An Interview with a Sustainable Crochet Maker
If you believe in sustainability and appreciate the beauty of bespoke accessories, getting Tina Yesenofski’s beautiful handmade creations on your radar is a must. For the past two years, she been creating sustainable crocheted blankets, home goods, and accessories focused primarily on recycled fibers, organic cottons, and hand-dyed yarns local to Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey, and selling them on her Etsy store, WoolAndWanderByTina.
Besides using her business as a creative outlet, she also has an altruistic motive. She donates 10% of all her proceeds to the Open Medicine Foundation, an organization dedicated to finding treatments for debilitating chronic complex conditions, with a primary focus on conditions affecting women.
When asked about her artistic process, she shared that she finds her inspiration in nature and locally sourced materials. "I'm a texture person. I'm inspired by luxury fibers, bohemian colors and vibes, and anything that can make someone smile," she shared. Though she initially thought 'cutesie' things were cliché or silly, she has come to understand the value of a smile or small giggle in brightening someone's day.
Running a business, however, hasn't been smooth sailing all the time. Living with a disability presents a unique set of challenges. She struggles with fatigue and weakness often, making it challenging to keep up with orders and to get to the post office some days to ship out products due to her physical constraints.
Despite her struggles, she offers sound advice to other novice artists. Having a defined brand, knowing what excites you, and not being afraid to charge what your time is worth, are all crucial elements in this business. "You are also still competing with globalization and need to be realistic," she added.
Her commitment to her work is admirable considering another massive hurdle she faces daily; she lives with ME/CFS, a neuroimmune disease that causes constant exhaustion and pain. She also has a secondary fainting disorder called POTS, which induces dizziness after standing for extended periods. These conditions have significantly altered her life, but they haven't stopped her. Despite her relentless battles with her health, she is dedicated to continue creating and spreading joy with her meticulously crafted products.
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