CREATING handcrafted crochet bags that blend individuality, class, and bold femininity, Styled by Neeks has become CEO and founder Nicholeen Stoddart’s platform to empower women through fashion. From standout accessories to statement pieces, each design is made to inspire confidence and turn heads.

“I create bags and outfits for women who want to feel confident in themselves. And I don’t just create outfits or bags to sell; I want them to leave an impact on someone,” said Stoddart.

With the aim to have women feel like ‘I am that girl’, Styled by Neeks was started in 2021 from what Stoddart described as “a hidden talent”. With no experience, she saw a design on Pinterest, the visual discovery and bookmarking platform, that piqued her curiosity. To test her ability to see whether she could replicate a crochet dress she’d seen while scrolling she bought all the materials, and after watching one YouTube video, she decided that was it from there.

“I saw a crochet dress one day at work, and I fell in love with it, and I said I’d try making it, and I attempted to make a beach skirt instead. I wore it once, and people liked it, and that’s how I started the business,” she told the
Jamaica Observer.

Though originally inspired by a dress and starting with clothing, the business evolved into accessories, with bags becoming the main niche. Products are manufactured in May Pen, Clarendon, at home. By 2023, the bags became a staple as more women leaned toward accessories that stood out. She once again researched the materials she needed to get a bag to look like one she saw on someone on
Instagram, and after making three to start, she pivoted to bags permanently. The business was registered as she began to take it seriously with a future vision. Despite the local market being populated with crochet makers, she says Instagram is her main driver for customers, and though she was nervous because it was already a market crowded with crochet items, she said people still request her specifically.

“I think it was one of the best decisions I ever made,” she said.

The 28-year-old, who started this as her first business venture, immediately stuck with it and transitioned from working her job to managing her own business. In the early stages, sales were low and slow as she was still building her name and gaining recognition, but she says the journey to become disciplined and manage everything herself has been a true learning curve.

“I’ve had moments where sales were slow and doubt got loud. Moments I wondered if people really saw the value in what I was offering or if I was crazy for trying to turn yarn and a dream into something real,” she told the
Sunday Finance.

Despite the challenges, she wasn’t scared to leave her job, instead feeling like it was time to make the transition. Getting materials remains a challenge, with importing the materials being the most challenging part. Recently, she found a supplier locally, which has helped with the yarn, but sourcing the accessories for her bags still requires costly shipping. StyledbyNeeks’ Alina crochet bags are the most popular request, with orders coming through Instagram. Website and Amazon sales are also in the works, as well as exporting, though she did not give a definitive time period for this.

“For me, crochet isn’t just fashion. It’s personal. It’s healing. It’s how I express what words sometimes can’t. Every stitch is done with care because I want women to feel seen when they wear my pieces,” she said.

Her focus is on women who are bold and confident enough to stand out. She aims to get her products in stores locally and internationally and to be known as a brand for unique crochet pieces and bags. For now, the small business frequents pop-up shops across the island to showcase her work.

“When I look ahead, I see Styled by Neeks growing far beyond my hands but never losing the heart that started it all. I see my pieces on shelves in boutiques both locally and internationally. I see women around the world walking boldly in my designs, feeling confident, beautiful, and completely themselves,” Stoddart shared.

Crochet bag crafted by Nicholeen known as Alina vertical .

Red Alina crochet bag whiich is Styled by Neeks’s most popular requested style.

A multi-coloured Alina bag 

Jasmine crochet bag, ‘braided’ by Styled by Neeks.