Wow! It’s been quite some time since we’ve run the All Up In My Sista‘s Business column but we are back with a great, new business woman so let’s not waste anymore time….let’s get NOSEY

I’m constantly trying to find new people & businesses to make connections with & I was on Instagram one day & saw Allison, owner of Pretty Little Wire, rocking a FAB scarf & I had to know who made it (yeah that was a run-on sentence but hey I needed to get that all out, lol)! Luckily she tagged the incredibly talented Matrika & I reached out & now we have the chance to get to know Matrika better.

Hi Matrika! It is a pleasure having you join us for this week’s All Up In My Sista’s Business column. Please tell us about yourself!

I am proud auntie of one superstar nephew. You can find me completely engrossed in HGTV or Food Network getting ideas. I have been interested/obsessed with many creative outlets from an early age to include drawing, reading, writing narratives/poems, and daydreaming : ).  I enjoy trying new things especially when it comes to a new food adventure, as long as there is no waiver involved. My favorite days are rainy ones.  At one time I thought I’d be a zoologist or psychiatrist (don’t ask, I was young : ). Yoga is good. I still daydream a lot.

MatrikaShantel on Etsy.

Now we can all attest that social media is a beast because this is how I found you and your beautiful crochet pieces. When did you start crocheting? What made you start your on-line store showcasing your scarves?

I started crocheting about two years ago while I was in grad school. I was terribly stressed working full-time and going to school, it was starting to affect me physically as well. I really wanted a hat to cover up my poor stressed locs so I went on youtube and watched one of by fave bloggers Chescalocs crochet a hat. My first attempt was terrible, but I was hooked. Crochet was my first thought other than drawing because my grandmother always crocheted blankets while living with us and didn’t seem too difficult to learn. The online business idea didn’t come right away or easily, I fought it for quite a while. I thought extra money doing something I enjoy wouldn’t feel like a job and the artist in me still wanted people to see my work even though they are not paintings.

You attended school for Painting & Printmaking how does this skill tie into your crocheting style or technique?

The same ideas that tend to influence my art also influence my “craft-art”. The choice of colors, design, and patterns are inspired by nature, fashion, music, even food from time to time. I had to get past the idea that crafts were for grandmas and housewives and embrace crochet as an art form of function, once I did that, there was no stopping me. Yarn speaks to me just as ink, paint, or colored pencils do, the only differences are the material and technique.

I would love to talk about your hair for a moment; you are a lovely natural gal & you mentioned in our personal communication that you once were loc’d. What are some of the differences in being a loc’d natural opposed to being a loose natural? Do you feel like natural websites include loc’d naturalistas less than those who rock their tresses loose?

Matrika loc’d up

Oh boy, Jamila I have to say the biggest difference is the ability to get up and just go, I miss that the most. Also I’ve noticed the products I used while loc’d are not the ones that work on my hair now. It makes me feel like a new natural all over, even though I’ve been natural for the second time for seven years.  I do sometimes feel there are more websites for loose naturals, but I never discriminate I’m still inspired by loc’d styles even though I’m now a loose natural and the other way around before I combed out my locs, a process which is long and requires lots of love and patience. If you’re considering this, bribe good friends with food and beverage or ask your loving mom, like I did for help. Thanks Mom!

Are you a product junkie? What are some of your staple products & styles you like to wear?

I am not a product junkie by choice : ) Funny story, I actually stood in a CVS, for 20-30 minutes staring at hair products and tools not knowing what to do the day after we finished combing out my locs. I mean I hadn’t used a brush in seven years, it was stressful!!!

Right now I’m still trying to figure out what works best for my loosed tresses. I am currently trying Shea Moisture Products for thick and curly hair, the pink label. My go to staples though include coconut oil, for deep conditioning and I have a mix of Olive, Jojoba, Coconut, and Almond oils I use for my scalp and hot oil treatments. As for styles, I love my good ole reliable two strand
twists especially when I’m missing my locs or get frustrated with failed hair experiments.  I combed my hair out only about 3 months ago so my don’t have a heavy arsenal of styles yet. I like doing my own hair so I’m trying to stay patient.

Matrika & her FAB curls!

Now back to your business what are your future plans for your crocheting? Do you plan on branching out to different crafty outlets?

My future plans are to expand my crochet item offerings to hats, gloves, one-of-a-kind bags, and items for the home which I currently have designs for.  I would also like to have my own personal website, crochet blog, and God willing a YouTube channel for sharing and tutorials as well.

Please let us all know where we can find you in the social media universe.  

I can currently be found:

Etsy:  www.etsy.com/shop/MatrikaShantel

Facebook:  @MatrikaShantel Crochet

Instagram:  @matrikashantelcrochet

Thank you so much Matrika for allowing us to get all up in your business! I also would like to thank you for sending me the wonderful infinity scarf; it is beautifully made & I rock it all the time But gals you will have a chance to win one of her wonderful pieces come Sunday, December 16, 2012 so stay tuned!

Do you want to share your business with us? If so, please send an e-mail to jamila@naturalgalsdiary.com so we can get all in your business too!

Have a great evening ♥