ROBIN’S BAY, St Mary — Born with a talent for using her hands, crocheting came naturally for 52-year-old Caroline Smith.

She has created her own style and brand, and what was once a hobby is now a modest business. This comes as no surprise for those who know Smith who has had the pleasure of living in two parishes that are known to have some of the best artisans in Jamaica: Portland and St Mary.

“My mother came to Robin’s Bay to live after separating from my father, however I spent most of my early days in Portland as I went to Titchfield High,” Smith told the Jamaica Observer.

As a youngster she saw her mother crotchet runners and other items for the family furniture. Fascinated by the artwork, she secretly learned the skill and moved from making pieces for the furniture to little tote bags for friends. She got lots of compliments and encouragement to continue but back then she never saw crocheting as a way to earn a living. After Titchfield High, Smith migrated to Kingston where she became a certified beauty therapist, however she kept honing her crocheting skills.

“I wasn’t doing it commercially. It was never something I thought I would do on a large scale — I was only making blankets, tops for my sister and her family who live in Canada,” she said.

Soon other relatives and friends started requesting her products. Smith eventually launched Angie’s Exotic Needle Eye Fashions, and for the last 13 years she has lived in Robins Bay, she has focused on building her swimsuit line.

“I have no regrets,” she reflected proudly, adding that her customers are always satisfied.

Among them is Chandy Neil who says Smith is her friend and her products are exquisite.

“She really ‘bad pon her ting’. Love them,” Neil stated.

The only drawback Smith faces is the challenge of obtaining material locally.

“I source wool and hooks [that are] needed [from] overseas as getting it here is very expensive,” she explained. She supports her crotchet line by selling ice cream and household chemicals from her small shop. Undaunted by the challenges she faces, Smith continues to push forward with her swimsuit line. Crocheting has become her passion and she would love to pass on the art to those who are willing to learn.

“The Lord has blessed me so much that I want to share this skill that brings inner peace,” she said.