Knotty By Nature:  Designer Mona Muhammad

FASHION : Snapshot

inCOLOR: Who taught you how to crochet?
Mona Muhammad: I’ve been holding a crochet needle since the age of 10. My mother, Clearetta, has always been active in all types of crafts, from quilting to ceramics. She has always been my role model and trained me in the basic skill of crochet.

inCOLOR: When did crocheting become a business for you?
Mona Muhammad: This whole thing started out as a dare. I was looking in a magazine with a friend and we saw this crocheted dress, which was very expensive, and I stated that “I could do that.” At that time I hadn’t crocheted anything in over 10 years (not to age myself). My friend said, “I don’t think you can do anything like that. I’ve never seen you crochet before. I dare you”.  Well, I felt challenged. That was in October of 2005. By the holidays I had made four outfits, one for her and one for each of my sisters. My sisters wore their outfits to church or other social events and I started receiving requests. In May 2006, KnottyLoop Creations was born.

inCOLOR: How many hours do spend a day creating pieces?
Mona Muhammad: Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to pull away from my day job, so my day normally begins at 6 a.m. After attending to my morning ablutions, I usually check my accounts—Facebook, Gmail, MySpace and Etsy—to see if there have been any inquiries or requests to order. At 7 a.m., I’m dressed and on my way to my day job. At lunch, I might make a yarn run or post office run and check my accounts again. Monday through Thursday, I hit the door, find something to eat, check my accounts and I head for my workshop. By 6 p.m. I’m usually looping away. Bedtime is generally about 11 p.m., so on average I work approximately five hours per day and weekends designing, creating and developing KnottyLoop. I take it to the next level, but right now it’s my passion. I’m having a great time.
inCOLOR: How long does it take for you to make one of your dresses? 
Mona Muhammad: Each dress or style has a lead time of its own, depending on the style and the yarn that I select. I don’t use patterns, so sometimes I create as I go. On average I would say that each item has about 12 to 18 hours of actual labor.

inCOLOR: Who is your target audience?
Mona Muhammad: My goal when I started KnottyLoop was to create a sophisticated yet sassy line of crochet clothing and accessories for women that are both unique and classic (Guys, I haven’t forgotten you. Check my site in the fall of 2010). I create “unique-to-you” designs and I try to suit the design to the client. My present client base runs from [people ages] 2 through 82.

inCOLOR: How has the Internet helped to expand your business?
Mona Muhammad: ”How do I get the word out about KnottyLoop on an almost non-existent budget?” This has been a challenging aspect of my business. I’ve relied a great deal on word of mouth, but the internet has a life of its own. I’ve had many new clients call me and tell me that they’ve spent hours going through my Web site (www.knottyloop.com). Etsy, MySpace and Facebook have all been excellent avenues of communications and advertising.  Also wonderful opportunities like this interview with inCOLOR allows my clients and others to get to know me and my product better. It’s great exposure.

inCOLOR: Is KnottyLoop Creations a full-time venture for you?
Mona Muhammad: No. KnottyLoop is still in its toddler stages. Even though my name is getting around and business has slightly increased, I still haven’t had an opportunity to quit my day job. I’m presently the president, CEO, treasurer, designer and production line and chief dishwasher. I would very much like to spend more time on the design aspect of KnottyLoop Creations.

inCOLOR: What is the hardest part about being an entrepreneur?
Mona Muhammad:The transition from crocheting as a hobby to crocheting as a business. There has been a lot to learn and I’ve had to learn on the fly; I’ve had to educate myself fairly quickly regarding the business side of my art, legal forms, advertisements, Web sites, photo shoots, taxes, fashion shows, etc. It’s all been fun, but no longer do I have the luxury of ignorance. If I want KnottyLoop to be successful, it’s imperative that I understand the full concept of what it means to run a business.

inCOLOR:Your Web site says that you are an “empty nester.” Are your children involved in your business?
Mona Muhammad: KnottyLoop wouldn’t have happened without them. My oldest son, Osceola, has his master’s in graphic arts and he has been responsible for all graphic and Web site design and maintenance. The others, Azra’el, Tughril and Waheeda, have helped to keep me on track and encouraged me from Day One. They have been at my side from the beginning, acting as models, salesmen and material loaders when needed. Ninety-five percent of the people on my Web site are family. It would be remiss of me if I didn’t mention that the entire family, my parents, siblings, daughters-in-law and my photographer, Nicolette Stanton, have been on board to assist and support me in every way possible.
    .
inCOLOR: People usually confuse knitting and crocheting. Can you briefly explain the difference between the two?
Mona Muhammad: Knitting is a two-needle process, while crochet is done with one hook (needle) with very similar results.

inCOLOR:  Are all of your pieces custom-made or can people order pre-made pieces too?
Mona Muhammad: Both! I keep some inventory for those folks who need those last-minute items. It’s always worth a call, e-mail or visit to see if I have something on hand.

inCOLOR:  How can people stay in the loop with your business?
Mona Muhammad:  I send out a monthly newsletter, which lets my clients know where I’ll be (fashion shows or festivals). I also feature an Item of the Month, which I have on sale and occasionally we have some great contests. If you’re interested in being added to the list, just send me an e-mail at knottyloop@gmail.com .

Check out the KnottyLoop web site.

1 Comment

Add your own