Many successful businesses today began as simple hobbies. For instance, Facebook, created by Mark Zuckerberg in his college dorm, started as a pastime. Similarly, Apple was founded by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, driven by their shared passion for building computers. A hobby serves not only as a leisure activity but also as a creative outlet that transforms talent and innovative ideas into reality. This is exemplified by Felicity Alexia Sonaram, the owner of ‘Pixie Hollow Makes,’ a fashionable crochet clothing business.
The 22-year-old designer from Georgetown shared that her business began around October last year, inspired by encouragement from her mother, Olympia Small-Sonaram, a notable figure in Guyana’s fashion industry. Sonaram recalled, “At first, crochet was only meant to be another hobby of mine, but that changed soon after making my first piece. My mother had seen the outfit I made, and not only did she encourage me to make this into a business, but she was also my first customer for that same outfit.”
Motivated to elevate her creativity, Sonaram utilized savings from previous jobs to purchase materials and launch her crochet business. She expanded her reach by establishing social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, which significantly increased her visibility. Initially, her first few orders came from friends and family.
To refine her skills, Sonaram practiced diligently and learned through YouTube tutorials, which introduced her to the art of crochet. Having a mother who is also a fashion and costume designer provided valuable creative support and advice.
“First and foremost, I will always say I am my mother’s child (Olympia Small-Sonaram). My mom has been in the fashion industry forever, and she started off making sexy garments and lingerie. Without even planning this, I also love making sexy clothes that really accentuate a woman’s body. I also love fairies, so I like to imagine that whatever I’m making, you’d be able to picture a fairy taking it out of her closet,” she explained.
Sonaram’s motivation stems from various sources, notably the satisfaction of transforming her visions into tangible pieces. Her dedication and passion have led to a growing clientele, expanding beyond her immediate circle a month or two after launching her social media presence. She credits her friends and family for their significant role in promoting her business.
However, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. Sonaram noted that crochet is a labour-intensive craft that can physically strain over time. Finding skilled individuals to assist has been difficult, as many prefer to start their own ventures. This situation leaves her to handle all the manual labour, impacting her physical health and personal life. To address this, she plans to teach the craft to others who can eventually join her team.
Despite being the sole staff member, Sonaram’s business has garnered significant support and attention. She has showcased her work at events such as the WeLift Women’s Expo 2024 and Curlfete 2024, where her creations were featured in the fashion show segment. Her most notable achievement was being the featured designer at the Guyana Fashion Showcase 2024, an opportunity that thrilled her.
Proud of her accomplishments, Sonaram views this as the beginning of greater things for her business. She aspires to transform ‘Pixie Hollow Makes’ into an internationally recognized high-end brand, with her pieces worn by influential and famous individuals.
The Guyana Standard team wishes her the very best as she works towards achieving her goals.
If you’re interested in connecting with the young designer, feel free to message her on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at PixieHollowMakes, or send an email to [email protected].
