Owner: Rain Taylor
(Pronouns: She)
“I want to build a legacy that will outlive me and continuously inspire the next generation of artists, business owners, and dreamers.”
What impact do you want your business to have?
I want people to change how they view sustainability and what it means to use what we already have to make something even better from its remnants.
Why do you want to be featured in Orbit Utopia?
I want to broaden my community and outreach. I am starting up workshops where clients can pay for an hour or two and make custom pieces from pre-made items that they can keep forever. I want to build a legacy that will outlive me and continously inspire the next generation of artists, business owners, and dreamers.
What’s something about your journey people wouldn’t expect?
I grew up displaced on and off for about 12 years, went to 13 different schools and managed to graduate college with a BA in Sociology and Anthropology. I beat the odds and want my business to build networks where other people who don’t always have the resources can too.
What does your business offer?
Crochet and handmade goods crafted from upcycled, thrifted, and recycled materials.
Why did you start this business?
I wanted to help clean up my community. There was litter all over the kids playground and I wanted to turn trash into something that could benefit people and bring beauty instead of hinder and restrict freedom.
What’s a moment that made you feel like it was working?
I sold a commission off of an original design and they called it a “sweet treat.” I felt like this is it, I can help people treat themselves through my art whilst also making a difference on how and where businesses source their materials.
What’s something you wish you saw more of in media?
More black women entrepreneurs being honored, acknowledged, and accepted.
What’s been your biggest challenge so far?
Finding customers, my market is large but my platform is small. I’m starting from ground zero and every sale, follower, or commission was made from building a personal connection with each and every customer. A process that is a luxury when you don’t have a website or platforms that are easily accessible to all.
About the Business
The Eerkshopp creates crochet and handmade goods crafted from upycled, thrifted, and recycled materials with a mission to encourage sustainability and transform discarded materials into something meaningful.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onewerkaround?igsh=MTlzeDQ3aXR0Z3N5NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
