I'm a Maker Because...
Miniviews series - No. 69 with Lena Njoku
You’ve landed on the sixty-ninth installment of the Maker Miniviews (mini, two question interviews) series. Learn more about these maker interviews and view a list of all Miniviews.
Lena Njoku is a university educator, wife, mother of two, and a macrame maker! Lena, also known as Mimi by close family and friends, recently discovered her passion for macrame. She sells handmade goods like macrame plant hangers, wall hangings, and takes custom orders as well.
Check out this interview with Lena Njoku!
What inspires you to keep making things?
The joy of creating something special for loved ones and clients truly nourishes my soul.
What one piece of advice would you give to other makers?
You don’t have to be alone on your maker journey. Each craft has a community and network, take advantage of it! Finding a community has helped build my confidence, find my niche and develop my craft. The encouragement and collective resources are priceless.
"Finding a community has helped build my confidence, find my niche and develop my craft..." — Lena Njoku
Lena shared a bit more about her story when I connected with her - it’s inspiring to see others working full-time while also pursuing dreams in the evenings. As mentioned prior, she’s a busy mother, full-time educator, and here’s a bit more.
I never considered myself to be creative before discovering macrame. I finally had time during the pandemic to really learn the craft. I am a 36 year old working wife and mother of two. By day I am an educator working at a university and I am also passionate about equity in education. I have a Bachelors from Cal Poly Pomona and a Masters from USC. I love my career! And I love that I have also found a hobby/business that I am also passionate about! Macrame is a part of my self-care routine. It is calming and meditative, and I believe it has positively impacted my mental health.
Follow Lena Njoku’s work: Lena Njoku website • Instagram profile.
