TaphesheyaLukhele is the founder and creative director of CraftyHook, a crochet brand from Eswatini built on creativity, passion and the belief that handmade art can create meaningful opportunities.
Having always enjoyed creating with her hands, Lukhele attributes childhood memories to teaching her patience, creativity and the importance of hard work.
Alongside running CraftyHook, she studied Business Management, believing that creative vision and business knowledge must work together to build a sustainable enterprise.
Entrepreneurship has tested her resilience. Challenges are part of the journey, but determination and a willingness to learn overcome obstacles.
While Lukhele admits to sometimes taking on too much due to her deep care for the vision, she is learning that growth requires asking for support, delegating and creating balance.
The turning point came when people showed genuine interest in purchasing her creations. Lukhele realised crochet was not merely about making beautiful pieces, but about creating income, teaching valuable skills, inspiring others and demonstrating that creativity can become a career.
From the beginning, she designed CraftyHook as a platform where creativity yields opportunity, building confidence and bringing people together. The brand name represents both creativity and the simple tool that allows ideas to become reality, a symbol of patience, skill and the belief that an ordinary ball of yarn can become extraordinary.
The early days involved learning through mistakes. Every flaw became a lesson, building the foundation of the artisan she is today. Training through YALI RLC-SA, the Women in Digital Business programme and her Business Management studies helped Lukhele view CraftyHook beyond the artistic process.
These experiences taught her strategy, financial management, branding and business structure, proving that while passion starts the journey, knowledge fuels growth.
CraftyHook’s footprint spans local markets and international exhibitions. Lukhele has showcased at the Makoti Festival, Ezulwini Farmers Market, neighbourhood markets in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), South Africa and the DG Show in Taiwan.
Local markets allowed her to connect with customers and build product confidence, while exhibiting in Taiwan demonstrated that Eswatini’s creativity has a place on the global stage.
In a world dominated by mass production, handmade work carries culture, identity and stories. Preserving crochet offers future generations a skill that can serve as both personal expression and a reliable income stream.
Building a creative business with limited resources and navigating entrepreneurial uncertainty remains a challenge. Lukhele tackles her challenges through continuous learning, mentorship and remaining committed to her vision.
“Her advice to aspiring creators is direct, “Start where you are. Do not wait until everything is perfect,” she said adding that talent combined with consistency and courage can grow into something meaningful.
Looking ahead, Lukhele envisions CraftyHook as a globally recognised brand representing Eswatini through skills development, training and creative collaborations. She aims to leave a legacy showing young people that their talents hold immense value.
Reflecting on her work, Lukhele notes that one of her proudest creations is actually a jersey made by one of her students. For her, the piece represents how crochet transcends products to build confidence and share knowledge.
When working, Natasha Bedingfield’s ‘Unwritten’ keeps her creative flow moving. She describes Eswatini’s creative talent in three words: Innovative. Resilient. Powerful.
As for the best business advice she has received, Lukhele shares: “Start before you feel ready and keep learning. Growth comes through experience, challenges and being willing to improve,”.
Behind the finished products lie unseen late nights, sacrifices and continuous learning. For Lukhele, crochet remains more than a craft, it is a form of expression, an avenue for empowerment and proof that patience and purpose create beauty.
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