Meet Your Maker- The Purple Lilac

Today on MYM we have Tahani from The Purple Lilac. Tahani makes the most unique crochet items I have ever seen. All of her items are science themed. Even if you are not in the world of science like myself I am sure will still be able to appreciate the intricate detailing of her work! It is truly one of a kind.

Introduce yourself and your business.

My name is Tahani Baakdhah. I am the owner of thepurplelilac a Science crochet online business.

How did you launch your business & what made you want to start a small business?

I launched my Etsy business in 2014 selling amigurumi. Two years later, I changed my product line to science themed crocheted items. I love creating models to explain scientific concepts in an easy and attractive way to everyone. So creating patterns and crocheted items and selling them online and in pop-up markets help spread the knowledge and can serve as a tool for science outreach and education.

What are some struggles you had starting your business and how did you over come them?

1)Promoting my Etsy listed items and mastering SEO strategies. 2) getting accepted in crafts shows was very competitive. 3) choosing a product line. 4) finding my target customers. 5) social media promotion.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

My research inspired me to Crochet some of the cells I see under the microscope where I ended up creating a book containing all these exclusive one of a kind patterns. You can find it on Amazon as a peperback or Kindle download version "Crocheting Science: Building the Retina".

What motivates you as a maker?

My customers! Their enthusiasm for learning and their kind supportive words were the fuel I used to continue up to this moment.

What is a goal you set for yourself as a maker/artist and how did you achieve it?

I want to stand out with unique products so at the end of each year, I write down all the markets, workshops, displays, custom orders and collaboration I worked on. I also make statistical charts and compare them to previous years. I try to learn from my mistakes to improve myself the next year.

What is your favorite part of being a maker?

The fun and joy I find in crocheting my items and the creativity in creating new items.

Do you have any tips for new makers/ small business owners?

Before starting your business give yourself a time to make a detailed prospective study. Ask 1) why I want to start my business, 2) explore different options available, 3) if you know what items you want to sell, do a search to see different products already available in the market and try to be unique. Try not to replicate or steel other people's idea. 4) decide if you want to get your business online and explore all options available. 5) join Crafters groups in the area you live in. Take some advice from those who have experience in the field on what works and what doesn't 6) social media will help you getting your work out there.Work on testing which platform works better for you.

What are some hobbies or interests you have outside of your small business?

If I am not sciencing or crocheting, I will be in kitchen cooking. I like to explore other culture's food and dishes. I also a big fan of desserts and cakes. Love to explore different recipes and create my own sometimes.

Share a fun fact about yourself.

I used to hate crochet in elementary and middle school days!