Be sure to check me out on Instagram! @SuziandMarie

>>How did you start your shop?

I began crocheting when I was 10 years old after the death of my mother. She passed due to complications with Multiple Sclerosis, a disease that affects the central nervous system. She was a beautiful soul, a loving elementary school teacher and a devoted mother. Growing up, she always encouraged me to tap into my creative side and let my personality shine through my work.

I ended up living with my Godmother, my mother's best friend (think Beaches), who at the time was also an educator. She taught me to crochet as a way to harness the negative energy that was building up as a result of grief I was experiencing. She and I would spend hours talking and crocheting. She unfortunately passed when I was 16 but I've never forgotten our talks nor the lessons she instilled in me

SuziandMarie was born in honor of their memory. They both taught me to be true to myself and to never allow my mind to be jaded or closed off to the possibilities the world has to offer. I still use crocheting and crafting as a form of therapy, and the end result, colorful, unique pieces that I hope spark a sense of joy in those who wear them. Needle art, and crafting in general, is a lost art that every generation should be exposed to and I hope to one day share with my children...talking about life and crocheting.

So, come in, take a look around....welcome to my world. :)


>>How did you learn to crochet/knit?

My mother passed away a couple weeks after my 10th birthday and I went to live with my god mother who had also been my mother's childhood best friend (their favorite movie was Beaches, coincidentally). As I was going through the angst of grief and just anxiety in general she sat me down one day and taught me how to crochet a scarf. Now this scarf was nothing fancy but the few moments I spent learning the dexterity of the hook and yarn in my hands afforded me precious moments of peace where I could quiet my mind. When my god mother passed when I was 16 I put down my hook because I felt that is was futile because I no longer had her company but some time passed only for me to pick it up again in college this time as a nostalgic past time.

>>What are some of your favorite materials to work with?

I love cotton embroidery thread! When I realized I could not only weave bracelets with thread (as we all did in summer camp) but I could also apply standard crochet techniques to make wearable pieces of art. Also, I'm from Maryland so I'm fond of chunky yarn to make thick, luscious cowls/scarves to fight old man winter.

>>What is the biggest perk of having your own shop?

I would have to say being able to design what I want on my own terms. I have a full-time corporate job as well but running my shop gives me the freedom to express myself creatively. I also relish in the reactions I get from people who purchase or are gifted my items. It's no feeling in the world like a happy, satisfied customer.