I have a business thanks to lockdown
Chanique Venter only learned how to crochet during lockdown in 2020, but is already very skilled.
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It is possible to turn a hobby into a small business.
Chanique Venter, 27, started Danshè Crochet in January after she learned how to crochet in lockdown last year.
She explained that her grandmother taught her to knit at the age of five, but she couldn’t crochet to save her life.
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“Lockdown came and I knew I needed a new hobby, so I taught myself to crochet from YouTube. That is how my love for it started.”
It took her between three to four months to master the skill, and she started off by crocheting basic things like beanies, dog jerseys, gloves and bed socks.
“Because so many people basically crochet the same items, I tried my hand at amigurumi which is crocheting, but you make 3D shapes.”
She crochets dolls, key rings, teddy bears, beanies and blankets by using this technique.
Big projects, like the large dolls, take about half a day to finish, and the small ones take approximately two hours.
She explained the hair takes approximately four hours to thread, depending on the size of the doll.
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“This is not a common hobby for young people and many people have told me what I’m doing is for old ladies, but I’m having fun and making money doing it.”
Chanique finds her hobby very therapeutic, and it relaxes and calms her on stressful days.
“I would recommend everyone to start this wonderful hobby; it can become a business and it is therapeutic.”
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/08/WhatsAppImage2021_79372.jpg)
Everyone is welcome to place orders with Chanique on 065 888 0986. Just send her a picture of what you would like and she will make it.