“Hello, crochet friends!” That’s how Jonah Larson, 11, starts his popular online crochet videos. Jonah lives in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He’s been crocheting since he was 5. Crocheting involves looping yarn with a hooked needle. This makes a fabric.
How did Jonah get interested in crochet? “It all started when I found a hooked needle in my aunt’s bag of crafts,” he told TIME for Kids. Jonah began watching how-to-crochet videos online. He had a talent for crocheting intricate
intricate
SIMON LONG—GETTY IMAGES
detailed
(adjective )
The quilt has an intricate pattern.
designs. Soon, he was crafting a blanket with 800 crocheted flowers.
With his parents’ help, Jonah opened an Instagram account to show off his creations. He also started a business to sell his work. He called it Jonah’s Hands. Jonah’s Hands got the attention of the La Crosse Tribune. The newspaper published a story about Jonah this year. He got about 4,500 orders after that.
Crafting a Business
Jonah couldn’t keep up with the demand for his work. His main job is school. And as Jonah says, “I only have two hands!” So he found other ways to do business. Jonah now works with yarn companies to make videos. He also partners with stores to design clothing.
Jonah says it’s important to “get support from other people.” He counts on Daniel Sheehan. Sheehan is a fashion designer. He mentors
mentor
TONY GARCIA—GETTY IMAGES
to tutor
(verb)
Yusef's older brother mentors him on skills for building friendships.
Jonah. What’s Sheehan’s advice for starting a business? “Get your ideas on paper,” he says, “so you can better communicate your business goals.”
Jonah has donated some of the proceeds from Jonah’s Hands to Roots Ethiopia. The organization helps families in Ethiopia. That’s the country in Africa where Jonah was born.
What are Jonah’s plans? He wants to be a surgeon. “Being a surgeon requires hand dexterity
dexterity
ZINKEVYCH—GETTY IMAGES
skill and ease in using one's hands
(noun)
Magic tricks require dexterity.
and patience,” he says. “Crocheting has taught me both of those skills!”
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