Today we’d like to introduce you to Summer Taha.
Hi Summer, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always expressed myself through my creativity. Anyone who knows me has heard me sing (I even auditioned for The Voice a couple of times). I also enjoy painting and cooking. Oftentimes I obsess over plating my dishes so much that they too become a piece of art. I think I’ll always do these things, but ever since the start of 2020, macrame has completely stolen my heart. As much as I love the craft itself, I’m equally grateful for the community I’ve become a part of and the amazing opportunities that have come along with it.
One love led to another.
I’ve always had a soft spot for houseplants. But during the pandemic, when I spent more time than ever alone in my room, it grew into a bit of a happy addiction.
I kept buying more plants, and propagating and propagating some more. But the truth is, I had far more room in my heart for my green babies than I did in my bedroom.
I remembered my stepmom had purchased a starter macrame kit online, so I asked her if she’d consider making a plant hanger for me. She said she’d get around to it at some point. But I was way too impatient for that and took matters into my own hands. Literally.
I ordered some cord and wooden rings, pulled up a YouTube video, and started knotting away at my first plant hanger. I was a bit slow and unsure at first, but soon my fingers and heart took over. I stopped thinking so much. It started to feel so natural, like I was “made” for it.
I sold the second plant hanger I made and I’ve been making, learning and growing ever since.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
With new, comes growth. Starting this business, all I really knew was how to make a plant hanger and even with that, I was a total rookie. I had to figure everything out on my own. The admin side of things was total gibberish to me, but my biggest obstacle was asking for help, admitting that I couldn’t do something that a first time business owner shouldn’t even know how to do. Once I finally got over that hurdle and was able to ask for help, everything came easier because I had people guiding me and lending a hand wherever I needed them.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a macrame artist. Macrame is a textile art, made of cotton cord. I make a bunch of knots and turn them into beautiful and functional pieces. I love working with the natural color of macrame cord, white, with the occasional exploration of color. I’m a purist with my art, I like to let the knots speak for themselves without the chaos of color. But other times, I let the color be the design. Just depends on how I’m feeling. I’m most known for my plant hangers, but I’m most proud of the pieces that come from a specific mood that I’m feeling. The pieces that come from a very random, eager desire to create. Those have always stood out most to me.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Ask, ask, ask questions. Don’t be afraid to be clueless. That’s the biggest thing that I regret when I started my business. I struggled so much at the beginning of my small business journey and if I would’ve asked for help, I would’ve made a lot less mistakes early on.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tahamade.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/tahamademacrame
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TahaMadeMacrame/
