I began knitting squares to donate and baby items to gift back in 2005. I am a single parent and have raised my son alone since he was 4 months. He is a teenager now. In 2010, I was laid-off. Everyone enjoyed my work and suggested that I try to sell them. In 2013, I started my business, "Toledo's Talents." One door closed as another opened. I taught myself to crochet in order to create these adorable Amigurumi animals. The revelation from creating these little animals coupled with the joy it brings to other people motivated me to create a new line of "Beautiful Dolls." I have an Etsy shop, Pinterest, Flickr, Instagram and a Facebook page. "Toledo's Talents" are for people seeking handmade items to cherish. Each one can be custom-made.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Once I've completed a project, I am inspired to see the creativity and beauty expressed in my work which I've created with my own hands. I'm inspired to create. I look at each Amigurumi animal and doll and it's like I brought them to life. Also, listening to the people's compliments about my work: how cute, how well made, the attention to details, etc. is inspiring. My inspiration is my grandmother (May she rest in peace) who has inspired me since I was a young girl. She was a very talented lady. She sewed, crocheted, knitted, embroidered and knew all manners of needlework. I know she is very proud of me as I feel her presence in all of my projects.
WHAT MAKES YOUR BUSINESS STAND OUT?
Not many young women have the patience and dedication required to take out the time from their hectic lives to grab a skein of yarn and a hook or needles to create a work of art. I am a perfectionist, a very creative and detailed person. My business includes a variety of items for all occasions from crocheted Amigurumi animals, dolls, clothes, knitted scarves and knitted baby clothes. You know you are getting an item made with "lots of love and great detail". All items can be custom-made for the individual and/or occasion. I also crochet famous characters. If there isn't a pattern for the character, animal, or theme, then that is when my 'Talents' come into play and I create and design my own pattern for it.