We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Cruz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Oh man it’s been a while since I really looked back. I started this about 8 years go. I was un-employed at the time living at my parents house with my husband and my daughter. Times were a tad rough for us but we have come a long way! I saw this girl with the cutest crochet top while I was out one day, I thought to myself how I used to watch my mom crochet when I was a kid and I figured maybe it is easy to make. My brother in law (shout out to Karl!) ended up giving me $20 (yes I started this whole thing with ONLY $20) to go and purchase a few supplies and it just grew from there. As scared as I was I did not let fear or anyone stop me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
With my skillset I can literally crochet anything you can think of haha! I make tops, bottoms, dresses, bathing suits, and my main seller my purses. I can also make anything for kids, pets and home decor upon request. I do my best to create different designs than other artists. It can definitely be hard sometimes when a customer asks for something specific or wants me to copy something they have seen. When that happens I do my best to make it my own version. It has definitely been a long road and also far from easy. I am no where close to where I want to be. I have tried a ton of different ways to execute this, and honestly the only way to overcome any mistakes are by learning, growing, staying extremely consistent (I cannot express this part enough) and NEVER GIVING UP.

Behind Knot So Bad was a timid person. I’ve always had a tough time with putting myself out there. Growing up I used to get bullied and seeing who I am becoming now after sheltering my personality for so long I am just is proud of myself. So behind Knot So Bad now is a tough, CONFIDENT, smart, empowering, motivating and ambitious LATINA. I want my brand to make others feel the exact same way. I don’t ever want anyone to feel like what I create is not for them or feel any type of shame to their natural bodies. Over here we want everyone to feel good in what they wear.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am honestly such a home body and never go anywhere hahah! But I guess if I had to chose anything, definitely going to Jupiter for brunch for their chicken and waffles (I love this place lol) Hopefully there is a market going on somewhere so definitely need to hit up some local shopping! I love to be outside so maybe take a hike or walk a trail somewhere like buffalo bayou park or in Huntsville. We both have kids so definitely need to go down to the museum district for them. There is this place seismeque on hwy6 that is a lot of fun. For lunch either do a Brazilian steakhouse or sushi!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I am so fortunate to have such a huge support group! First person is my dear husband Kenny. Oh how this man supports me! I would not be anywhere without him! My parents and brother Chris, they were definitely a little unsure about this for me but at the end of the day they have ALWAYS supported me. I love that they are able to see how much I love pursuing my dreams. My girls!!! Ileana, Diana, Megan and Stephany!

Special shout out to My Derrick, Roxana, Chelsea, Abby and her sister Noemi, Jacob, Bianca, Meccala, Jasmin, Dynasty, and Karen with Cositas you guys helped me achieve some serious goals of mine by being apart of my first fashion show and first swimwear line. I am forever grateful to you all! Thank you for believing in me.

I saved the most important for last GOD. Whenever I feel the urge to give it all up you just know when to show up for me and give me the signs I need to keep on pushing. Thank you for blessing me with this gift.

Thank you to everyone who agreed to collab with me on knot so bad supports! Lady Bianca, The Black Elle Woods, Alexa Delgado owner of The Houston Shop, Jennifer Juarez owner of Hecho Con Amor! Please be sure to follow me on instagram to get their information and to see who else we will be highlighting this year!

Website: https://www.knotsbad.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knotsobad/

Image Credits
Jennifer Cruz, Brayhan Alvarado and Amber Moon

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.