Today we’d like to introduce you to Iahndra Love.
Hi Iahndra, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Iahndra Love, i’m born and raised in East Baltimore. Growing up, i was the shy, quiet, socially anxious kid. I’ve loved drawing ever since I could hold a pencil. In school i’d be doodling and daydreaming about playing dress up games and hairstyles to try on my Bratz dolls. I attended Hamilton elementary/ middle school from K-8th grade. In 4th grade, I joined an after school crochet club where I learned how to crochet and knit. I practiced the skills for a while, but I eventually stopped. I became interested in exploring my fashion style in middle school. My earliest fashion experiments included wearing suspenders and crocs layered over my burgundy and tan uniform and attempting to lay my edges with pink jam. My peers weren’t a fan of my experiments. One day I wore crocs to school and was laughed at all day. I love that crocs became popular and I got the last laugh for being the trendsetter.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I lived in a broken home, literally. A house that was falling apart. The chaos began in 2012. My unmarried co-parents, little sister and I were perpetually in survival mode. There was no running water, no reliable source of heating, severe water damage that caused the ceiling to collapse, pests became attracted to the damage causing an infestation. The winters were so rough that I didn’t wanna go home because it would be colder in the house than it was outside. We’d have to sleep bundled up in layers, several blankets, electric space heaters and the oven on, sharing one bed, only for it to still be freezing. Keeping up with hygiene was a major struggle. We used gallon water jugs to boil and bathe with. Going through all this as a girl experiencing the early stages of menstruation. I used so much perfume, lotion and deodorant that i’d get compliments about my scent. No one knew my struggles at the time. the weight of it all crush my mental health entirely. All this paired with a lack of bonding with my parents made being at home feel like living with roommates instead of family. The intense feelings of loneliness transformed into severe depression and anxiety. I wasn’t able to take a breath of fresh air until after my 15th birthday, when we finally moved out. For years, all I could focus on was getting through the day and making it to the next.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m known for my crochet and knit fashion designs and unique styling. In 2022, I got my first tripod and began taking photos of myself on my iPhone Xr. I freestyle crocheted myself a green skirt and a pink/white top which I modeled and took the photos of myself. This was the first crochet outfit I ever made. My unusual style garnered interest from other artists, photographers, models and potential customers who were interested in collaborating with me.
I’ve participated in photoshoots, fashion shows, music videos and vended my handmade pieces at events. I made and sold several hats, ski masks, skirts, tops, and other unique accessories. I’m proud of myself for realizing who I am. I wasn’t meant to be quiet and stay out the way forever, i had to be that version of me in order to survive. The spotlight demands me to step into it. I’m still learning about what else I have to offer the world.
Any big plans?
I plan to open my own boutique, virtually and physically. My online store will be opening very soon. I took a hiatus from social media this winter to work on myself and my brand. Soon, i’ll be making my comeback.
Pricing:
- Crochet hats start at $50
- Crochet skirts start at $100
- Crochet sweaters start at $350
- Crochet dresses start at $350
Contact Info:
