St Catherine woman finds new beginning with crochet

When Tamicia Porter got laid off from her job in the business process outsourcing sector, she had to find an alternative source of income.

After some thought, she found out that her crotchet needle was the answer. Fast-forward six months later and the decision to go this route has resulted in the creation of dozens of crocheted items. Currently, Porter produces bathing suits, dresses, bikini bottoms, skirts, blouses, handbags, brassieres and headwear.

"I remember starting with five pieces of crotchet swimwear," Porter said. "It was a difficult task, as I didn't have much experience, very little money, and was not sure of the market. But I persevered, and this is the result."

Porter, who sells her items along Gillette Street in Linstead, St Catherine, was part of the Linstead Grand Market last Friday. She has big dreams for the business.

"Having started, I am very proud of the growth so far, which makes me determined to do more," Porter said. "I see myself getting a store, doing proper marketing and having employees to assist in serving my customers." Porter, who lives in Bog Walk, also in St Catherine, told THE STAR that she sources her supplies from Kingston.

She explained that she is aware of the challenges involved in the production of the handmade items. She lamented the struggle of getting the threads, and the painstaking knitting that is required for the completion of each piece.

"Each piece takes time to produce. I can take a day to produce a piece," Porter said. "Sometimes you come out here with 20 pieces and you don't make a sale. There are other times that the price you asked [for it] is not what the customer is willing to pay, so to break even, you have to sell."

"I sleep crotchet, I dream crotchet, so I find it challenging [but] rewarding with each finished item," the self-taught artist said.