A wave of anxiety washed over me as I realized that I didn’t have something “special” like everyone else.

I vividly remember the day in fifth grade when we were asked to share our hobbies. As I sat there, waiting for my turn, I felt my throat tighten. My classmates spoke about their passions of drawing, dancing, sports, singing — each story filled with energy and excitement. Meanwhile, I struggled to think of an interest of my own. In that moment, surrounded by creativity and joy, I realized I felt lost and ordinary.

When my turn finally came, I instinctively said “art.” It was an easy answer, a simple cover up to fit in. I didn’t want to be the only one without something special to share, so I chose something familiar, even if it didn’t truly reflect who I was. Looking back, that moment was the beginning of a journey I never expected to take.

Starting a new hobby is usually a deliberate choice, but for me, it happened by chance. On an ordinary summer day in 2019, I went with my family to visit one of our close friends. To my surprise, she was teaching a crochet class. In just eight minutes, she taught me the basics. In just eight minutes, she opened up a new world I didn’t know existed. Suddenly, I had a hobby — something I enjoyed, something to share with others. It was incredible how this small moment could shape my interests and give me a sense of belonging. Crocheting not only filled my free time but also helped me discover my creativity.

However, my crochet journey wasn’t as smooth as I had hoped. In the beginning, I struggled a lot. Every time I picked up my hook, it felt like I was fighting against myself. I would constantly mess up the stitches or miss a step. Sometimes I would look at my work and wonder how I could have made such a mess. There were days when I almost gave up, days I thought about putting my crochet supplies away for good.

But then the world changed. COVID-19 arrived, and suddenly, we were all at home with plenty of time on our hands. To shift my attention from the outbreak, I decided to practice crocheting. I started looking for ways to improve my skills and stay busy. That’s when I turned to YouTube. There, I found countless videos that explained crocheting in detail. These tutorials showed me different techniques and patterns that I had never seen before.

As I followed along with the videos, I began to improve. Each completed project felt like a triumph. My little crocheting hobby turned into hours of practice. I learned new stitches, experimented with different yarns and even tried to create my own designs.

Crocheting became my escape from the reality of everything happening outside. The pandemic felt less heavy when I focused on the rhythm of my hook pulling through the yarn. I was lost in my world of colorful threads and patterns, forgetting about the worries that surrounded me.

From 2021 to 2023, my love for crocheting grew even more as I started making items for others. It began with little gifts, like small plushies and keychains for friends and family. But as I gained more confidence in my skills, my projects grew bigger and more complex. I ventured into creating tote bags, colorful flower bouquets, and clothing accessories that showcased my growing creativity.

Crochet became a part of my everyday life. I made gifts for birthdays, baby showers and even my mom’s coworkers. The joy I felt while gifting these items was incredible. One day, I crocheted a small bag for my cousin, and he loved it. He encouraged me to sell my items to save for college or a personal item. At first, I was skeptical about turning my hobby into a business. But the thought lingered in my mind, and I decided to give it a try.

I reached out to my friends and asked if they wanted any custom orders. To my surprise, I had multiple people reach out to me asking for a variety of crochet items from decor to stuffed animals. This not only deepened my love for crochet but also helped me grow as a person. I learned about marketing and how to effectively run a business. I learned that with effort and dedication, I could fulfill my goals. But most importantly, I learned that every small effort can lead to greater results.

In my first couple of months selling crocheted items, I was able to make $1,000, which was a lot more than I thought I would. This success motivated me to keep going. I created flyers to attract more people, and on Nov. 9, I attended my first market at the Bellaire Arts and Crafts Festival, where I nearly sold out.

To this day, I have received over 100 orders, and each one feels like a little victory. During the past few years, I found a passion that not only helped me navigate difficult times but also allowed me to express myself and connect with others.

If I could, I would tell my 10-year-old self: you found something special after all.