Yomjer Hooks Corner: Turning a Creative Hobby into a Thriving Crochet Business

This story is part of the Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada Retail Incubator Program, presented by RBC and supported by Meridian.

The program provides hands-on retail experience and business training to help immigrant entrepreneurs launch and grow their ventures in the heart of Ottawa.

At the ByWard Market Vendor Village, you will discover more than handcrafted crochet creations. Behind Yomjer Hooks Corner is a story of creativity, perseverance, and an entrepreneur who transformed a simple hobby into a growing business.

For Valerie Amadi, entrepreneurship had always been part of the dream, even before the business existed.

"I always knew I didn't want the traditional nine-to-five. I wanted to be in the business world."

Although she had the passion to become an entrepreneur, she did not know what that business would look like. The answer came unexpectedly through crochet, a hobby she enjoyed in her spare time.

What started as a creative outlet quickly gained attention as people began asking to purchase her handmade creations.

"My hobby became my side business."

Looking back, she describes the experience as something that happened naturally rather than following a carefully planned business strategy.

"I always wanted to own a business. I just never knew this would be the business."

Like many first-time entrepreneurs, one of the biggest challenges was learning how to run a business while balancing everyday life.

At the time, she was still in school, working one job, and at one point juggling two jobs while trying to grow her business. She spent countless hours watching online videos, searching for advice, and trying to understand everything from marketing to pricing.

"No one really starts a business knowing it all."

With so much information available, it was difficult to know which advice applied to her own situation.

"It was about wearing a million different hats, but also wearing the right hat for my business."

Despite the challenges, she continued learning, adapting, and building confidence with every new opportunity.

One of her proudest moments came not from a sale, but from realizing she had become part of Ottawa's entrepreneurial community.

After attending networking events and volunteering at Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada programs, she experienced a moment she will never forget.

"I walked into the event, and Karla knew my name before I introduced myself."

For Yomjer, it was a reminder that the effort she had invested in showing up, networking, and building relationships was paying off.

"It made me realize people actually knew I existed in this entrepreneurship space."

Another milestone came when Yomjer Hooks Corner was selected to complete a large commission for the Black Founders Network.

Receiving such an important order reinforced how far she had come.

"They actually trusted me to make something for such a huge organization."

From selling at small student markets to fulfilling large custom orders, her business continues to grow with every new opportunity.

The Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada Retail Incubator Program played an important role in that journey.

"The biggest thing was the community."

Being surrounded by entrepreneurs at different stages of their business journeys gave her a place to ask questions, exchange ideas, and learn from others who understood the challenges of starting a business.

The program also introduced practical business knowledge that many new entrepreneurs overlook.

"I learned things you don't know you don't know."

From registering her business to understanding taxes and business operations, the program gave her the confidence to move from hobbyist to business owner.

Today, Yomjer encourages aspiring entrepreneurs not to wait until everything feels perfect before taking the first step.

"I spent so much time trying to create the perfect business before the business even existed."

Her advice is to start, trust the process, and keep learning along the way.

"If something doesn't work, learn from it, adjust, and keep going. Don't overthink it. Don't overplan. Just start."

At Yomjer Hooks Corner, every handcrafted crochet piece reflects creativity, dedication, and the courage to turn a passion into a purpose.

Visit Yomjer Hooks Corner at the ByWard Market Vendor Village to discover unique handmade crochet creations and support a local entrepreneur whose journey proves that sometimes the best businesses begin with simply doing what you love.

Explore Yomjer Hooks Corner or stay updated on their latest creations and projects. Follow them on Instagram @yomjerstudio to follow their journey as they continue creating handcrafted crochet pieces, inspiring creativity, and growing their business one stitch at a time.

This story is part of the Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada Retail Incubator Program, presented by RBC and supported by Meridian.