Meet Nia Grisby

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nia Grisby.

Hi Nia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I knew one day, that I will have the chance to tell my story just never knew it would be so soon. I was introduced to yarn as a child, some of the women in my family would crochet blankets.

As I started to grow older, I always knew I wanted to be in the fashion industry. In high school, I took apparel & development classes and knew this is what I wanted to pursue. I started with fabric in class, and soon after my want to be in the fashion industry became just a dream.

So many adults, I would job shadow would tell me to go for something that will make me guaranteed money. So after high school, I declined my offer to John & Wells for fashion and Art Institute for fashion & Design.

The fear of not being able to make a living in this society, made me stop chasing my dream. I went to school for Business and years continued to pass and I knew I was meant to do something else. Finally, the pandemic hit, which allowed me to finally stop and think about the things I loved to do. I always knew I wanted to do something most people do not do. Dare to be different as I always say.

So I decided to start my business & Podcast, T.E.K essentials & Tell Em knee. I found joy in podcasting about life experiences and creating handmade items I found essential for not only my life but others. Yarn allows me to create anything my heart desires from a single Ball of Yarn.

It’s the markers & pencils to fashion, I can create so many things. My creative mind and passion for what I do, have allowed me to continue to keep growing T.E.K essentials.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t say a smooth road, but definitely a road with different scenery so you never know what to expect. This journey has been a real adventure, but it’s not over yet. I still face many thoughts and a ton of overthinking at times. With crochet there aren’t any machines that make crochet items, everything is done by hand. So with that, all items take time, no matter how fast I wish I could go.

Sometimes I have to remind myself that, I am the machine when it comes to yarn and I too need to care for myself. Having a crochet business, you have to prepare, plan and make things for all seasons. While also keeping in mind who is making it all. I think the hardest part right now that I am facing is, that many do not know their measurements. Being just an online business at the moment, it can make some orders a bit difficult. One day I will have a store and all those problems will go away.

I am just glad that I was finally able to be still and find something I love to do. No one really shows the energy we put into our small businesses, keeping faithful and believing keeps me going. This is how I got to where I am today. Many ups & Downs, but what’s a good ride if there aren’t a few bumps. As long as I continue, I will get to my destination.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I create wearable art with yarn and my hands. I specialize in Yarn and crochet. Many think Crochet is knitting, trust me they are very different but similar in ways. I make clothes & accessories from yarn. While also making them more trendy and fashionable. I aim to make yarn/ crochet look like fashion, to get people to see that there is so much more to crochet than just granny squares.

I am known for making cute crochet items and being a creative crochet designer. Over the years the jobs, I have held have helped me learn skills that I can use in my business. I am currently in the digital marketing industry. This has really helped me understand the online aspect of owning a business and marketing. I am most proud that I haven’t given up despite certain circumstances, also that my daughter watches me chase my dreams daily.

In hopes that one day she will chase her dreams and it will continue for generations. What sets me apart from others, is something I don’t think many really think about. I would say that I chase my dreams and purpose not just for the money, I chase them because I enjoy the freedom and ability to make my own decisions.

So one day soon, I will be able to make my dream and purpose a daily reality, while also making money to enjoy life and its beautiful blessings.

What makes you happy?
“What makes you happy, Nia?” I ask myself this weekly. I never want to lose myself or my happiness when accomplishing my goals. Sometimes I have to have an interview with myself and make sure that I am still doing what is bringing me joy.

What makes me happy is that I am living my childhood dreams. I am going for everything my heart desires, no matter what odds are stacked up against me. Also, the fact that I am breaking generational curses daily, while my daughter is watching and encouraging me.

I am someone she is proud to call mom. So what makes me happy, is the fact that I am who I am and I don’t allow anything or anyone to change that. I believe we all need to ask ourselves, “What makes me happy?” and make sure to do just that.

Contact Info:

• Email: tellemknee@outlook.com
• Website: www.tellemknee.me
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/t.e.k_essentials?utm_medium=copy_link
• Other: https://anchor.fm/tell-em-knee