Meet Lori Perea | Fiber Artist & Crochet Instructor

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

Hi Lori, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Honestly, I didn’t have a big plan when I started. I was a new mom just trying to figure things out and stay home with my kids as much as I could. I needed a way to make some income while raising them and then transitioning to homeschooling, so I started looking for something that could work for my life.
I chose crochet because it was affordable, versatile, and there was a clear need for local, beginner-friendly workshops. The materials don’t cost much, but the things you can create are endless. I wanted to share that with others.
I launched my business as a crochet vendor in the streets of Sacramento. Sacramento was very welcoming to handmade small business vendors. From about 2016 -2019 I hustled my crochet creations on the streets. I loved it. I had the best time meeting new people, talking about why crochet was special to them. In 2018 a local community center: the Washington Neighborhood Center, which also happened to be my 1st vending event location, opened it’s door to me hosting a series of crochet workshops. I donated my time, we used donated yarn and created a successful series of workshops. Towards the end of 2019 I moved back home to Pomona, Ca. After Covid restrictions were lifted I was back out on the streets of DownTown Pomona, vending again. Then in 2022 I received a small grant to host crochet workshops at 2 local Pomona gardens. It was then that I realized I wanted to and could make this my full time job.

I realized I really enjoyed what I was doing. That’s when I started thinking more seriously about how to keep it going and grow it into something sustainable. I wanted to build a business that fit with my values—something creative, community-focused, and flexible. I’ve been lucky to have support from people who pointed me to grants or offered space for my Crochet Lab workshops. That made a big difference.
I love creating opportunities for people to get together and crochet, build relationships, exchange ideas, uplift each other.

My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can learn a new skill, build self-esteem, confidence, and connect with others through community building and creativity.

Crochet is something that connects generations and brings people together. I’ve seen how empowering it is—especially for beginners—to realize they can make something with their own hands. That moment of pride and joy is what keeps me teaching and growing Khaos Crafts & the Crochet Lab.

The Crochet Lab is what I call my mobile crochet learning lab. The Crochet Lab is free (sponsored by non-profits, grants, or businesses) all supplies are provided, it’s all ages, family friendly (because I believe intergenerational learning is an amazing gift.

Starting this business gave me a way to share what I love, be creative, and help others do the same.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Khaos Crafts started from a simple place—I just wanted to stay home with my kids and still make a living. I didn’t have a roadmap, just a crochet hook, some yarn, and a whole lot of determination. Over time, it grew into something much bigger than I imagined.

What sets Khaos Crafts apart is that it’s truly rooted in community. I offer free, beginner-friendly crochet workshops—all supplies included—thanks to partnerships with local nonprofits, libraries, and small businesses. I believe creativity should be accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford it. That’s why I work hard to secure grants and sponsorship so folks can show up, learn, and create without worrying about cost.

I’m most proud of my community crochet project installations. In 2024, we created our very first Crochet Community Canopy, spanning 220 square feet of crochet magic. It was a beautiful collaboration with The Alley Gallery and artist BCVG Official, who sparked the idea by asking if the Crochet Lab could contribute a piece to celebrate the opening of her show in downtown Pomona. That one question turned into a powerful creative movement.

This year, in 2025, we took things to a whole new level. I had the honor of collaborating with the LA County Fair, where we debuted a crochet canopy covering over 1,200 square feet—yes, 1,200! It’s currently on display at the Fair, and it’s absolutely stunning.

Each square tells a story, and together they form a unique representation of our fiber art community.

These projects show the heart of what Khaos Crafts is all about—building community through fiber art, celebrating creativity, and creating something beautiful together.

None of it is easy. I overcome the challenges one stitch at a time with very supportive community members. It is because the community is willing to come together that these projects have been so successful.. One of the lessons I’ve learned along the way is that flexibility is key. Planning for larger groups is also important as Khaos Crafts community projects continue to grow. Working with the LA County Fair I learned to expect crocheters to show up to workshops in big groups! At a few of our workshops with the LA County Fair at one point we had over 80 people show up to crochet, Being flexible and having enough supplies is super important.

I want the world to know that the Crochet Lab is ready to create a new community project! The Crochet Lab brings people together, builds community, strengthens relationships, and we need sponsorship to continue to provide free workshops and expand the opportunity to more community members. My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can learn a new skill, build self-esteem and confidence, and connect with others through community building and creativity. As a crochet teacher, I strive to inspire and empower my students to unleash their creativity through the craft of crochet. I believe that crochet is more than just a hobby, it’s a way to connect with oneself and with others through the art of creating something beautiful and unique. I aim to create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed and supported in their crochet journey. I believe that crochet is for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or skill level, and my goal is to help my students unlock their full potential.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting we’d take the kids out on the town on Saturday morning and visit the Pomona Farmers Market then later that day visit the Downtown Pomona Art Walk on 2nd Saturday, shop from local artists and vendors, eat yummy foods, check out the local art galleries, stop for ice cream and more at Delicious Freedom. We would take the kids on a picnic to the park and then tour Pomona parks so I can show off my husband, Grey Matter’s murals at Ralph Welch Park, Ted Green Park, Washington Park. On Thursday we would attend the Crochet Lab I host at the Pomona Public library. We would eat vegan food at Borreguitas. Visit the DA Center for the arts for some family friendly arts & craft sessions andpick up some books from Cafe Con Libros.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shout-out to my amazingly supportive life partner and husband Grey Matter for always backing me and encouraging me to follow my dreams. To my grandmother, who first put a crochet hook in my hand and planted the seed for everything I do today—thank you for passing on your craft and your love.
To my mom for supporting me and reminding me to never give up.
And of course, to my kids—my little sidekicks on so many crochet adventures. They’ve been right there with me, learning, helping, and reminding me why I started all of this in the first place.

I wouldn’t be here without them. This journey has truly been a family effort.

Website: https://khaoscrafts.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khaos_crafts

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KhaosCrafts

Image Credits
Alicia Vee Photo