Defying Odds: The Inspiring Journey of Connie Godinho

Tucked away in the serene village of Saligao in North Goa, Connie’s Hooks & Yarns is a heartwarming testament to creativity and perseverance. This homegrown enterprise, founded by Connie Godinho in November 2019, specializes in handcrafted crochet items.

Connie’s Early Years

Born and raised in Saligao, Connie pursued a degree in Business Management and an Advanced Diploma in Travel and Tourism Studies. Her professional journey began with the Taj Group of Hotels, where she worked as a customer service executive for a few years. She later moved to the Middle East and started working as an executive secretary to the chairman of an oil company.

Unfortunately, life took an unexpected turn in June 2011, when a tragic accident left Connie with a spinal injury. This injury resulted in Connie losing her physical mobility, and getting confined to a wheelchair. It also brought to an end, her glorious career in the corporate world.

Transforming Adversity into Opportunity

Confined to a wheelchair, Connie grappled with the loss of her independence and her beautiful past life. To deal with the emotional trauma of this bitter reality, she sought solace and strength in her faith, her family’s unwavering support, and a newfound passion: crochet.

Taking up crochet helped Connie to distract herself from all her sorrows and channel all her energy and time into doing something creative. Determined to upskill herself in the craft, Connie started watching online videos to learn more about crochet and how to create more intricate crochet designs.

The Emergence of Connie’s Hooks & Yarns

In 2019, Connie turned her passion for crochet into a commercial venture by launching Connie’s Hooks & Yarns. The enterprise offers a delightful assortment of handcrafted crochet items, including wearable items for all ages, chic home decor, festive Christmas decorations, and much more.

Public Response

Within just a few months of its launch, Connie’s Hooks & Yarns gained widespread acclaim for its distinctive handcrafted crochet products. The originality and exceptional craftsmanship of Connie’s creations offered a refreshing alternative to mass-produced crochet items. Her work quickly attracted a loyal customer base, including prominent restaurants and design houses.

Community Support and Recognition

Connie's journey with Connie’s Hooks and Yarns received a major boost when she started participating in the "Made in Saligao" initiative in late 2019. The initiative, which was started by renowned artist Clarice Vaz, supports local artisans by providing them with a platform to showcase their products. Connie’s participation in the initiative provided her with a wonderful avenue to showcase her handmade crochet products to a wider audience. Combined with social media promotion and word-of-mouth referrals, her brand steadily gained visibility and attracted more customers.

Navigating Challenges with Determination

Building Connie’s Hooks & Yarns didn’t come without challenges for Connie. Sourcing high-quality materials to make her products was particularly challenging for her due to her mobility limitations. However, Connie remained determined and found ways to overcome these obstacles. She conducted extensive research online and reached out to trusted suppliers, who delivered all the materials she needed right to her doorstep.

Looking Ahead: Vision for the Future

In the years ahead, Connie dreams of establishing a dedicated studio where she can delve into more intricate crochet projects and continue expanding her craft. Her journey serves as an inspiring reminder of how resilience and determination can turn life’s challenges into stepping stones for success.

Empowerment Through Creativity

Connie’s story is more than a tale of crochet; it’s a powerful message of hope and empowerment. Her advice to others is simple but profound: “Believe in yourself, use adversity as a stepping stone, and face every challenge with courage and resolve.”

Experience Handmade Artistry

To place an order for a unique crochet item from Connie’s Hooks & Yarns, reach out to Connie on WhatsApp at 9545479516.

Follow Connie’s Hooks & Yarns on social media at:

Facebook: Connie’s Hooks Yarns

Instagram: connies_hooks_and_yarns

By Steve Antao