Meet Jessica Nesbitt | Crocheter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Nesbitt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My crochet business is deeply rooted in the love for crocheting that my mom, Denise, passed down to me. She taught me when I was young, and it’s become a way for me to stay connected to her and the craft that’s so meaningful to both of us. Crocheting has always been more than just a hobby for me—it’s a therapeutic experience that brings a sense of calm and accomplishment. There’s something incredibly soothing about the rhythm of the hook and yarn, and the joy I feel when completing a piece is unmatched. I take so much pride in creating handmade items that hold personal meaning, especially custom gifts. Through my work, I wanted to build a space where people not only receive something beautiful but also feel connected to the story and artistry behind each piece. I look forward to continuing to grow, learn, and, most importantly, do what I love—because of the bond it’s given me with my mom.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have a dedicated crochet room in my home, which really speaks to how much crocheting has become a part of my life. My passion for it deepened after my mother passed in 2020. Crocheting became a refuge, a way for me to cope with everything I was going through. In those quiet moments, I’d always find myself with a hook and yarn in hand, whether I had five minutes or a few hours. When I crochet, it’s my time to pray, watch anime or thrillers, listen to sermons, or enjoy some smooth jazz—although, if I’m counting stitches, don’t expect me to hold a conversation!

At first, I stuck to making the usual blankets and scarves, but eventually, I branched out into amigurumi—crocheted stuffed toys like dolls and animals. It was a whole new challenge. I had to learn how to master my gauges to make sure the dolls weren’t too small, and I quickly realized that not all yarns were suited for dolls, especially when it came to showing fine details. Another hurdle was finding yarn in shades that could truly represent African American skin tones. After some trial and error, I finally found a yarn that worked and did justice to darker skin tones.

Crocheting has pushed my creativity beyond what I thought was possible, and it’s opened up opportunities to share my work with the world. It’s not just a craft for me anymore; it’s a way to express, heal, and connect.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a big foodie, so if my bestie was craving some amazing pastrami, I’d take them straight to Johnny Pastrami’s in Culver City, right off Washington. Lawd have mercy, the pastrami is always fresh and so delicious. And they serve it with pickles, which is a game-changer. Oh, and don’t even get me started on the chili cheese fries—they’re bomb. Pro tip: add the onions on top for that extra kick. Chef’s kiss!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A special shoutout to my mama, Denise Williams. She’s the one who taught me how to crochet when I was younger, especially during the times we didn’t have many kids around. It was a skill I could enjoy on my own or share with others. Together, we started our crochet group, The Stitchin’ Divas, before she passed in 2020. The Divas are my girls—just the four of us—and we meet up monthly to share love, laughter, and joy. Every gathering is full of great memories, tons of laughs, and, of course, crochet projects. We even do quarterly photoshoots to showcase our work! All of this is thanks to my mama. Rest in peace, Mom.

Website: https://jessiemaescrochet.etsy.com

Instagram: Jessie_MaesCrochet

Image Credits
Britney Kronberger Photography