“I use the power of art to emphasize the importance of mental health.”

From a young age, I’ve always enjoyed expressing myself with multiple forms of art. I tried knitting, but that didn’t work out for me, so I looked to crochet instead. I started crocheting during quarantine, and for Christmas, I decided to gift my cousin some of my handmade items, and they ended up loving it. Their support back then motivated me to pursue crocheting as one of my main hobbies. 

My approach with crochet is much more different from how I approach visual art. I usually plan my art pieces ahead of time, sketching outlines before I make any final decisions. However, with crocheting, I am able to picture the design in my head and automatically go to work, making my visions come true.

I reopened my Etsy shop, Bee Plus Belle, around December after I came up with the idea of putting my skills to good use by selling handmade, crocheted anxiety pets. After struggling with mental stability my sophomore year, where I was in a largely toxic environment, I realized that my first priority should be myself. Selling my anxiety pets has given me a way to share my message with the world: that taking care of yourself is essential. I’m so happy to positively impact my community through art and make even the smallest difference in someone else’s day.