Rising Stars: Meet Briana Wesley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Briana Wesley.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As a little girl, I remember watching my mom crochet begging her to teach me.

After spending some years mastering the basics, at about 13, I started making headbands and hats for my cheer team and classmates! It wasn’t until COVID hit, shortly after finding out Andrew and I was pregnant with my second Daughter. I was laid off and that’s when I thought to elevate my skills.

I started making crochet mask, and that took off! Over the following year, I took some time to study some patterns and designs. Now, I am the proud owner of STIITCHD BY BRI. Unique, handmade, crochet apparel.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Crocheting is something that I have always loved to do. I find myself engulfed for hours, so I never struggle to get motivated to crochet!

As a young person, I am NOT tech savvy, the most frustrating part to starting and running my business is balancing multiple social media platforms as well as an online store.

Being a business owner forces you to be a content creator as well, so putting myself out there was the biggest struggle at the beginning of starting my business.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I crochet wearable goods. Everything from crop tops, sweaters, hats, pants, bathing suits, you name it, I crochet it!

I take pride in all of my work. I have taken on some pretty big projects. Over the winter I completed a set for a family of 4! I completed a cardigan for dad. And 3 different style ruffle tops with bell bottoms for mom and the 2 little girls. It took me almost 3 months but I was committed and they were satisfied.

The crochet community is not as large as you think, I feel I stick out as a black crocheter because all my pieces are unique and one of a kind. I pay attention to the detail and quality of my work. As well as my work appeals and is for EVERYONE!

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Sometime risk-taking is worth it. For me it was.

After having our second daughter, and COVID died down my previous employer did call me back, but I politely declined and took the chance in pursuing my crochet business. As of today it was well worth the risk.

Contact Info:

• Website: Stiitchdbybri.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stiitchdbybri/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stiitchdbybri/
• Other: http://www.tiktok.com/@stiitchdbybri