Conversations with Marifer Gomez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marifer Gomez

Hi Marifer, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I learned to crochet at the age of 12 thanks to my amazing grandma and a very boring summer in Mexico. I didn’t crochet again until 2020. In the time between that I went to school for fashion design ( dropped out after one semester), moved up in the restaurant industry, stepped out of the restaurant industry, and got married.

It was a casual conversation with the neighbors that inspired me to crochet again and make my most popular piece, the start top. Youtube became my teacher after that and I started to make almost everything I was asked to. I was able to grow my following through instagram and by vending locally.

Vending sometimes felt depressing because there were plenty of times I didn’t sell a single item. I eventually turned vending into networking events to find future clients and promote myself. I also got to meet multiple amazing knowledgable people along the way that have passed their knowledge on to me.

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?
It has not been a smooth road. I started school for fashion design, but dropped out after one semester because I thought I wanted to do more with my life. I then worked in the restaurant industry and moved my way up only to also step down and then eventually be let go during the pandemic. It wasn’t until then that I started to crochet again. I started out really lucky immediately getting a couple customers through instagram but then I had to figure out how to make that more consistent. It’s been almost 5 years since I started and I only now feel like like I know somewhat know what I’m doing. I do feel incredibly lucky that I get to do this for a living and even though its been stress full at times I love every minute of it.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a self titled crochet designer, some people might confuse it for knitting. The biggest difference being that you cannot crochet on a machine you can only do it with a hook and two hands. I have also seen a video of someone crocheting with their feet and another with one hand.

I specialize in hats, swimwear for men and women, and dresses. My most popular piece being the star top and the only piece I consistently make. Usually I only make 1:1 piece unless asked to make because I do take custom orders, which are some of my favorite projects

My current project and most what Im most proud of would be a custom flower dress I made for a customer and at the same time another sea themed two piece I’m currently working on for the same person. Ive not only improved my skills with these pieces but I also started incorporating thrifted pieces that might not have been used.

I want to continue to use recycled fabric and yarn to no be a part of the ever growing pile of trash in the ocean and neighboring countries, another big reason I make 1:1 pieces. I don’t want a large inventory that can end up in a landfill. I want every piece I make to have the same time and attention so that it can go who its meant to.

How do you define success?
Success to me is working in a career you love and being able to make a living off of it is a plus. I worked in the restaurant industry at a young age and managed to move my way up to a management position. I was only 20 years old managing a bunch of 20-50 years olds, I was technically successful. I made enough money to survive and do the things I wanted but I hated every minute of it. It felt like a never ending hell. I didn’t want to invest the same time my peers were because it wasn’t how I wanted to live my life. I was truly unhappy but too busy to acknowledge it. I now make way less than I did at 20 years old but I feel so proud and successful. I don’t want to give up, I want to give it all my time, and I’m excited to see where it takes me.
I also have an amazing husband, family, and friends that have supported me along the way and that alone feels like success.

Pricing:

• Hats $40
• Dresses $500-$1500
• Swimwear $80-$300
• Customs Vary

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Fer.collections_
• Other: threads: fer.collections_

Image Credits
Myself – Marifer Gomez