FOR Shanta Noharpersaud, the owner of Ashley’s Crochet Creation, it all started as a hobby—something to do, to fill a void.

It was after she aced the beginner’s stage of being self-taught via YouTube that she liked it, and her small business was conceptualised.

Noharpersaud has been exploring her talent in crocheting, and this year she was inspired to make hand-crafted bouquets especially for Mother’s Day, which will be celebrated today (Sunday).

The floral bouquets are flowers that never wilt. They are handmade with love, just as Mum deserves, so this Mother’s Day, say it with stitches. It is a timeless crochet bouquet of roses.

The young lady told Pepperpot Magazine that she has a full-time job with a private company and, in addition, she is studying at the University of Guyana (UG), pursuing a diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, and also at the Green State Oil and Gas company.

Noharpersaud added that for the last two to three years, she has been practising from YouTube videos to crochet using the online tutorial platform.

It was in August last year that she made her first sale of a vase with different flowers, and it was sold for $8,000. That encouraged her to keep practising to become a better version of herself with that acquired skill.

Noharpersaud related that between work and studying, she used her time wisely, and it took a week for the first vase of flowers to be completed. It was a test to see how she could efficiently manage her time.

She added that when she began looking at crocheting videos, it was random, and when she started to practise, she liked it and enjoyed it thoroughly. Last year, she turned it into a side business—a real hustle to earn.

However, this Mother’s Day, Noharpersaud, realising time was against her, pre-made seven different floral bouquets, with six priced at $6,500 each and a large one with only red roses for $7,000 ahead of time.

In addition, she specialises in crocheting flowers, sunflower pots, rose pots and octopus keychains. She hasn’t ventured into any other designs or products yet, but plans to, since she is still in an advanced beginner’s stage of learning the skill.

The crocheting is made from yarn, which is store-bought in the city and also ordered online from a company.

Noharpersaud told Pepperpot Magazine that she does make a profit from this small business, but it is time-consuming to crochet, so she charges for the time spent making the floral bouquets, keychains, and flower pots.

She stated that she does this small business from her Lusignan residence, East Coast Demerara, and maybe someday she can have her own business store to display her handmade products.

Noharpersaud is one of three children and resides with her siblings and mother.

“I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon with crocheting because I love it—it is a hobby for me and I like doing it,” she said.

Noharpersaud pointed out that it brings her joy when the customers are satisfied, and their reactions are really motivating for her.

She reported that some people like the vibrant colours of the floral bouquets and flower pots and are in awe of their beauty.

“If and when you put your mind to do something or to become someone you have always wanted to, don’t let anyone de-motivate you because it is all possible with self-application,” she said.

Noharpersaud offers delivery service for her handmade products, which are available only on the East Coast and in Georgetown. Her social media handles are @ashleys_crochetcreation (Instagram) and Ashley’s Crochet Creation on Facebook.

She related that the only way she will become better is via constant practice, and she will be able to enhance her skills and talent to produce a better product, even though it is handmade.

As a country girl, she has set high standards for herself and is working towards achieving them through studies and hard work, despite the challenges of being a full-time employee with little or no time to spare.