myself up if I don’t finish a piece as fast as I’d like to. I want the world to know that slow fashion can still be just as unique and affordable as shopping at your favorite retail brands. You get a chance to support someone directly and help support a real genuine purpose with a real dream.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Okay, I know some people are gonna side eye me but if it’s a week day we are headed to First Watch for breakfast/brunch ( If it’s the weekend Soul Vegetarian No. 1 for Brunch). We will take a stroll down the belt line to show off that beautiful city skyline and have a light lunch at ponce city market. Stop at Piedmont park for some people watching and some rest and relaxation. We would definitely have to make nail appointments with my nail tech and finish the week off at Bonfire ATL!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate this shout out to my grandmother, Melika Kelly. For always believing in me regardless of if I believed in myself and for showing me that anything is possible. May she Rest In Peace knowing the wisdom she gave will never be forgotten.

Website: www.knitphoria.com

Instagram: Knit4ria

Facebook: Knitphoria Crochet