Rising Stars: Meet Charlene Diaz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Charlene Diaz.

Hi Charlene, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Charlene, owner of Unhooked by Blinky, and I create Cozy! The name was a family effort. Unhooked: because I don’t use hooks and Blinky: my awesome brother gave me this nickname due to my right eye being shut most of the time. I’m a legally blind artist in the Antelope Valley and I enjoy telling my story to spread awareness and to inspire others to keep pushing no matter what life throws at them.

Finger Crocheting not only helped with my Braille studies, it also plays a huge part in bettering my mental health. With losing my vision I completely lost myself in depression and anxiety. I still have my moments but not as much. Finger crocheting grounds me and the softness of most yarns I use are very therapeutic to the touch. I enjoy learning new ways to perfect my craft and am honored to be able to teach others to share this relaxing experience.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
With each obstacle came a lesson learned. At first, I wasn’t sure what I was doing. I just knew I liked it and wanted to do more. I felt a little discouraged because of my disability and thought this would only be a small hobby. Until I received my very first order. My family encouraged me to make my business and take more chances. I soon realized that I can use this platform to spread awareness for Blindness, Living with Disabilities and Mental Health. The only issue was my following on social media wasn’t high and my resources in my local area were limited. I challenged myself to learn more about the Nonprofit organizations in my area and found out what can I do to help.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
February is Low Vision Awareness Month and I’m doing a fundraiser for Foundation Fighting Blindness. I’m selling my Blinky’s Buddies Collection which are plushies that are soft to the touch giving a therapeutic feeling.
Plushies are $75 and 75% of the sales will be donated to help researchers find cures to retinal diseases.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Don’t give up and be patient. . There were so many times I would be completely bummed out because my sales were down or an important message was sent out but there was no response. But out of nowhere someone calls you inspiring, the right people are finally listening and the support is endless! Sometimes dreams take time.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @unhookedby