So many of you love our hand-knit offerings that are lovingly crafted by talented artisans in Rwanda. But you may not know that many of the designs you love were first created by our master knitter extraordinaire, Jacky. Her ability to turn an imagined design into reality is nothing short of magical, so we thought we’d let you get to know her a little better.
Please welcome Jacky!
Q: TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY.
A: I am 47 years old, a mother to four children, and a grandmother to a 6-month-old baby! My daughter Clarisse is 26 years old and has completed secondary school. Jane is 22 years old and in grade 6 of secondary school. Clementine is 20 years old and in grade 4 of secondary school. My son, Loger, is 18 years old and in grade 4 of secondary school.
Q: HOW DID YOU COME TO WORK FOR HANDSPUN HOPE?
A: My church worked in collaboration with Umuzabibu (Handspun Hope) to identify me as a woman in need of employment, and I was offered a job.
Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING FOR HANDSPUN HOPE?
A: Eleven years!
Q: WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
A: I love knitting! It is my passion. It is when I am knitting that I am most happy.
Q: HOW DO YOU APPROACH THE CHALLENGES THAT CAN COME UP DURING THE DESIGN PROCESS?
A: I begin by thinking through the problem and turning to my colleagues for support. For example, if color inconsistency is a problem, I’ll speak with our dye master, Virginia, and we’ll work together to find a solution. For sizing and new stitch issues, I try to take time when I am at home to think deeply and be creative in finding solutions. I then show my team what to do.
Q: WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU SEE...IN YOUR OWN LIFE, YOUR WORK, OR YOUR COMMUNITY...THAT GIVES YOU HOPE?
A: Having a job and being able to respond to the needs of my family gives me hope.
If you would like to see Jacky’s inspired creations, click here to view our knitwear collection.
Thank you, Jacky, for sharing your incredible talent with us!
