Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Whitman
Hi Jasmine, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been a creative person, exploring different artistic outlets throughout my life. My introduction to crochet, however, is tied to a very special memory of my grandmother. She used to crochet while I sat on her lap, learning to read. Once I got the hang of reading, I would sit there, reading to her as she crocheted beside me. That bond was so special and left a lasting impression on me. When she passed away, I struggled a lot, but that memory came to the surface, and I realized how closely I had watched her all those years. It made me want to honor that connection and give crochet a try myself.
At the time, I had been experimenting with so many different artistic directions, but none of them resonated with me or felt like something I wanted to pursue long-term. I was on a search for my passion. After that memory came up, I thought, I bet I could learn to crochet, too. So, I picked up some yarn, got a hook, and started watching YouTube tutorials. Just two days in, I had already made a dress! Within two weeks, I created my first two-piece set using granny squares without a pattern. I felt so passionate about it. It was like this beautiful art form had been passed down to me.
Many people think of crochet as just a “granny’s hobby,” but to me, it’s an intricate art form. I want to break away from the outdated view that crochet is only for older generations and show how it’s a beautiful, versatile craft that has been passed down for centuries. There’s so much room for us to modernize it, push its boundaries, and experiment with new styles and techniques. Every piece I create carries a part of my story and creativity. After I started crocheting, my mom pulled out an old binder filled with drawings I had made when I was between 6 and 8 years old—sketches of clothes I wanted to design. I had completely forgotten about it, but I realized I’d always wanted to be a fashion designer. Rediscovering that forgotten dream made everything click.
From there, I started experimenting with different styles, and while I’ve more or less found my own style, I’m still exploring and pushing my creativity every day. I’m also passionate about promoting sustainable and slow fashion in a world dominated by fast fashion and overconsumption. I know not everyone can afford handmade crochet pieces, especially in this economy, and that fast fashion brands often exploit workers to produce crochet at such a high rate. That’s why I decided to start my YouTube channel – to teach and empower those who want to create their own clothing and embrace a slower, more sustainable approach to fashion.
There’s a unique sense of pride in wearing something you’ve put so many hours into making. It makes you think more deeply about your style and what’s truly worth that kind of dedication. That’s the feeling I want others to experience, too.
Through my channel, I share tutorials for people interested in making their own clothes. I want to eventually branch out into upcycling thrifted clothes—once I figure out my sewing machine, that is! It’s my next challenge. This journey has been so much fun. I’ve even opened an Etsy shop and participated in a few markets for those who don’t have time to learn or simply want to support handmade items. For those who do want to learn, I’ve built an amazing community of people passionate about the same thing I am. Teaching them something I love, something that was passed down to me, has been one of the most rewarding experiences.
I’ve always wanted to be a teacher or a therapist, or work in a field where I could help people. I never thought it would look like this, but it’s been incredible to see how everything has come full circle—from that early memory with my grandmother to now being able to pass on this art form and inspire others.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Standing out in a niche market, while also trying to modernize a traditional art form for a broader audience on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, can be a challenge. I’m constantly thinking of new ways to be creative and set myself apart. It’s both inspiring and humbling to see how everyone in this niche has their own unique style and how much incredible talent out there.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is learning how to market myself effectively. It’s easy to help a client with their marketing and look at it from an outside perspective, but applying those same techniques to my own brand is a completely different story. It’s been difficult to see my work objectively and pinpoint how I should be perceived. Still, it’s been an exciting journey to start from scratch, build a brand, and learn as I go.
Another challenge has been finding balance with my tendency toward perfectionism, especially with ADHD. This combination can slow down my workflow or make starting new projects feel overwhelming. But I’ve realized that a healthy amount of perfectionism actually benefits my work. It drives me to maintain high standards for each product and video I create. As an entrepreneur and an artist, I’ve learned to embrace imperfections along the way. While meeting these standards can be difficult at times, it’s ultimately rewarding to see how far I’ve come.
Every challenge has been an opportunity to grow, and I’m excited to continue evolving. Building a business and being able to share my passion with the world is an amazing experience
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m the founder of Wildflower Collections, a brand dedicated to modernizing crochet and making it accessible for a new generation of creators. I specialize in creating unique crochet pieces and offering beginner – friendly tutorials through my YouTube channel where I teach everything from basic stitches to more intricate designs. I break down complex patterns into easy-to-follow steps, helping people feel confident and inspired to create their own crochet projects.
One of the things I’m most proud of is being able to connect with a community of creators who share my love for art, fashion, and crochet. Ive had the opportunity to turn a beautiful craft into a business that brings people joy and empowers them to make their own clothes and accessories. Being able to pass on this art form, that my grandma passed down to me, while adding my own modern twist, is incredibly fulfilling.
What sets me apart is my approach to crochet. I keep things simple, approachable, and fun, so even absolute beginners can follow along. I also focus on bringing a fresh perspective to crochet, blending traditional techniques and contemporary styles, making it a versatile art for for clothing, accessories, and swimwear, including bikinis that you can actually wear in water and don’t retain water like traditional crochet, making them both functional and stylish. My aim is to show that crochet is not just a hobby it’s a creative outlet that anyone can use to express themselves and their personal style.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Im all about podcasts, reality tv, and diving into books that help me grow
I listen to podcasts regularly or reality tv, especially while crocheting for long hours
my favorite podcasts: diary of a CEO Is one I recently discovered and absolutely love. its super educational and interesting. He has doctors, psychologists, neuroscientist on and its an amazing perspective.
Ed Mylett is a good motivational and inspiring podcast
For a lighter vibe 2 hot is full of stories pulled from reddit that are funny, inspirational, and scary and then they break down each one and discuss their takes on it. I get hooked
Between us girlies and pretty basic feel like you’re just hanging out having a tea session with the girlies
I enjoy lighthearted funny podcasts with a touch of drama. I used to watch tmg podcast but I havent caught up with them in a while. And H3 is a lot of fun ( I feel like that might be controversial ) but I enjoy it
when im not listening to podcasts I like to hop on YouTube and watch good stories from entertaining creators. I definitely can get lost browsing through different channels
Calm is my favorite app to start my day with a meditation or for winding down at night. Im also loving 28. It’s an app that offers workouts, meditations, and meal plans all based on a women’s cycle and each one tailored to your specific cycle. Its helped me so much.
Right now I’m reading Inner Work and it has changed my life. Its about understanding your inner world and connecting
with yourself on a deeper level, which is incredibly eye opening and gives you a different perspective on life
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/crojazzie
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildflower.collections
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wildflowercollections
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wildflower.collections
