Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashanti Brown.
Ashanti, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story is so unique! Early on, I was introduced to crochet and fashion by the women in my family. In fact my childhood dream was to become a Veterinarian in my hometown of Hampton, Virginia. After graduating, I joined the US Army as a culinary specialist competing in joint military culinary competitions and pageantry. Eventually I grew exhausted from the expectations of the competitive lifestyle and pre-deployment trainings. There was a time when I carried a lot of guilt around not moving as quickly toward my dreams as I wanted to. Once I shifted my mindset, I was able to create more clarity around my interest in sustainable fashion and entrepreneurship plus I was in needed of a healthy coping skill so crochet quickly turned into something I wanted to pursue more seriously after a strenuous transition.
Today, I’m focused on continuing to grow my crochet bag brand, create meaningful workshops for women veterans alongside women in my community, and expand my impact through pageantry. I’m especially excited about what’s ahead — I’m competing in the national Ms. Black USA pageant as Ms. Black Southwestern USA 2026 sharing my crochet wellness platform as a woman owned veteran business owner and designer.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most journeys, there have been real mental and financial challenges. At times it felt like I was constantly trying to figure things out without a clear understanding of my gift. Transportation issues and everyday responsibilities sometimes made it harder to stay consistent and learning through worldwide YouTube crocheters also came with its own barriers, especially when language differences made techniques or instructions harder to fully understand.
On the business side, one of the biggest struggles was finding the right audience. I wasn’t just trying to find bargain buyers, I was trying to find people who truly value craftsmanship and sustainability. I would vend at pop up markets for hours with no sales and that was discouraging. Eventually, I took a part-time job to help stabilize things financially after our move to east downtown but it also pulled my focus away from my crochet work. Looking back, that period reflected a mindset shift and marketing knowledge I had to work through.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I own and operate Ashanti’s Bag, where I specialize in customizable crochet handbags and shoulder bags. My work focuses on creating unique, detailed pieces that blend craftsmanship with creativity, especially through custom designs that reflect each client’s personality and style.
I’m best known for my original pattern, the Crochet Diamond Bubble Bag, which has become a signature look for my brand.
What really sets my work apart is my approach to bag designs. I incorporate a “junk-style” aesthetic into some of my crochet bags. Another detail that makes my bags unique is that they are fully lined with silk, which adds a luxurious finish.
I’ve built something that allows me to turn yarn into income, and I take pride in knowing that each piece is one-of-a-kind.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is my faith, my family, and my creativity.
My faith keeps me grounded and gives me direction, especially during uncertain or challenging times. My family is my foundation—they’re a constant source of support, motivation, and inspiration behind everything I do.
And my creativity is at the heart of it all. For me, crochet isn’t just about making bags—it’s a form of mindfulness and self-expression. Every piece I create tells a story, not just through the design, but through the time, care, and intention behind it. It allows me to turn something handmade into something meaningful, both for myself and for the people who wear my work.
Pricing:
- Crochet Diamond Bubble Handbag Pattern + Video Tutorial: $15.99
- Small Diamond Bubble Handbag: $50
- Medium Diamond Bubble Handbag: $189
- Large/Custom Diamond Bubble Bag: $250 (requires a $70 deposit to begin custom orders of any size)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://payhip.com/AshantisBag
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashantisbag and https://www.instagram.com/msblacksouthwesternusa
- Twitter: https://x.com/ashantisbag
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ashantisbagcrochet
