Today we’d like to introduce you to DeSharquel Craven.
Hi DeSharquel, 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?
Absolutely. My story begins in a small town in North Carolina, where I grew up as a country girl with big dreams and an even bigger imagination. I’ve always felt connected to creativity, but I didn’t always know how to express that—especially while navigating the structure and identity shifts that came with serving in the military.
I joined the Air Force straight out of high school, looking for purpose, structure, and stability. But what I really found was a deeper search for identity, expression, and self-discovery, trying to figure out who I was outside of the uniform. It was a powerful and humbling experience, and it taught me resilience, discipline, and the value of leadership. After active duty, I transitioned into the National Guard and traveled back and forth to Houston, Texas—a transition that was both a fresh start and a leap of faith.
I faced my share of challenges, but I kept coming back to this dream: building a space where people could connect through creativity, fashion, and art. I didn’t just want to make clothes—I wanted to weave together a community. One where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to participate, no matter their background.
That vision became theknittingallery—a space that merges knitwear, storytelling, and social impact. It’s been a journey of learning, unlearning, and reinvention. And honestly? I’m just getting started.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Gosh, no—it’s been anything but smooth. I’ve faced more bumps than I can count, and honestly, I wouldn’t trade them. They’ve shaped who I am.
One of the biggest struggles has been people constantly telling me that my “rebellious” attitude wouldn’t get me anywhere. I’ve always questioned norms, challenged authority, and spoken up—even when it was uncomfortable. For a long time, that made me “difficult” in the eyes of others, but in hindsight, it was my superpower. I was told to shrink myself, to be more “agreeable,” more “polished,” more “realistic.” But none of that ever felt true to me.
Even in college, when I went to design school, I felt like I was being forced into a box. There were unspoken rules about what fashion should look like, how designers should act, and who gets to belong in the room. And society as a whole, especially in the fashion world, can be incredibly narrow-minded when it comes to individuality. It’s like there’s this constant pressure to fit into a mold when the entire point of art and fashion is to break it.
So yeah, it’s been a challenge—but those struggles pushed me to build something that celebrates difference instead of suppressing it. I’ve learned that your so-called “flaws” are often just the parts of you that haven’t found the right environment to thrive yet. Now, I’m creating that environment for myself—and for others, too.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At my core, I’m a knitwear designer—but I live in the space of creative direction. I don’t just make clothes; I build experiences. My work blends storytelling, community, and textile innovation to create something that feels personal, intentional, and fresh. I’m known for my custom knitwear pieces that really speak to identity, texture, and movement—each one tells a story.
What I’m most proud of? My first real “coming out” moment as a designer was a fashion show in Korea. But it wasn’t just a runway—it felt like a family reunion with bold looks, community energy, and real emotion. It was intimate, bold, and full of love. That’s the energy I aim to bring into every space I create.
What sets me apart is how I show up for people. I’m not the designer who’s only about dollars and deadlines. Don’t get me wrong—business matters, but what matters more to me is building something real. The military taught me a lot, but one of the biggest lessons was this: people aren’t replaceable. Especially when you’ve built something meaningful together.
So if you need me creatively—I’m there. You need help with a photoshoot? I’m pulling up. Planning an event? I got you. Need advice on your next design? Let’s brainstorm. I’m not just here to make fashion—I’m here to make connections. Period.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Dare I say it? I want my own fashion week. Not just a runway show—but a full-on creative experience filled with art, culture, movement, and community. I see the industry shifting away from exclusivity and more into collaboration, storytelling, and healing through creativity. And I want to be right at the heart of that.
I dream of being on the cover of Vogue, not just for the recognition—but to show people that no matter where you come from, it’s possible if you stay consistent, stay true, and keep showing up. I’m a country girl turned global creative—if I can do it, so can someone else watching from a small town, wondering if their voice matters. It does.
In the next 5–10 years, I see theknittingallery being as big as Prada, Chanel, Gucci—but different. Bigger than clothing. Of course, I’ll never stop designing knitwear (and trust, I’m already working on expanding that), but I want to build a movement. A home for creatives across the globe—from designers and dancers to visual artists and storytellers. I want theknittingallery to be more than a brand. I want it to be a legacy. A space where children can be educated through the arts, where mentorship is real, where community comes first.
Fashion will always evolve—but if we can build with heart, intention, and inclusion, it’ll evolve into something much deeper than trends. It’ll become a tool for change.
Pricing:
- Custom knitwear pieces start at $55
- Creative direction for events or photoshoots available – pricing varies by project
- Membership opportunities launching soon starting at $15/month
- Community workshops (fashion, design, creativity) – pricing released soon on the website
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.desharquelj.style
- Instagram: @theknittingallery
- Youtube: @theknittingallery
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=_yKsLeAycgUh4nA4_6kXbA
Image Credits
Instagram:
@xtolen
@richhproductions
